Senior Simulation Engineer

Are you a Control Systems Engineer with experience in flight controls, guidance systems, Hardware-in-the-Loop testing or autonomous airborne platforms? Would you like to lead the development of simulation and validation capability for next generation autonomous defence systems? Are you looking for the excitement, ownership and impact of a startup environment without the expectation of 70-hour working weeks?

If so, this opportunity may be the right next step for you.

RPS are supporting a rapidly growing defence technology company developing advanced autonomous systems designed to operate in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. Backed by world class investors and staffed by engineers, operators and leaders from across the defence, intelligence and national security communities, this organisation is building technologies that will shape the future of modern defence.

This is not a replacement hire! This is an opportunity to become one of the founding engineers within a brand new simulation and control systems capability. The successful individual will help define how the function is built, influence technical direction, and play a key role in developing the testing and validation infrastructure that underpins future product development.

For ambitious engineers, the long-term opportunity is significant. As the organisation continues to scale, there is a clear pathway to grow into Technical Lead, Engineering Manager, Director or VP-level leadership positions, helping shape both the team and the future direction of the business.

• Developing Hardware-in-the-Loop and simulation environments for autonomous airborne systems
• Integrating flight controls, guidance electronics, sensors and embedded hardware into real-time validation environments
• Designing and executing simulation scenarios to evaluate system performance under complex operational conditions
• Supporting system verification and validation activities before integration and flight testing
• Working closely with autonomy, controls, software, systems and hardware teams to solve complex technical challenges

• Experience with flight controls, guidance systems, control systems or autonomous vehicle development
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) or Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing experience within aerospace, defence, drones, missiles, eVTOL or related industries
• Experience integrating sensors, embedded systems and control architectures
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, stabilisation systems, guidance algorithms or autonomous system behaviour
• Programming capability in Python, C++, MATLAB, Simulink or similar engineering environments

This is a rare opportunity to become one of the first engineers within a brand-new simulation and controls function, helping shape both the technology and the future organisation. You'll work on some of the most advanced autonomous defence systems being developed today, with the opportunity to progress into Technical Lead, Director or VP-level roles as the company scales. Unlike many venture-backed defence businesses, the culture is built around high performance and ownership rather than excessive hours, with a typical 40-hour working week.