Control Engineer

Job Type: Permanent Full Time, On-site / hybrid

The Company

Luffy AI is an exciting high-tech startup developing adaptive neural networks for industrial control.

Luffy specialises in adaptive neural networks that can be trained in simulation on digital twins and successfully transferred into real world systems. Our networks use neural plasticity to learn the dynamics of the equipment they are placed in and continue to adapt long after training. These innovations allow us to overcome the problems of using Machine Learning in control system applications.

Our transformational AI technology allows manufacturers to improve productivity and save energy. It also allows robotics companies to extend the operating envelope of their machines, making more robust and capable robotics. This revolutionary control technology is a key enabler of Industry 4.0, with huge potential in foundation industries such as metals, glass and cement manufacturing, as well as robotic systems such as industrial arms, drones and sub-sea UAVs.

The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic Control Engineer to join our multidisciplinary applications team. You will be working on state-of-the-art automation and control, applying our novel AI approaches to real-world environments, building AI controllers for R&D projects and commercial customers.

This dynamic role is perfect for someone with a broad interest in disciplines such as control engineering, simulation and modelling, industrial processes, robotics, mechatronics, AI technologies and software engineering.

Ideally, you will have strong software engineering skills, and enjoy working on challenging, multifaceted problems with real-world applications. Experience of working with mechatronics systems would be a significant advantage.

You will start work immediately on a grant funded research project into AI control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Longer term you will have the opportunity to work on further research projects, as well as commercial contracts that Luffy AI is pursuing in various areas of industrial controls (AI control of industrial motors, furnaces, etc.) as well as drones and robotics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and build robotics and engineering test rigs to test the capabilities of our AI controllers in real and challenging environments.
• Design AI training environments to develop or improve an AI controller. Analyse the training and performance of AI controllers in digital twin environments and real environments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
• Develop physics engines and digital twin simulations of industrial processes and robotics hardware as part of the training curriculum.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, product managers and other stakeholders to meet customers’ needs.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• University degree in a relevant area of engineering/science (mechatronics, computer science, physics, etc.). An advanced degree may be an advantage but is not required.
• Relevant work experience (either through University projects or employment).
• Capable of learning Luffy’s proprietary AI software stack and developing AI controllers.
• Strong programming skills and good familiarity with Python and/or C++.
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• No specific expertise in AI technologies is required. However, it would be advantageous if you already have an active interest in AI and its potential in control systems.
• Experience with control systems (e.g. PID, MPC, etc.) either through course work or real world projects (e.g. controlling robotic manipulators or drones) would also be an advantage.

Behaviours and personal characteristics:

• High degree of autonomy.
• Able to learn new applications and technologies rapidly. Enthusiasm for learning. Comfortable picking up new technologies and techniques.
• A desire to help other people solve their problems.
• Product focused, good prioritisation skills.
• Team player.

Benefits:

• Salary depending on experience and capability assessment during the interview process. 2 - 5 years experience: £35k - £50k per year, 5+ years experience: £45k - £65k per year.
• EMI share options scheme.
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.