Senior Reaction Controls Engineer

Ring Inc; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Benefits

Job summary

Mainspring is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to advance reaction control for a novel linear generator platform. You will model, simulate, and validate control strategies using C++ and Python, integrating physics-based models with modern algorithms.

The role emphasizes reliability, testing, and performance optimization in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate brings experience in thermodynamic machines, engine-like control, and a Ph.D./MS/BS with several years of

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 capabilities of the generator
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments using Python on virtual or real generators to realize 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.
• 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

Skills

Excellent communicator

Collaboration across multidisciplinary

Algorithms in thermodynamic machines

Self-directed

Education

BS + 5 years relevant experience, MS + 3 years, or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or related degree

Tools

C++

Python

Job description

Job Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications

• 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

$134,000 - $159,000 a year

This is a hybrid position (onsite + remote) at our Menlo Park HQ. It will require you to be onsite as required to perform testing, troubleshooting, manufacturing support, etc. The salary will be adjusted to reflect local market conditions based on employee location as well as the experience of the employee. Along with the base salary, Mainspring offers pre-IPO stock options + benefits.