ICEYE is looking for a Control Engineer experienced in unmanned systems development to join its aircraft development team.

As a Control Engineer in the HAPS program, you will be responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of various custom pieces of autopilot systems and control logic to manage the complex transition of an ultra-lightweight large wingspan aircraft from takeoff to transitioning through the atmosphere to twice the altitude of passenger jets, normal operations and landing.

It will involve numerous challenges to manage a takeoff and separation from a launch carrier, aeroelastics management, protection of structures in the face of adverse weather, complex landing transitions, and mission profiles of Earth Observation tasks etc.

The span of control system development needs in an unmanned aircraft like HAPS is very wide, ranging from flight control and navigation to guidance and mission management, which will require collaboration across the entire team from structures to avionics to operations. You will be part of a growing and dedicated team facing an exciting challenge.

You will get to work with a world-class team on a UAV project that has real impact and will set a new mark on aviation history. You will get to enjoy a transparent, open, and inclusive work culture. This is the beginning of an operations-dedicated team that’s intended to grow fast, thus, it offers substantial growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Managing a complex balance of aeroelastics, adverse weather, structural needs and mission needs
• Designing and implementing advanced control algorithms for a novel UAV system, including flight control, navigation, and guidance systems
• Developing and optimizing state estimation algorithms for robust performance in various flight conditions
• Integrating sensors and actuators into the control architecture, ensuring seamless data flow and command execution
• Developing and/or improving hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and software-in-the-loop (SITL) simulation systems for control system verification and validation
• Discovering and understanding airworthiness requirements pertaining to control system safety and reliability
• Developing rigorous verification procedures for control system performance and stability
• Participation in flight test campaigns and in-flight data analysis to fine-tune and troubleshoot control systems

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant work experience in control system design and implementation
• Strong theoretical background in classical and modern control theory
• Experience in building simulations, physics models and complex test cases to develop against
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used for control systems (e.g., C, C++, Python)
• Expertise in developing embedded software for real-time control applications

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or similar with a focus on control systems.
• Experience with UAV-related control software and platforms (e.g., commercial autopilots, ArduPilot, PX4, terrestrial or marine robots)
• Familiarity with state estimation techniques
• Experience with robust control methods for dealing with uncertainties and disturbances
• Knowledge of flight dynamics and aerodynamics for fixed-wing or high-altitude aircraft
• Hardware debugging experience, including familiarity with tools such as the oscilloscope, logic analyzer, and protocol analyzer (SPI, CAN, Ethernet, or similar)
• Experience in developing control systems for stratospheric or long-endurance aircraft
• A proactive, can-do attitude and love for aerospace are expected
• Passion for solving complex problems in a team environment

Who We Are

ICEYE is the global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite operations for Earth Observation, persistent monitoring, and natural catastrophe solutions; owning and operating the world's largest SAR constellation. ICEYE is headquartered in Finland and operates from five international locations with more than 600 employees from nearly 60 countries, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.

Our satellites acquire images of Earth at any time – even when it’s cloudy or dark – providing commercial and government partners with unmatched persistent monitoring capabilities. Information derived from our SAR images helps customers make data-driven decisions to address time-critical challenges in various sectors, such as maritime, disaster management, insurance, and finance.

Our team is a tight-knit group of experts across many disciplines (e.g., engineering, software development, radar technology, etc.). We’re innovative, driven people who strive for excellence in everything we do. Teamwork, curiosity, and having fun are core values at ICEYE, and contribute to Making the Impossible possible!!

Why You Should Work For Us

ICEYE is at the cutting edge of new technology and we are continuing to build and operate our commercial constellation of SAR satellites. Working with ICEYE, you will be part of making the impossible possible, whilst shaping the Earth Observation industry. You will work with varied, diverse and engaged colleagues to further the ICEYE mission. At ICEYE we realise that without great people we can not succeed, therefore you will be an integral, valued and appreciated colleague, with the ability to directly shape the vision and direction of the business.

We actively support Continuous Professional Development, and will provide access to a range of avenues to allow you to succeed, including courses, training and attendance at conferences. ICEYE is a place where your development, your growth and your success is a priority.

Benefits

• ICEYE offers amazing relocation packages to Valencia, Spain
• A job that matters in a dynamic Earth Observation environment with a scale-up approach
• An independent role with a supportive and diverse work environment
• Time for self-development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes
• Health insurance
• Coffee, snacks, and sweets to accompany your daily space mission
• Creative, inspiring and collaborative office.

At ICEYE, we believe that diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's our greatest asset.

We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is not only heard but celebrated. We know that diverse perspectives breed innovation and creativity, which is why we actively seek out individuals from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.

Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table. Join us and be part of a team where differences are not only embraced but cherished, because together, we're stronger.

Apply now to start your ICEYE journey, and help us continue to make the impossible possible together. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com