Simulation & Control Systems Engineer

An advanced drilling technology company is developing next-generation downhole systems aimed at enabling deep geothermal energy and other hard-rock applications. The work involves designing tools that operate reliably in extreme downhole environments and pushing the limits of what conventional drilling systems can do.

With engineering teams across the US, UK, and Europe, the company is moving from development into early commercial deployment and is expanding its controls and simulation capability.

The Role

We’re looking for a Simulation and Controls Engineer to take ownership of the modeling, simulation, and control of downhole actuation systems. This role plays a key part in how these tools behave at the bit and how they perform under real drilling conditions.

The position is based in North Houston

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

Dynamic Modeling & Simulation

• Develop high-fidelity, multi-domain dynamic models (hydraulic, mechanical, and control) using MATLAB/Simulink and Simscape
• Run simulations to predict drilling response, including steerability, torque and drag effects, and mitigation of stick-slip

Control System Design & Implementation

• Design, tune, and validate closed-loop control algorithms (adaptive PID, state-space, MPC, etc.) for precise force and motion control
• Collaborate with embedded and firmware engineers to implement and test control algorithms on real-time hardware

Testing, Qualification & Field Support

• Define and execute component- and system-level test and qualification plans, including HIL and extreme-environment testing
• Perform root-cause analysis on test or field issues related to hydraulics, controls, or actuation performance
• Create and maintain engineering documentation such as design reports, FMEAs, and qualification procedures

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in control systems, dynamic modeling, and hydraulics, including 3+ years with downhole tools (RSS, MWD, or similar)
• Strong MATLAB/Simulink experience for modeling and control design
• Solid understanding of electro-hydraulic servo systems and fluid power principles
• Familiarity with downhole sealing and fluid compensation systems
• Exposure to advanced control techniques (optimal, nonlinear, or model-based control)

What’s On Offer:

• Work on technically challenging systems operating in extreme environments
• A high-impact role with real ownership of core tool behavior
• Collaboration with an experienced, international engineering team