Senior Robotics Controls Engineer

Senior Robotics Controls Engineer

(Optimal Control – Precision Aiming & Stabilization)

Location: Berlin (Onsite)

About Us

We are a defense technology startup based in Berlin , building the next generation defense layer against aerial threats. Our team develops mission-critical systems that combine hardware, software, and sensing to operate reliably in complex real-world environments.

As an early-stage company operating in stealth mode, we place strong emphasis on engineering rigor, mathematical precision, and high-performance system design.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Robotics Controls Engineer (Regelungstechnik) with a strong focus on optimal and model-based control to design and implement the control architecture for our high-precision aiming and stabilization systems.

You will take ownership of the control design for a:

• 2-axis pan-tilt system
• 2-axis fast steering mirror

The system must achieve sub-milliradian precision under high acceleration and dynamic disturbances , enabling accurate target tracking and beam stabilization in real-world environments.

This role emphasizes:

• Optimal control design
• Constrained real-time control
• Model-based system identification
• High-bandwidth disturbance rejection

You will work closely with computer vision, mechanical, and optics engineers to transform tracking data into stable, deterministic, real-time actuation.

This position requires onsite work and eligibility for German security clearance.

Key Responsibilities

Optimal & Model-Based Control Design

• Design and implement optimal control strategies for precision aiming systems, including:
• LQR / LQG
• Model Predictive Control (MPC)
• Constrained optimal control approaches
• Develop state-space models of electromechanical subsystems
• Design observers and estimators for high-accuracy state reconstruction
• Balance bandwidth, robustness, and actuator constraints under real-time requirements

High-Precision Stabilization & Tracking

• Achieve sub-milliradian pointing precision under: Vibration, High acceleration, External disturbances
• Develop advanced disturbance rejection strategies
• Design multi-loop control architectures for: 2-axis pan-tilt systems (stepper-driven), 2-axis fast steering mirrors (piezo-actuated)

System Identification & Modeling

• Perform system identification from lab measurements
• Develop accurate plant models including structural dynamics
• Model actuator dynamics, friction, and non-linearities
• Validate models against real-world test data

Simulation & Real-Time Implementation

• Develop and validate control systems using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent tools
• Analyze stability margins, robustness, and constraint handling
• Implement control algorithms on: Real-time Linux systems (Tegra, RT kernel), Embedded microcontrollers (STM32 or comparable platforms)
• Ensure deterministic timing and computational efficiency

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• Integrate sensor-fusion–based feedback loops using tracking data
• Collaborate with: Computer vision engineers (tracking integration), Mechanical engineers (structural dynamics), Optical engineers (beam stability constraints)
• Conduct lab validation and performance testing under operational conditions

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in advanced control systems engineering (Regelungstechnik)
• Strong background in optimal and model-based control , including: State-space control, LQR / LQG, Model Predictive Control, Observer design
• Proven experience designing control systems for high-precision electromechanical systems
• Experience with constrained, high-dynamic control environments
• Strong experience with modeling and simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent)
• Experience implementing real-time control on embedded systems and/or real-time Linux
• Strong understanding of actuator dynamics (stepper motors, piezo actuators, servo systems)
• EU citizenship and eligibility for German security clearance
• Willingness to work fully onsite in Berlin

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in defense fire control systems, aerospace GNC, or high-precision tracking platforms
• Experience with Kalman-based estimation integrated into control loops
• Experience with MPC under real-time computational constraints
• Hands-on experience tuning servo drives or motor controllers
• Experience modeling structural vibration and flexible dynamics
• Background in beam-directing or high-energy systems
• Experience working in safety-critical or defense environments

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• VSOP / equity participation
• Central Berlin office
• Extreme growth opportunity in a fast-scaling startup
• Monthly Voucher
• Deutschlandticket
• Vacation Pay

Who You Are

• Mathematically rigorous: You think in state-space, constraints, and cost functions
• Precision-driven: You care about stability margins, bandwidth, and deterministic behavior
• Systems-oriented: You understand the coupling between mechanical dynamics, sensing, and actuation
• Analytical and experimental: You validate models with data, not assumptions
• Disciplined: You document models, assumptions, and verification procedures
• Mission-aligned: You understand the responsibility of building high-performance defense systems