Principal / Senior Control Systems Engineer

Tekever; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Pension contribution match

Discretionary annual bonus

Job summary

Tekever is seeking a Senior/Principal Engineer to lead control‑system modelling and analysis for aircraft and subsystems. You will design and evaluate flight and ground control systems, predict handling qualities, and support integration of control algorithms into real‑time environments.

The role requires 8+ years in flight dynamics and control systems, with expert command of modelling tools and non‑linear dynamics.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in flight dynamics and control systems (Senior) or 12+ years (Principal).
• Proven application of control theory to aerospace problems.
• Degree or equivalent required.
• Strong background in non-linear dynamics and robust control design.

Responsibilities

• Model high-fidelity dynamic models of aircraft and subsystems.
• Lead verification and validation to meet performance, safety, and certification requirements.
• Contribute to design, tuning, and evaluation of flight and ground control systems.
• Support SIL/HIL testing and integration of sensing and actuation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the engineering team.

Skills

Flight dynamics

Control theory

System modelling

SIL/HIL testing

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

Simulation tools

Modelling tools

Job description

Are you ready to revolutionise the world with TEKEVER?

At TEKEVER, we lead innovation in Europe as the European leader in unmanned technology, where cutting‑edge advancements meet unparalleled innovation.

Digital | Defence | Security | Space

We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges — from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space.

We offer a unique surveillance‑as‑a‑service solution that delivers real‑time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. Our products and services support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments — whether at sea, on land, in space, or in cyberspace.

Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission‑driven team that is transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards.

At TEKEVER, our mission is to provide limitless support through mission‑oriented game‑changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision‑making.

If you're passionate about technology and eager to shape the future — TEKEVER is the place for you.

Mission:

A Senior/Principal Engineer is required to lead control‑system modelling and analysis, working with a multi‑disciplinary team to design and evaluate flight and ground control systems, predict handling qualities and dynamic stability, and support integration of control algorithms into real‑time environments.

The role is responsible for developing, validating, and analysing high‑fidelity dynamic models of the aircraft and its subsystems, including creating simulations to assess vehicle behaviour, mission performance, structural interactions, and closed‑loop flight dynamics across the operational envelope.

The engineer will lead verification and validation activities to ensure that models and control algorithms meet performance, safety, and certification requirements, and will work closely with the autonomy team to support SIL/HIL validation and the integration of sensing, and actuation.

The ideal candidate has eight or more years of control‑system modelling experience, with strong expertise in control theory, flight dynamics, aircraft dynamic stability, and relevant certification practices.

What will be your responsibilities:

• Modelling & Simulation: Lead the development of high‑fidelity dynamic models of the aircraft and its subsystems, creating simulation environments to analyse vehicle behaviour, mission performance, closed‑loop flight dynamics, and structural interactions across the operational envelope.
• Verification & Validation: Plan and execute model and control‑system verification activities, including preparation of evidence to meet performance, safety, and certification requirements.
• Control System Design & Evaluation: Contribute to the design, tuning, and assessment of flight and ground control systems, performing stability and robustness analysis and predicting handling qualities and dynamic stability.
• Real‑Time Integration Support: Collaborate with the autonomy and embedded‑systems teams to support SIL/HIL testing, validate real‑time algorithm behaviour, and assist with the integration of sensing, actuation, and supervisory logic.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide expert guidance on control‑system modelling and dynamic analysis, supporting the wider engineering team and contributing to the technical strategy for control and simulation capabilities.

Profile and requirements:

• Experience: 8+ years (Senior) or 12+ years (Principal) of experience in flight dynamics and control systems, ideally within the aerospace sector.
• Tools: Expert‑level proficiency in simulation and modelling tools.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Proven application of control theory.
• Education: Degree or equivalent.
• Mathematical Precision: A strong background non‑linear dynamics.
• Design Assurance: A rigorous approach to ensuring control laws are robust against sensor failures or degraded modes.
• Adaptability: A proactive approach to address challenges, embrace new processes and drive continuous improvement in engineering methods.
• Security: Must be a UK national eligible for SC Clearance.

What we have to offer you:

At TEKEVER, we offer a comprehensive package designed to reward, support, and develop our people. This includes a highly competitive salary with a discretionary annual bonus and a company pension contribution match of up to 10%. To support your wellbeing, we provide 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, Private Medical Insurance (with optional family cover), Private Dental care, and an Employee Assistance Programme. We are deeply committed to investing in future talent; our scale allows us to provide clear career development opportunities and dedicated initiatives to boost your skill sets, ensuring you remain future‑ready for the evolving workplace. Furthermore, our team enjoys a flexible hybrid working model, typically three days a week at our core UK sites like Bristol, and access to a bespoke rewards platform featuring a variety of high street discounts and salary sacrifice schemes, including Electric Car, Cycle to Work, and Technology options.

Do you want to know more about us ?

Visit our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tekever/