Controls Engineer

Mach Industries•San Luis Obispo, CA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition. Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security. We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to support the development and testing of next-generation small turbojet engines. This role will focus on the design, integration, and operation of engine test control systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition architectures used in ground and development testing. You will work closely with the test and design teams to develop automated control systems for test stands and engine rigs, enabling rapid iteration and high-fidelity performance characterization of turbine propulsion systems. This is a hands-on role ideal for engineers who thrive in fast-paced test environments and want to directly contribute to the development and validation of advanced propulsion technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field.
2+ years of experience in controls systems, test automation, or propulsion system development.
Experience designing or integrating data acquisition and control systems for complex hardware systems.
Familiarity with control theory and real-time control software implementation.
Experience working with instrumentation, sensors, and hardware interfaces.
Ability to work hands-on in laboratory or test environments.
Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information.

Nice To Haves

Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or PLC programming.
Knowledge of engine control systems such as FADEC, fuel control units, and actuator systems.
Familiarity with real-time data systems, high-speed data acquisition, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Experience integrating electromechanical systems such as valves, pumps, and servo actuators.
Experience in aerospace, defense, or propulsion R&D environments.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and maintain control systems and data acquisition architectures for turbojet engine test stands and component rigs.
Develop and deploy control software and automation frameworks to command engine systems, actuators, fuel delivery systems, and instrumentation.
Integrate sensors and instrumentation including pressure, temperature, vibration, fuel flow, and shaft speed measurements.
Design and implement real-time control algorithms for engine start, throttle scheduling, safety interlocks, and shutdown sequences.
Develop LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or PLC-based control applications for automated testing and monitoring.
Interface with propulsion engineers to implement control logic, safety limits, and operating envelopes for turbojet engines.
Perform data analysis and post-test reporting, identifying trends in engine performance, efficiency, and stability.
Troubleshoot hardware and software issues across controls systems, instrumentation, valves, and actuators during test operations.
Support test stand design and upgrades, including control cabinets, wiring architectures, and safety systems.
Contribute to root cause analysis and corrective actions related to engine test anomalies.