Senior/Lead Mechatronics Control-Loop Specialist – Laser Pointing & Tracking (f/m/d)

We are looking for a Mechatronics Control-Loop Specialist to design and model high-precision laser pointing and tracking systems for free-space optical (FSO) communications. The role focuses on dynamic modeling, control-loop architecture for Coarse and Fine Pointing Assemblies (CPA/FPA), and stabilization using inertial and navigation sensors.

What You’ll Do

• Design hierarchical and cascaded control-loop architectures for CPA and FPA
• Design and tune control algorithms such as:
• Nonlinear Control Algorithms (Dynamic Inversion, Incremental Control)
• Lead-lag, notch filters for sensor data processing
• State-space controllers and observers
• Kalman filtering for sensor fusion
• Analyze stability and performance in time and frequency domains
• Support transition from simulation to real-time implementation
• Develop dynamic models in MATLAB/Simulink for FPA/CPA, fast steering mechanisms, digital control elements (sampling, latency, quantization), optical sensors
• Model disturbances such as platform vibration, sensor noise and delays
• Define loop bandwidths, stability margins, and pointing/jitter performance
• Integrate and model IMUs and/or dual-antenna GPS for stabilization and feed-forward control
• Manage coordinate frames and transformations (body, inertial, sensor, optical)
• Support simulation correlation, hardware-in-the-loop, and laboratory testing
• Be close with the software team to implement algorithms

What You Bring

• MSc or PhD in Mechatronics, Control Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics, Optics, or related field
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in control-loop design for precision mechatronic or opto-mechanical systems
• Strong background in nonlinear control theory and system dynamics
• Proven experience with MATLAB/Simulink
• Experience with Automatic Code Generation
• Experience with CPA/FPA or equivalent coarse/fine pointing systems
• Hands-on experience with IMUs and/or dual-antenna GPS
• Solid understanding of coordinate frames, rotations, and transformations
• Experience in git and continuous integration workflows

Preferred Skills

• Experience with free-space optical (FSO) communication systems
• Knowledge of Fine-Steering Mirrors FSMs, MEMS, piezo or voice-coil actuators
• Experience with embedded, DSP, or FPGA-based control implementation
• Background in spaceborne, airborne, or mobile platforms

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Shape next-gen laser communication technology with real-world impact
• Work in a deep-tech startup backed by top-tier research and strategic partners
• Join an inspiring, international, mission-driven, agile team
• Flat hierarchies, real ownership, and the chance to grow with us
• A mix of lab, field, and flight testing—no two days are the same