Senior Reaction Controls Engineer

Mainspringenergy; Edison (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mainspring invites a Senior Controls Engineer to join the reaction control team in optimizing a novel thermodynamic-mechatronic platform. You will implement models and control algorithms in C++ and run extensive MIL/SIL/PIL validation to boost reliability and efficiency.

You will develop fuel-air and cooling strategies, perform experiments in Python, and collaborate across engineers to expand generator capabilities for diverse customers. Strong communication and self-direction are essential.

Qualifications

• BS + 5 years relevant experience; MS + 3 years; or PhD in mechanical engineering or related degree.
• Ability to design, implement, and test control algorithms for thermodynamic-mechatronic systems.
• Experience with physics-based modeling and modern control architectures is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement models, algorithms, and MIL/SIL/PIL tests in C++.
• Develop and refine fuel, air, compression, and cooling control strategies to improve performance and reliability.
• Design, run, and analyze experiments on virtual or real generators using Python.
• Collaborate with fellow controls engineers on design and architecture of the control system.
• Debug sensors, actuators, and subsystems; communicate algorithms with diagrams, pseudo-code, or code.
• Analyze complex thermodynamic-mechatronic systems using experimental data to build plant models.
• Support reliability and manufacturing testing of control systems.
• Analyze data to assess performance and inform requirements and design decisions.
• Support fleet generator operation to enhance reliability and performance.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Self-directed

Education

BS + 5 years experience

MS + 3 years experience

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

C++

Python

Job description

Do you love thermodynamics and dynamic system control? Have you thought about thermodynamic cycles as both continuous and discrete dynamic systems? As other industries convert their thermodynamic machines to electromagnetic machines and electrify their platforms, would you like to help generate that clean electricity?

Linear generators are a new platform that take advantage of mechanically unconstrained piston motion to cleanly and efficiently oxidize a variety of environmentally friendly fuels with disparate properties (like biogas, hydrogen, and ammonia). The linear generator reaction is close to an ideal Otto cycle, so knowledge and intuition of engine control, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics are applicable here.

Mainspring has a high-impact opportunity for a Senior Controls Engineer on our reaction control team to help optimize the system performance by incorporating physics-based models with modern control algorithms to improve reliability, prolong service intervals, and increase power and efficiency.

• Implement models, algorithms, and continuous-integration (MIL, SIL, PIL) tests in C++
• Develop novel fuel, air, compression ratio, and cooling automation and control strategies to improve performance, reliability, and expand the capabilities of the generator to address customer needs
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments using Python on virtual or real generators to realize the impact of your work on real generators
• Collaborate with other controls engineers on designs and architectures
• Debug sensors, actuators, and subsystems for noise and disturbances and assist in calibration, verification, and validation. Communicate algorithms with block-diagrams, pseudo-code, code, etc.
• Analyze complex thermodynamic-mechatronic systems with experimental data and create representative plant models
• Support reliability and manufacturing testing of systems under control
• Analyze data to assess performance capabilities and inform requirements and design decisions
• Support fleet generator operation to enhance reliability and performance

• Driven and self-directed enthusiastic contributor
• Excellent communicator with demonstrated collaboration across multidisciplinary teams
• Multiple years of experience designing, implementing, and testing algorithms in thermodynamic machines - experience with engines is a plus
• BS + 5 years relevant experience, MS + 3 years, or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or related degree