Controls Researcher – Advanced Autopilot Development

About the role

We are recruiting for a Controls Researcher to develop and improve advanced control functions for an innovative airborne renewable energy platform. The role involves designing, implementing, and validating autopilot and operational control architecture in a collaborative, international environment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and improve physics‑based models of system dynamics for control‑oriented applications and simulations.
• Design, implement, and optimise guidance, trajectory tracking and control algorithms (PID, nonlinear, data‑driven).
• Define and evolve the overall control architecture, including trajectory generation and operational mode management.
• Develop simulation environments to support controller validation and performance analysis.
• Develop estimation, filtering and data‑fusion algorithms (Kalman filters, observers, etc.) to reconstruct non‑measurable states.
• Validate and test algorithms on prototypes and real‑world systems, transitioning from simulation to rapid control prototyping.

Required profile

• Master’s degree or PhD in Control Systems, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Dynamic Systems, Applied Mathematics or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in advanced control engineering or autonomous systems, preferably in a startup or deep‑tech environment.
• Strong knowledge of applied mathematics, dynamic modelling, control theory, estimation and data‑fusion techniques.
• Fluency in English or French and ability to work in multidisciplinary, international teams.

Required skills

• MATLAB / Simulink
• Python
• CasADi (optional)
• Control algorithm design (PID, nonlinear, data‑driven)
• Kalman Filter, Extended Kalman Filter, observers
• Optimization and simulation frameworks
• Rapid control prototyping, embedded deployment, HIL/RCP environments