Can you lead the control design of our cutting edge high tech satellite communication products in an energetic young startup? Do you want to be the bridge from control systems design perspective between customers, suppliers and our high tech factory to help us realize cost competitive products? Do you want to help built a start-up company? Then, read on and find out more about the position of Control Lead Engineer at FSO Instruments.

FSO Instruments is at the forefront of developing advanced laser satellite communication technology. Together with our partners and shareholders we are committed to strengthening the Dutch space industry and pushing the boundaries of communication systems to enable faster, more reliable, and secure connections between satellites, airplanes, drones and ground stations. By pushing the boundaries of what is achievable, we are shaping the future of space communication, both locally and globally.  

FSO Instruments is a Joint Venture between DEMCON and VDL that develops and manufactures optical-communication components, sub-systems, and terminals. FSO Instruments combines the strengths of DEMCON and VDL ETG, inspired by TNO technologies, to let laser satellite communication take the step towards industrialization. We have strong heritage in Semiconductor and Aerospace, and bring this to optical communications:  

• Developing and engineering of laser communication terminals  

• Modular and Standardized functional (sub-)systems for laser communication 

• High tech contract manufacturing expertise for cost-effective high-volume production.  

At FSO Instruments we work closely with dedicated partners for development and supply, as well as with our parent companies to ensure we achieve the most competitive products for the market for optical communications in space.   

• Design lead for the control & dynamics aspects of our space optical communication products. Control loop design and optimization of high (kHz) bandwidth actuators and sensors to achieve micro-radian pointing control.  
• Design of control algorithms for pointing, acquisition and tracking of our optical communication products 
• Manage partners, subcontractors and suppliers from control system & dynamics point of view. 
• Iterate and transfer of controller designs into the product software together with the software engineers 
• Work in close collaboration in a multidisciplinary (multi-company) team of optical, mechanical, systems, electrical and software engineers.  
• Work both on the theoretical/analytical side of control & dynamics as well as working with the hardware setups to verify controller designs. 
• Help write offers to customers, ESA tenders and subsidy projects.  
• Be proactive to help out wherever you can add value and help shape the company  
• Provide support in setting up the factory, tooling and production facilities from control perspective 

• You have a degree at the level of higher professional education (HBO or WO) in systems and control, mechatronics or similar 
• You have a minimum of 3 years' experience in a comparable control engineering position, preferably in the high tech industry 
• Excellent knowledge of (high-speed) control engineering and mechatronic system design.  
• Knowledge about sensors and actuators and the physical principles behind it. 
• You are enthusiastic, flexible and show initiative and perseverance 
• You are pragmatic, can work with a large degree of independence and show initiative in building the company  
• You have good command of the English language in word and writing. Good command of the Dutch language is preferable but not mandatory. 
• You are ambitious, solution-oriented, and a team player.  
• You are entrepreneurial and creative, recognize and translate technical problems or new technical developments into working (mechanical) solutions 

At FSO Instruments we have a ‘flat’ organization where people can easily find and help each other. We value a comfortable and inclusive workplace. There is a lot of emphasis put on personal needs, and we encourage a healthy work-life balance, because we know how important work-life balance is. 

Furthermore, you can count on, among other things: 

• A good, market-based salary; 
• 31 days off and 8% vacation allowance; 
• Possibility to work from home, maximum 2 days a week. 
• A good pension plan at Zwitserleven;  
• The opportunity to follow training and courses, or externally, so you can further develop your knowledge; 
• A laptop and mobile phone from work; 
• Bicycle plan. 

Please contact our recruitment colleagues at careers@fso-instruments.nl or Hessel.edelijn@demcon.com