Control Systems Engineer

About the role

HX5 is an award-winning provider of engineering, research and development, and technical services to clients such as NASA and the Department of Defense. Founded in 2004, HX5 is a fast-growing veteran- and woman-owned company with locations nationwide. HX5 is currently seeking an individual for its Electrical Engineering department to provide control systems engineering support to NASA’s Glenn Research Center (GRC) Transformational Tools and Technologies' Alternative Propulsion Focus Area which develops next-generation hybrid propulsion technologies by innovating solutions for key next-generation hybrid electric propulsion sub-systems. The development strategy includes rapidly conducting analyses, designs, assemblies, integrations, ground test and flight test cycles to evaluate the potential of novel solutions. A key goal of this work is to create a rapid, novel system design methodology for next-generation hybrid propulsion through identifying and evaluating open-source software packages and artificial intelligence packages that have the potential to accelerate design cycles from idea to hardware flight implementation.

Responsibilities

• Provide control systems engineering support for NASA GRC's Alternative Propulsion Focus Area
• Conduct analyses, designs, assemblies, integrations, ground test and flight test cycles for hybrid electric propulsion sub-systems
• Identify and evaluate open-source software and AI packages to accelerate design cycles from idea to hardware flight implementation
• Develop rapid, novel system design methodology for next-generation hybrid propulsion

Requirements

• Hands-on experience designing and testing control systems
• Practical experience with the open-source PX4 platform, version control, and modifying custom control allocation (mixers) for complex multi-actuator configurations
• Experience with Matlab UAV toolbox, Matlab autocode and hardware deployment
• Experience prototyping and physically integrating complex electromechanical systems (multiple motors/EDFs, thrust vectoring servos, aerodynamic control surfaces)
• Ability to integrate and interpret data from various navigation sensors
• Education and experience combination: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with 2 to 5 years of experience, OR Master’s degree with 0 to 2 years of experience
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency
• Ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation

Skills

• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and systematic testing skills for safe experimental demonstrations on integrated ground test beds
• Solid understanding of CAN bus architecture (DroneCAN protocol) for reliable internal data routing
• Familiarity with redundant RF communication integration
• Strong technical documentation skills, including photography and videography to record test bed operations, hardware integration, and experimental outcomes

Benefits

• Relocation Assistance
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• 401(k) plan with Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pet Insurance