Control Systems Engineer

Archangel Lightworks is a connectivity company building wireless technology to create the space-enabled networks of the future. We’re passionate about improving humanity’s communications infrastructure and solving some of Earth’s most critical problems from economic inclusion to climate change. Our start-up is a fast-paced and supportive environment, where you can make your mark as part of a growing team and work on the cutting-edge of innovation.

We’re looking for a Control Systems Engineer to join our growing team and deliver transformative laser communications technology. You will be responsible for developing, documenting, and testing control systems for ground and space-based optical terminals.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and testing algorithms for control of coarse and fine pointing systems for optical communication, including electrical motors, fast steering mirrors (FSMs), adaptive optics, and a range of optical sensors.
• Delivering documentation and providing technical support for the Software team to implement the above algorithms.
• Develop and maintain HIL real-time simulations to test control Software requirements against simulations.
• Perform trade-off analysis of different control concepts, components, and architectures.
• Maintain pointing budgets and ensure control systems fulfil systems requirements.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of relevant commercial experience 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 designing, modelling, implementing, and testing control algorithms for dynamic systems.
• Proficiency with modelling 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 behaviour using test data and simulations.

Desirable additional skills:

• Experience 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.
• Knowledge of model-based design, automatic code generation, and software-in-the-loop testing.
• Experience working within a start-up, research and development, or rapidly evolving engineering environment.

Location: Our office is based in Osney Mead, Oxford. There will be opportunity to work from home as agreed with your line manager.

Compensation & Perks:

• The opportunity to make a difference building cutting edge technology to support a world-changing vision
• Options for hybrid working and custom arrangements that matter to you
• 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays
• Equity options in a growing start-up
• Investment in you to help you grow, with training resources and budget.
• Supportive team culture with high levels of ownership and responsibility.
• Regular socials and weekly team lunch
• Variety of additional perks including learning and wellbeing app subscriptions.