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- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge flight control algorithms for UAV systems.
- Company: Join Cambridge Aerospace, a fast-growing defence tech company on a vital mission.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, stock options, private medical, dental, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace technology while tackling global security challenges.
- Qualifications: Degree in aerospace engineering or related field; experience with UAVs and control systems.
- Other info: Dynamic, inclusive environment with opportunities for rapid career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a skilled Controls Engineer with experience in fixed-wing UAVs and a strong background in flight control design. You will be responsible for developing, tuning, and validating control algorithms to ensure robust, reliable, and safe flight performance. The role involves simulation, SIL/HITL validation, and deployment on real platforms.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and tune flight control algorithms (attitude, rate, altitude, actuator control)
- Develop, modify, and integrate control software for UAV platforms
- Set up and maintain SIL and HITL environments for controller validation
- Perform system identification and parameter estimation using flight test data
- Deploy and test control software on onboard systems
- Collaborate with hardware, embedded software, and flight test teams to ensure smooth integration
- Debug, analyse flight logs, and iterate to improve stability and robustness
Requirements
- Bachelor's or master's in aerospace engineering, Control Systems, Robotics, or related field
- Strong background in control theory (linear, nonlinear, robust, or adaptive)
- Handsâon experience with fixedâwing UAVs (simulation and/or flight testing)
- Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink, Python, or C++ for modelling and controller development
- Familiarity with SIL/HITL testing frameworks (e.g., Simulink, Gazebo, jMAVSim)
- Solid understanding of aerodynamics and flight dynamics for fixedâwing systems
Preferred Qualifications/Experience
- Experience in fastâpaced R&D or startup environments, with rapid prototype iteration times
- Experience with PX4 autopilot (setup, tuning, or code modification)
- Knowledge of system identification, estimation, or advanced control techniques
- Experience with onboard Linux systems (Jetson, NUC, etc.)
- Strong debugging, problemâsolving, and teamwork skills
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and stock options
- Private Medical & Dental
- Cycle to work scheme
About Us
The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air â lowâcost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defense.
Weâre building lowâcost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them â at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery.
We have immense backing from the worldâs best venture funds. Weâre one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And weâre hiring the best engineers to prosecute the mission.
If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build technology better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Weâre committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If youâre excited about this role but donât meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
Controls Engineer - UAV Systems in Cambridge employer: Cambridge Aerospace
Contact Detail:
Cambridge Aerospace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer - UAV Systems in Cambridge
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the UAV and aerospace community on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
â¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to flight control algorithms or UAV systems. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with SIL/HITL testing and how you've tackled challenges in past projects.
â¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer - UAV Systems in Cambridge
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with fixed-wing UAVs and flight control design. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so donât be shy about showcasing relevant projects or roles you've had!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Controls Engineer role. Share your passion for UAV technology and how your background in control theory can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Weâre keen on seeing your proficiency in Matlab/Simulink, Python, or C++. Make sure to mention any hands-on experience you have with SIL/HITL testing frameworks. This is your moment to shine, so donât hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youâre considered for the role. Plus, it shows us youâre serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Aerospace
â¨Know Your Algorithms
Make sure you brush up on your flight control algorithms, especially those related to attitude, rate, and altitude control. Be ready to discuss how you've developed, tuned, or validated these algorithms in past projects.
â¨Familiarise with SIL/HITL Testing
Since the role involves setting up SIL and HITL environments, itâs crucial to understand these frameworks. Prepare to explain your experience with them, perhaps by discussing specific projects where youâve used tools like Simulink or Gazebo.
â¨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with hardware, embedded software, and flight test teams. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them together.
â¨Debugging and Problem-Solving
Expect questions about debugging and analysing flight logs. Think of specific instances where you identified issues and iterated on solutions to improve stability and robustness. This will show your hands-on experience and critical thinking skills.