Senior/Lead Mechatronics Control-Loop Specialist – Laser Pointing & Tracking (f/m/d)
We are looking for a Senior Mechatronics Control-Loop Specialist to design and model high-precision laser pointing and tracking systems for free-space optical (FSO) communications. The role focuses on dynamic modeling, control-loop architecture for Coarse and Fine Pointing Assemblies (CPA/FPA), and stabilization using inertial and navigation sensors.
What You'll Do
- Design hierarchical and cascaded control-loop architectures for CPA and FPA
- Design and tune control algorithms such as:
- Nonlinear Control Algorithms (Dynamic Inversion, Incremental Control)
- Lead-lag, notch filters for sensor data processing
- State-space controllers and observers
- Kalman filtering for sensor fusion
- Analyze stability and performance in time and frequency domains
- Support transition from simulation to real-time implementation
- Develop dynamic models in MATLAB/Simulink for FPA/CPA, fast steering mechanisms, digital control elements (sampling, latency, quantization), optical sensors
- Model disturbances such as platform vibration, sensor noise and delays
- Define loop bandwidths, stability margins, and pointing/jitter performance
- Integrate IMUs and/or dual-antenna GPS for stabilization and feed-forward control
- Manage coordinate frames and transformations (body, inertial, sensor, optical)
- Support simulation correlation, Hardware-in-the-Loop, and laboratory testing
- Be close with the software team to implement algorithms
What You Bring
- MSc or PhD in Mechatronics, Control Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics, Optics, or related field
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in control-loop design for precision mechatronic or opto-mechanical systems
- Strong background in nonlinear control theory and system dynamics
- Proven experience with MATLAB/Simulink
- Experience with Automatic Code Generation
- Experience with CPA/FPA or equivalent coarse/fine pointing systems
- Hands-on experience with IMUs and/or dual-antenna GPS
- Solid understanding of coordinate frames, rotations, and transformations
Preferred Skills
- Experience with free-space optical (FSO) communication systems
- Knowledge of Fine-Steering Mirrors FSMs, MEMS, piezo or voice-coil actuators
- Experience with embedded, DSP, or FPGA-based control implementation
- Background in spaceborne, airborne, or mobile platforms
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Shape next-gen laser communication technology with real-world impact
- Work in a deeptech startup backed by top-tier research and strategic partners
- Join an inspiring, international, mission-driven, agile team
- Flat hierarchies, real ownership, and the chance to grow with us
- A mix of lab, field, and flight testing - no two days are the same
Who We Are
Cucuyo develops and manufactures communication systems for unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs and ground stations). We are a start-up located in Krailling near Munich. You will be part of a team of technical experts to build an exciting future for the company.
Interested? Then send us your application to info@cucuyo.group.