Control Strategy Developer

100283 Johnson Electric International AG Operation; Lavamünd; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International environment

Automated production

Professional development

Job summary

Johnson Electric Group seeks a Control Strategy Developer to design Model-Based control for vehicle thermal management, including compressor modulation, pump and valve control, and energy optimization for EVs.

You will collaborate with system, software and validation engineers to validate MIL/SIL/HIL, integrate CAN, and explore AI/ML approaches. Fluency in English is required; German or French is a plus. A master's degree with 5–7 years in automotive control is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5–7 years of automotive control systems experience, preferably in thermal management.
• Proven experience delivering control strategies for two major EV thermal projects.
• Strong knowledge of Model-Based Design using MATLAB/Simulink and Stateflow.
• Experience with MIL, SIL, and HIL validation methods and toolchains.

Responsibilities

• Develop MATLAB/Simulink control models and algorithms for vehicle thermal management.
• Design compressor modulation, pump and valve control strategies for cooling/heating.
• Optimize mode switching for battery operation, cabin comfort and safety in cooling, heating, defrost and deicing.
• Develop EV charging strategy and integration with embedded software (CAN).
• Validate MIL/HIL and collaborate with test teams for SIL/HIL validation.
• Explore AI/ML approaches for intelligent thermal management and energy optimization.

Skills

MATLAB/Simulink

Stateflow

CAN protocol

Python

Control theory

MIL/SIL/HIL

Embedded systems

Education

Master's degree in Control Engineering

Tools

dSPACE

MicroAutoBox

ETAS

National Instruments

Job description

Come Innovate Motion with Us As a Control Strategy Developer, you will play a key role in the development of advanced Model-Based Design (MBD) control strategies for next-generation thermal management systems. Working closely with system, software and validation engineers, you will design and optimize thermal system control including compressor capacity modulation, pump and valves control, mode switching, and energy efficiency through advanced algorithms and real-time vehicle integration.

Your responsibilities will be to:

• Develop MATLAB/Simulink control system models and algorithms
• Develop the Vehicle Thermal Management System control including:
• Design compressor capacity modulation strategy for optimal cooling and heating
• Control of the coolant pump, refrigerant expansion valve and coolant valve
• Optimize mode switching logic between all modes to secure the battery operation and the cabin comfort and safety for the following main functions of cooling, heating, defrost and deicing
• Develop charging strategy for electric vehicle
• Define and develop acquisition and control unit to equip system test bench and demo vehicle
• Validate Model-in-the-loop (MIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL)
• Integrate control algorithms with vehicle embedded software (CAN communication)
• Collaborate with test engineers for SIL/HIL validation
• Evaluate AI/ML approaches for intelligent thermal management
• Support test benches measurement, wind tunnel vehicle testing and field testing
• Develop prospective control roadmap

Our requirements:

• Master's degree in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of experience in automotive control systems, in the field of thermal management; experience within an automotive OEM, Tier 1 supplier, or equivalent engineering environment is highly desirable
• Proven experience delivering control strategies through at least two major thermal management of electrical vehicle projects
• Deep understanding of Control Systems, Model-Based Design, Embedded Systems, Machine Learning (optional)
• Strong expertise in Model-Based Design (MBD) using MATLAB/Simulink and Stateflow
• Experience with control theory, adaptive control and optimization algorithms
• Solid understanding of automotive thermal systems, refrigerant cycles, HVAC systems, and thermal dynamics
• Experience with MIL, SIL, and HIL validation methodologies and related toolchains (dSPACE, MicroAutoBox, ETAS, National Instruments, or equivalent)
• Knowledge of embedded systems, automotive communication protocols (CAN), and vehicle software integration
• Familiarity with electric vehicle architectures, battery thermal management, and energy management strategies
• Experience with Python and data analysis tools; exposure to machine learning techniques is considered an advantage
• Understanding of refrigerant and coolant loop is beneficial
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to independently manage complex technical challenges and drive solutions in dynamic development environments
• Collaborative and proactive professional with excellent communication skills, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to continuous learning and advancing next-generation thermal management technologies
• Fluent English is mandatory; German and/or French would be considered a strong advantage

What we offer:

• A truly international and multicultural and fast-moving work environment
• A cutting-edge, fully automated production environment where innovation meets execution
• The opportunity to further develop your professional skills in a diverse and engaging job

Come join our global, inclusive & diverse team

Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.

About Johnson Electric Group

The Johnson Electric Group is a global leader in electric motors, actuators, motion subsystems and related electro-mechanical components. It serves a broad range of industries including Automotive, Smart Metering, Medical Devices, Business Equipment, Home Automation, Ventilation, White Goods, Power Tools, Lawn & Garden Equipment, Warehouse Automation, Liquid Cooling and Robotic joints. The Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and employs over 30,000 individuals in over 20 countries worldwide. Johnson Electric Holdings Limited is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 179). For more information, visit johnsonelectric.com.