Control System Development Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

We are also developing different types of propulsion systems to power our future vehicles and missions. To support the development and qualification of these propulsion systems, we build a range of different test facilities. As a talented Control System Development Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, implementation and optimisation of control algorithms of our propulsion test facilities.

Key Responsibilities / Tasks:

In your capacity as a Control System Development Engineer, you will be a critical member of the Propulsion AIT team, working to design, simulate, test and maintain various systems used for complex control algorithms by the propulsion team. This includes control of pressurization systems, propellant feed systems, fluid management, thermal control loops, and safety-critical automated sequences. Your role will be continuously evolving, but day-to-day your duties will include:

• Develop open-loop and closed-loop control algorithms for a variety of test bench processes including pressure regulation, mas flow control and temperature control.

• Work with test operations engineers, and software developers to translate physical system requirements into robust, real-time control logic deployed on Beckhoff PLC hardware, high-speed DAQ systems, and custom operator interfaces.

• Simulate control strategies under nominal, transient, and off-nominal conditions.

• Conduct stability analysis (gain/phase margin, open-loop/closed-loop response, robustness, etc.)

• Plan and execute required verifications of control algorithms including hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop and commissioning to validate functionality.

• Translate simulated control logic into real-time implementable PLC code (TwinCAT structured text, function blocks, state machines) with the support of control and automation engineers.

• Troubleshoot and resolve control issues in coordination with test operators and the test bench control team.

• Support safety reviews, FMEA, and hazard analyses for the test facility control system.

• Implement safety interlocks and fail-safe transitions consistent with hazard analyses.

• Perform technical trade-offs to determine the best choice of hardware, software, equipment, component, location etc for various test facilities.

• Present findings to team members, participate in design reviews and project discussions.

What we would love to see from you:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Control Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.

• 2+ years of experience with control engineering in industrial applications.

  • Strong understanding of feedback control theory, nonlinear system behaviour, stability analysis and real-time control systems.

  • Hands on experience with PLC systems. Experience with Beckhoff and TwinCAT are preferred but experience with other PLC systems will also be considered.

  • Experience tuning control loops on physical hardware.

  • Experience with mechanical and fluid systems is considered a plus.

• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Modelica, or similar modelling tools.

• Experience building dynamic models of fluid/thermodynamic systems is a big plus.

• Collaborative mindset with test operators and software teams.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.