Principal / Senior Control Systems Engineer in Bristol

Are you ready to revolutionise the world with TEKEVER? At TEKEVER, we lead innovation in Europe as the European leader in unmanned technology, where cutting‑edge advancements meet unparalleled innovation. We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges — from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space. We offer a unique surveillance‑as‑a‑service solution that delivers real‑time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. Our products and services support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments — whether at sea, on land, in space, or in cyberspace.

Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission‑driven team that is transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards. At TEKEVER, our mission is to provide limitless support through mission‑oriented game‑changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision‑making. If you’re passionate about technology and eager to shape the future — TEKEVER is the place for you.

Mission: We are seeking a Senior or Principal Control Systems Engineer to lead the development of precision pointing algorithms and flight control laws for UAS platforms and payloads. You will be the technical architect for control strategies, moving beyond simple PID loops to implement robust, high‑performance control laws capable of operating in demanding environments and high‑dynamic maneuvers.

What will be your responsibilities:

• Sensor Pointing & Stabilisation: Develop high‑precision control strategies for gimballed payloads and EO/IR sensors, ensuring stability for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions.
• Flight Control Law Development: Design, implement, and tune advanced control algorithms for autonomous flight, from take‑off to landing.
• Modelling & Simulation: Create high‑fidelity 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) aircraft models to validate control performance against atmospheric disturbances and hardware latencies.
• Handling Qualities: Define and verify aircraft handling qualities and stability margins to meet stringent safety and performance specifications.
• Rapid Prototyping to Flight: Transition algorithms from simulation environments into flight‑ready code, supporting ground‑based HIL testing and live flight‑test campaigns.
• Technical Mentorship: Lead the control systems strategy in the UK and provide expert guidance to the wider engineering team on complex dynamical problems.

Profile and requirements:

• Experience: 8+ years (Senior) or 12+ years (Principal) of experience in flight dynamics and control systems, specifically within the UAS or aerospace sector.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Deep understanding of classical and modern control theory (LQR/LQC, Robust Control, Adaptive Control, or Model Predictive Control).
• Pointing Systems: Specific experience in servo‑loop tuning, jitter compensation, and LOS (Line of Sight) stabilization for gimbals or optical payloads.
• Tools: Expert-level proficiency in simulation and modelling tools, and experience with flight‑test data analysis.
• Education: Degree in Control Theory, Aerospace Engineering, or Robotics.
• Security: Must be a UK national eligible for SC Clearance.
• Mathematical Precision: A strong theoretical background in linear and non‑linear dynamics.
• Practical Engineering: The ability to look beyond the simulation and understand the "real world" constraints of actuators, sensors, and structural flex.
• Design Assurance: A rigorous approach to verification and validation (V&V), ensuring control laws are robust against sensor failures or degraded modes.
• Adaptability: A proactive desire to embrace new processes and drive continuous improvement in engineering methods.
• Agility: Comfortable leading in a fast‑paced development environment where requirements and threats can evolve rapidly.

What we have to offer you:

• An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference;
• Salary compatible with the level of proven experience.

Do you want to know more about us? Visit our LinkedIn page at TEKEVER LinkedIn.