JOB TITLE: Mechatronic/Robotics Engineer (Servo Control)
REPORTS TO: Senior Applications Engineer/ Head of R&D
DEPARTMENT: Research and Development
About the Role:
This role supports the development, testing, and commissioning of servo‑based motion systems used in defence applications. Working within a multi‑disciplinary R&D team, the engineer contributes to servo control implementation, motion behaviour tuning, and system‑level integration.
The role is hands‑on and technically varied, involving electrical, mechanical and software considerations. The engineer assists in implementing control logic (primarily in C++) and supports activities from early prototyping through to field commissioning, helping to ensure motion performance meets project and capability goals.
The main responsibilities include:
Servo System Design & Control
Assist in designing servo‑control solutions, including motor/actuator selection and basic torque/speed analysis.
Apply core control‑theory methods (e.g., PID tuning, stability considerations) under guidance.
Support optimisation of position, velocity, and torque loops.
Develop and modify C++ control software for motion logic, feedback handling, and simple diagnostics.
Configure and validate drive parameters such as limits, gains, profiles, and safety settings.
Participate in on‑site installation, troubleshooting, and acceptance testing under supervision.
Support field trials, demonstrations, and iterative performance tuning.
System Integration
Assist in integrating servo systems with mechanical assemblies, embedded controllers, sensors, and other system components.
Read and interpret electrical schematics and motor/drive datasheets.
Work with mechanical, electronics, and software teams to ensure kinematic behaviour aligns with system intent.
Help investigate system‑level issues such as friction, alignment, resonance, or noise.
Testing, Validation & Prototyping
Contribute to test plans covering functional behaviour, dynamic response, and safety features.
Use measurement tools (oscilloscopes, current probes, data capture systems) to characterise servo behaviour.
Support prototype builds, motion testing, and comparison of real‑world performance with analytical models.
Contribute to fault‑finding and root‑cause analysis during development cycles.
Documentation & Technical Support
Produce configuration notes, tuning records, test reports, and technical documentation for internal R&D use.
Contribute to continuous improvement of servo practices, tools, and team capability.
About the Person
Essential
Education
Degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, or similar.
Equivalent practical experience also considered, alongside Mathematics or Physics education upto degree level.
Core Technical Skills
In depth knowledge of modelling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink
Experience with multi‑axis motion systems, robotics, or kinematic modelling.
Practical experience configuring or working with servo drives and motors.
Exposure to AC/DC servo drives, encoders, resolvers, or equivalent devices.
Ability to read electrical schematics and understand basic electro‑mechanical assemblies.
Competent coding ability in C++ for control‑related tasks.
Comfortable using measurement equipment for electrical and motion characterisation.
Engineering Approach
Methodical, test‑driven mindset.
Good diagnostic ability across electrical, mechanical, and control domains.
Hands‑on capability with mechanical/electrical assembly work.
Willingness to learn new control algorithms, tools, and commissioning techniques.
Desirable
Exposure to defence or harsh‑environment industrial systems.
Experience working within R&D or prototyping environments.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
Work within the R&D department as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
Occasional travel to customer sites in the UK and abroad, with occasional unsocial working hours.
Ability to work within time, cost, and quality constraints.
Key Working Relationships:
Internal
R&D Engineers
Engineering Department
Field Service Engineers & Technical Staff.
Head of Operations
External
Suppliers
Customer Point of Contact.
Customer operational teams.
Supply Chain