Control Systems Engineer

About the role

Archangel Lightworks Ltd is developing laser‑based communication systems for ground and space platforms. As a Control Systems Engineer you will design, model, and test the control algorithms that keep optical terminals precisely pointed and stable.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and test control algorithms for coarse and fine pointing, including electrical motors, fast steering mirrors, adaptive optics and optical sensors.
• Provide documentation and technical support to the software team for algorithm implementation.
• Create and maintain hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) real‑time simulations to verify control software against system requirements.
• Perform trade‑off analyses of control concepts, components and architectures.
• Maintain pointing budgets and ensure control systems meet overall system requirements.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years of commercial experience developing control systems for electromechanical, optical, aerospace or robotic applications.
• Degree in Control Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline.
• Proven ability to translate system‑level requirements into control‑system specifications, test cases and verification activities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience diagnosing complex system behaviour using test data and simulations.

Required skills

• MATLAB and Simulink (or equivalent modelling and simulation tools).
• Design, implementation and testing of control algorithms for dynamic systems.
• Hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) real‑time simulation platforms (e.g., Speedgoat, National Instruments).
• Model‑based design, automatic code generation and software‑in‑the‑loop testing.
• Experience with pointing, acquisition and tracking hardware such as gimbals, reaction wheels, fast steering mirrors and piezoelectric actuators (desirable).

What we offer

• Fast‑paced start‑up environment with direct impact on cutting‑edge space communications technology.
• Opportunities for professional growth and exposure to multidisciplinary aerospace projects.