Power Electronics Control Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

At The Exploration Company, we are developing Huracan, a throttleable cryogenic rocket engine designed for lunar landing applications. Huracan brings together a wide range of highly integrated technologies that must operate reliably and with high precision under demanding conditions.

To retain full control over the engine’s performance and technical development, we design its key technologies in-house, including the electric pumps, power electronics, embedded software, and control systems used to operate critical engine functions.

We are seeking a Power Electronics Control Engineer to join the propulsion team developing Huracan. In this role, you will take ownership of the control strategy for the engine’s electrically driven systems, from modelling and simulation through implementation and experimental validation.

We want you to help us achieve reliable and high-performance operation of these critical systems. This hands-on position combines technical leadership, practical problem-solving, multidisciplinary collaboration, and active involvement in laboratory testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the definition and development of control architectures and strategies for the electric motors used within our cryogenic propulsion systems, including operating modes, interfaces, and protection functions.

• Develop system models and simulations to design and assess control algorithms, system performance, stability, and robustness across the expected operating range.

• Translate control concepts into system-level and embedded software requirements, working closely with software and hardware engineers throughout implementation, integration, optimization, and verification.

• Plan and perform MIL, SIL, HIL, and laboratory testing; analyze the resulting data, identify performance limitations, and continuously improve the control approach.

• Support the commissioning and validation of internally developed power-electronics and electric-drive systems, ensuring their successful integration into the complete engine.

• Contribute to technical documentation, design reviews, verification activities, and the continuous improvement of engineering processes.
  

What we would love to see from you

• A BSc or higher degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics, or a related field.

• At least two years of experience developing, validating, or troubleshooting control systems for electric drives, power-electronic systems, or other dynamic systems.

• Strong knowledge of control theory, dynamic-system modelling, and simulation, with experience developing control strategies for electric motors and power-electronic systems.

• Practical experience with motor-control techniques, including field-oriented control, current, speed and position regulation, modulation, and observer-based control.

• Proficiency with modelling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink/PLECS, together with an understanding of embedded real-time constraints and the implementation of control algorithms in production software.

• Experience with laboratory testing, measurement equipment, data analysis, and system debugging, as well as the ability to translate control concepts into clear requirements and collaborate effectively with embedded software engineers.

• Experience in aerospace, propulsion, automotive, robotics, energy, industrial automation, or another safety-critical or high-reliability field would be highly relevant.

• A proactive, adaptable, and delivery-focused mindset, with a hands-on and practical approach to solving problems in a fast-changing environment.

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with a consistent commitment to safety, quality, and reliable execution.

• The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with colleagues and partners in English. French or German language skills would be advantageous.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.  

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.
If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.