Cambridge Aerospace
Controls Engineer - UAV Systems
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Overview
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)
- Hands-on experience with fixed-wing 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 fixed-wing systems
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Preferred Qualifications/Experience
- Experience in fast-paced 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, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and stock options
- Private Medical & Dental
- Cycle to work scheme
- Lunchtime catering on site
About Us
The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air – low-cost 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 defence.
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We’re building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them – 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 world’s best venture funds. We’re one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And we’re 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
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
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