Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer Overview

Archangel Lightworks is a pioneering laser communications company focused on developing wireless technology. Established in 2017, we believe that laser communications between satellites and ground stations are essential for next-generation infrastructure. Our flagship product, the TERRA-M, is a deployable optical ground station that has demonstrated its capability for space-ground data transfer. Our team is dedicated to creating and managing products that enhance the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure. We prioritize values such as compassion, resilience, curiosity, ownership, and integrity. As a fast-paced start-up, we offer a supportive environment where you can contribute to innovative technology that addresses significant challenges like the Digital Divide. Recently, we secured over £10 million in investment through an oversubscribed Series A funding round and have the backing of the UK Space Agency, the UKâ??s Department of Science and Technology (DSIT), and the UK Ministry of Defence.

We are currently seeking a Control Systems Engineer to join our expanding team and help deliver transformative laser communications technology. In this role, you will be tasked with developing, documenting, and testing control systems for both ground and space-based optical terminals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and test algorithms for controlling coarse and fine pointing systems for optical communication, including electrical motors, fast steering mirrors (FSMs), adaptive optics, and various optical sensors.
• Deliver documentation and provide technical support for the Software team to implement the developed algorithms.
• Develop and maintain Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) real-time simulations to test control software requirements against simulations.
• Perform trade-off analyses of different control concepts, components, and architectures.
• Maintain pointing budgets and ensure that control systems meet system requirements.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of relevant commercial experience in developing control systems for complex electromechanical, optical, aerospace, or robotic systems.
• A degree in Control Engineering, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Practical experience in designing, modeling, implementing, and testing control algorithms for dynamic systems.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB and Simulink, or equivalent platforms.
• Ability to translate system-level requirements into control-system requirements, test cases, and verification activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex system behavior using test data and simulations.

Desirable Additional Skills:

• Experience in developing pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems for optical communications, telescopes, imaging systems, or similar precision applications.
• Knowledge of coarse and fine pointing architectures, including gimbals, reaction wheels, fast steering mirrors, and piezoelectric actuators.
• Experience using real-time simulation and test platforms such as Speedgoat, National Instruments, or equivalent systems.
• Familiarity with model-based design, automatic code generation, and software-in-the-loop testing.
• Experience working in a start-up, research and development, or rapidly evolving engineering environment.

Our office is located in Osney Mead, Oxford, with opportunities for remote work as agreed with your line manager. There may also be occasional business travel required.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, along with equity options in a growing start-up. Additionally, we provide 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

We recognize that many candidates utilize AI tools when applying. Please ensure your application accurately reflects your own experiences, skills, and thoughts. We evaluate applications based on authenticity and accuracy, so any AI-generated content should be reviewed, personalized, and representative of you.

Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s

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