Simulator Engineer - Real Time Control Systems

Raceforce Global; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

On-site gym facilities

Free daily food allowance

Employee benefits and wellbeing

Job summary

Red Bull Technology in the United Kingdom seeks a Simulator Engineer focused on Real Time Control Systems to support Driver-in-the-Loop simulators, including motion platform, steering and pedal systems, safety systems, and real-time control infrastructure.

You will develop TwinCAT-based software, integrate hardware, build operator tools, diagnose networks (EtherCAT, CAN, TCP/IP), and collaborate with controls, software, and vehicle dynamics engineers to deliver high-fidelity simulator systems.

Qualifications

• Degree in Control Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Experience integrating servo drives, motors, actuators, sensors and safety systems.
• Experience with real-time control software (Beckhoff TwinCAT).
• Knowledge of EtherCAT, CAN, Ethernet TCP/IP and distributed I/O.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and fault-finding skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and support real-time hardware systems for the Driver-in-the-Loop simulator (actuators, servo drives, sensors, safety).
• Develop and maintain TwinCAT-based software projects with hardware interfaces and motion cueing functionality.
• Create operator-facing HMI applications and engineering tools to improve usability and monitoring.
• Configure and optimise industrial networks including EtherCAT, CAN, TCP/IP.
• Support commissioning, fault finding, and root-cause investigations across software, controls, networking, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with controls, software, vehicle dynamics, and simulator operations engineers to upgrade performance.

Skills

TwinCAT

EtherCAT

HMI development

Real-time control

Industrial networking

Education

Degree in Control Engineering / Mechatronics / Robotics / Electrical / Software Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

MATLAB/Simulink

EtherCAT tools

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Simulator Engineer with a focus on Real Time Control Systems to support the development, integration, and operation of our state-of-the-art Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulators.

Working at the intersection of controls engineering, automation, software development, and simulator technology, you will be responsible for integrating and developing the complex hardware and software systems that enable a world-class simulator environment.

This includes the motion platform, steering and pedal systems, safety systems, and associated real-time control infrastructure used to support vehicle development and driver performance programmes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering reliable, high-fidelity simulator systems by combining industrial automation hardware, real-time control software, and advanced motion cueing technologies into a cohesive and robust platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and support the real-time hardware systems that underpin the Driver-in-the-Loop simulator, including actuators, servo drives, sensors, safety systems.
• Develop and maintain TwinCAT-based software projects, integrating hardware interfaces, communication protocols, control algorithms, and motion cueing functionality.
• Develop operator-facing Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications and engineering tools that improve simulator usability, efficiency, and monitoring capability.
• Configure, diagnose, and optimise industrial communication networks including EtherCAT, CAN, TCP/IP protocols.
• Support the development and integration of ancillary simulator systems, including steering feedback systems, pedal systems, driver controls, and cockpit hardware.
• Support commissioning, fault finding, troubleshooting, and root-cause investigation across software, controls, networking, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with controls, software, vehicle dynamics, and simulator operations engineers to integrate new technologies and improve simulator performance.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree in Control Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience integrating servo drives, motors, actuators, sensors, and machine safety systems.
• Experience developing and commissioning multidisciplinary control software using real-time control environments, for example Beckhoff TwinCAT.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, CAN, Ethernet TCP/IP, and distributed I/O systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and fault-finding skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT, TwinSAFE, and EtherCAT-based control systems.
• Experience developing Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications.
• Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink and Model-Based Design techniques.
• Experience working with Driver-in-the-Loop, Hardware-in-the-Loop, robotics, aerospace, or advanced simulation systems.
• Understanding of vehicle dynamics and motorsport engineering.
• Experience with functional safety concepts and machinery safety standards.

What We're Looking For

This role would suit an engineer who enjoys building complex systems and seeing them operate in a real-world environment. You will be equally comfortable configuring industrial automation hardware, developing real-time software, creating operator tools, and solving challenging integration problems.

Most importantly, you will be excited by the opportunity to develop cutting-edge simulator technology that directly supports Formula One car development and driver performance.

What we can offer you:

At Red Bull Technology, we don’t just compete - we innovate, disrupt, and push beyond the limits of performance. We are driven by relentless ambition, cutting-edge technology, and the determination to win at every level. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and we thrive on trust, creativity, and bold ideas.

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy:

• Bonus scheme
• Private healthcare
• On-site gym facilities
• Free daily food allowance
• Access to a range of employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives