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.