Senior Robotics Controls Engineer in Berlin

Location: Berlin (Onsite)

About Us

We are a defense technology startup based in Berlin, building the next generation defense layer against aerial threats. Our team develops mission-critical systems that combine hardware, software, and sensing to operate reliably in complex real-world environments.

As an early‑stage company operating in stealth mode, we place strong emphasis on engineering rigor, mathematical precision, and high‑performance system design.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Robotics Controls Engineer (Regelungstechnik) with a strong focus on optimal and model‑based control to design and implement the control architecture for our high‑precision aiming and stabilization systems.

You will take ownership of the control design for a:

• 2-axis fast steering mirror

The system must achieve sub‑milliradian precision under high acceleration and dynamic disturbances, enabling accurate target tracking and beam stabilization in real‑world environments.

This role emphasizes:

• Constrained real‑time control
• Model‑based system identification

You will work closely with computer vision, mechanical, and optics engineers to transform tracking data into stable, deterministic, real‑time actuation.

This position requires onsite work and eligibility for German security clearance.

Key Responsibilities

Optimal & Model‑Based Control Design

• Design and implement optimal control strategies for precision aiming systems, including:
• LQR / LQG
• Constrained optimal control approaches
• Develop state‑space models of electromechanical subsystems
• Design observers and estimators for high‑accuracy state reconstruction
• Balance bandwidth, robustness, and actuator constraints under real‑time requirements
• Achieve sub‑milliradian pointing precision under: Vibration, High acceleration, External disturbances
• Develop advanced disturbance rejection strategies
• Design multi‑loop control architectures for: 2-axis pan‑tilt systems (stepper‑driven), 2-axis fast steering mirrors (piezo‑actuated)

System Identification & Modeling

• Perform system identification from lab measurements
• Model actuator dynamics, friction, and non‑linearities
• Validate models against real‑world test data

Simulation & Real‑Time Implementation

• Develop and validate control systems using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent tools
• Analyze stability margins, robustness, and constraint handling
• Implement control algorithms on: Real‑time Linux systems (Tegra, RT kernel), Embedded microcontrollers (STM32 or comparable platforms)
• Ensure deterministic timing and computational efficiency

Cross‑Disciplinary Collaboration

• Integrate sensor‑fusion‑based feedback loops using tracking data
• Collaborate with: Computer vision engineers (tracking integration), Mechanical engineers (structural dynamics), Optical engineers (beam stability constraints)
• Conduct lab validation and performance testing under operational conditions

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in advanced control systems engineering (Regelungstechnik)
• Strong background in optimal and model‑based control, including: State‑space control, LQR / LQG, Model Predictive Control, Observer design
• Experience with constrained, high‑dynamic control environments
• Strong experience with modeling and simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent)
• Experience implementing real‑time control on embedded systems and/or real‑time Linux
• Strong understanding of actuator dynamics (stepper motors, piezo actuators, servo systems)
• EU citizenship and eligibility for German security clearance
• Willingness to work fully onsite in Berlin

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in defense fire control systems, aerospace GNC, or high‑precision tracking platforms
• Experience with Kalman‑based estimation integrated into control loops
• Experience with MPC under real‑time computational constraints
• Hands‑on experience tuning servo drives or motor controllers
• Experience modeling structural vibration and flexible dynamics
• Background in beam‑directing or high‑energy systems
• Experience working in safety‑critical or defense environments

What We Offer

• VSOP / equity participation
• Central Berlin office
• Extreme growth opportunity in a fast‑scaling startup
• Monthly Voucher
• Vacation Pay

Who You Are

• Mathematically rigorous: You think in state‑space, constraints, and cost functions
• Precision‑driven: You care about stability margins, bandwidth, and deterministic behavior
• Systems‑oriented: You understand the coupling between mechanical dynamics, sensing, and actuation
• Analytical and experimental: You validate models with data, not assumptions
• Disciplined: You document models, assumptions, and verification procedures
• Mission‑aligned: You understand the responsibility of building high‑performance defense systems