Power Electronics Control Engineer

About the role

The Exploration Company is developing and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle designed for cargo and future human spaceflight, with the longer-term goal of orbital refuelling. To ensure the highest levels of performance and reliability for our in-house developed propulsion systems, we are building critical capabilities directly within our team. This role places you at the heart of the Huracan cryogenic rocket engine project, where you will own the control strategy for all electrically driven systems. You will be responsible for translating high-level propulsion requirements into robust control architectures and algorithms that meet stringent aerospace standards. This position requires a deep commitment to safety, precision, and meticulous validation throughout the entire development cycle. You will work in a fast-paced environment where your technical decisions directly impact engine reliability and mission success. The role demands hands-on engagement with both theoretical modelling and practical laboratory execution.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the definition and architectural design of power electronics and motor control strategies for Huracan's electric pumps and actuators, establishing operating modes, interfaces, and fault protection schemes.
• Develop high-fidelity system models and simulation environments to evaluate control performance, dynamic stability, and robustness across the full mission profile and environmental spectrum.
• Analyse system requirements and translate them into detailed control specifications, ensuring alignment with hardware capabilities and software constraints.
• Design, implement, and verify control algorithms using production-grade tools, focusing on real-time execution, determinism, and resource efficiency.
• Conduct Model-in-the-Loop (MIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing campaigns to validate control behaviour under realistic conditions.
• Execute laboratory tests and component-level verification, collecting and interpreting data to refine control parameters and resolve performance anomalies.
• Support the commissioning and integration of power-electronic drives and electric motor systems onto the propulsion test benches and flight hardware.
• Collaborate closely with embedded software and hardware engineers to ensure seamless implementation and traceability of control requirements.
• Document control designs, verification results, and test reports to support certification, safety assessments, and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in design reviews and failure mode analyses, contributing corrective actions and improvements to the control development process.
• Establish test procedures and validation protocols to ensure that control systems meet reliability, safety, and performance targets.
• Continuously monitor field data and test results to identify improvement opportunities and drive iterative optimization of control strategies.
• Liaise with systems engineers to ensure that control solutions meet mission-level objectives and interface requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of rigorous analysis and best practices in control engineering.

Requirements

• Hold a BSc, MSc, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering field, with a strong foundation in mathematics, control theory, and digital systems.
• Have a minimum of two years of professional experience in developing, validating, or troubleshooting control systems for electric drives, power-electronic converters, or complex dynamic systems.
• Demonstrate expert-level knowledge of classical and modern control theory, including linear and nonlinear system dynamics, feedback regulation, and stability analysis.
• Show practical expertise in motor-control techniques such as field-oriented control, direct torque control, and advanced regulation strategies including current, speed, and position loops.
• Exhibit strong proficiency in modelling, simulation, and code generation using industry-standard tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, or equivalent platforms.
• Have a clear understanding of embedded real-time systems, including task scheduling, interrupt handling, and deterministic execution of control algorithms in production environments.
• Bring hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and measurement equipment for debugging and performance characterisation.
• Proven ability to interpret test results, diagnose root causes, and implement effective corrective actions under tight project schedules.
• Communicate effectively in English, both in written documentation and verbal discussions, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to multidisciplinary audiences.
• Hold the legal right to work in Germany and comply with all relevant employment and tax regulations applicable to the role.
• Be willing to sign a confidentiality and intellectual property agreement as a condition of employment.
• Demonstrate a commitment to following established engineering processes, standards, and safety protocols without exception.
• Show capacity to manage multiple technical tasks in a concurrent engineering environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Nice to have

• Previous experience in the aerospace, propulsion, automotive, robotics, energy, industrial automation, or other safety-critical sectors.
• Familiarity with DO-178C or ISO 26262-based development processes and verification activities.
• Knowledge of rapid prototyping tools and hardware-in-the-loop test benches for control system validation.
• Experience with data analysis and statistical methods for performance characterisation and optimisation.
• Background in developing control software for high-speed power-electronic systems or cryogenic applications.

Practical notes

• This is a full-time position based in Munich, Germany, requiring availability during standard business hours and occasional laboratory testing sessions.
• Travel may be required for project-related meetings, supplier visits, or test campaigns within Europe.
• Candidates must hold a valid passport enabling unrestricted work eligibility in Germany.
• Visa sponsorship may be considered for eligible international candidates based on role requirements and company policies.
• The application deadline is not specified; early submission is encouraged to facilitate timely consideration.