Senior Systems Engineer; Controls & Simulation

We are seeking an experienced controls engineer to join Zero Avia based in Kemble. This role owns the development of control algorithms, plant modelling, and the supporting control system architecture for ZA hydrogen‑electric power systems, working across fuel cell stack, hydrogen delivery, air supply, coolant, and electrical networks.

This is a critical position supporting the delivery of certified, zero‑emission aircraft propulsion systems, directly contributing to Zero Avia's mission. The successful candidate will operate as the senior technical authority on closed‑loop performance and the realisation of control intent in airworthy embedded software; they will shape the system‑level control and monitoring architecture that frames their algorithm work, and provide cover on system performance simulation where the modelling toolchain extends to it.

• Define, develop and maintain control algorithms, including tuning, structure, and implementation
• Build and maintain multi-domain plant models (fluidic, thermal, electrical) to support control design and verification (MIL/SIL/HIL)
• Specify and validate closed-loop performance, including stability, robustness, and dynamic response
• Design control architecture elements such as observers, estimators, state machines, and fault monitoring strategies
• Lead control logic verification activities and integration into wider test and certification programmes
• Act as technical authority for control systems, ensuring alignment with safety, certification, and system performance requirements

• Degree in aerospace, electrical, electronic or control systems engineering (advanced degree preferred)
• 5+ years’ experience in safety‑critical controls engineering within aerospace or similar regulated industries
• Proven experience developing control logic for certified or certifiable systems (e.g. CS‑23/25, DO‑178C environments)
• Strong applied control theory knowledge (classical and modern methods) with ability to justify stability and robustness
• Experience in plant modelling and system identification using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink/Simscape
• Familiarity with aviation safety and development standards (e.g. DO‑178C, ARP
  4754B, ARP
  4761A) and verification methods (MIL/SIL/HIL)

• Experience with propulsion systems (e.g. FADEC, electric or hydrogen propulsion, eVTOL)
• Background in advanced control architecture (state machines, fault detection, BIT strategies)
• Proficiency in supporting tools such as Polarion, Python, or MATLAB scripting for analysis

We want to help you be your best self, at work and at home, that’s why we provide our employees with…

• Private health and dental care
  – get access to services and support when you need them. Add your family members too.
• Mental health support
  – enjoy a culture where positive mental health is front of mind with our trained Mental Health First Aiders, Employee Assistance Programmes and wellbeing support.
• Free lunch and healthy snacks
  – keeping you fuelled up so you can help us deliver the technology of the future
• Sports, games and culture clubs
  – connect and keep fit with other Zero Avians by joining one of our clubs – such as, running, cycling, padel, trivia, theatre and gardening.

• Stock options
  – so you can share in our success.
• 25 days holiday, plus public holidays and additional days awarded for long service
  – to help you manage your work‑life balance.
• Free EV Charging
  and membership in our EV Club.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes
  for EV Club, Curry's Tech and Cycle to Work
• Weekly Spot Bonuses
  to reward excellence.
• Income Protection and Legal Support
  for peace of mind.
• Relocation Support
  to make your move seamless.

As an emergent company shaping the aviation industry, we know that diversity fuels success and unlocks potential. We embrace being an equal‑opportunity employer and actively seek individuals from diverse backgrounds. We value the multitude of skills, perspectives, and mindsets everyone can bring to the table. These experiences ignite creativity, originality, and growth. We proudly reject discrimination in all forms, including that based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.