Senior Simulations Engineer

Job Description

At Kitepower, we're taking wind energy to new heights. Our simulation environment is at the heart of this mission, enabling us to design, test, and optimize our next-generation airborne wind energy systems. The simulation includes an aircraft and an electromechanical power conversion system. The focus of this position is on developing and applying system identification methods to model and understand the dynamic behavior of the kite and ground station. You will design flight maneuvers of the kite and use data-driven models that support control development and optimize performance. Your work will directly influence how our technology behaves in flight and how much energy it can generate.

What you will be doing

This position is about innovation and precision. You'll push the limits of simulation fidelity and performance, developing models that accurately represent the most challenging flight conditions. You will collaborate with our control, software, and hardware teams to integrate models into real-time navigation systems.

• Simulations: Translate mathematical models from the literature into simulation code. Design experiments to validate simulation models. Architect and maintain a flexible and efficient simulation code structure, including efficient APIs for fast coordination between simulations and software modules.
• Kite and Ground Station modeling: Develop and refine physics-based models of the kite and ground station, enhanced with AI/ML techniques for improved prediction, control, and system optimization.
• Flight dynamics: Model and analyze the aerodynamic and dynamic behavior of the kite in flight, including trajectory optimization. Combine physics-based simulation with data-driven insights to improve flight performance. You'll also contribute to aerodynamic and control analyses to enhance flight stability, performance, and energy productivity.
• Tools & Technologies: Our simulation model is developed in Julia, though experience in other simulation languages (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, Modelica) is highly relevant. For modeling and data analysis and tasks automation, we primarily use Python. Our kite control software is implemented in C++, and proficiency in this language is required. Knowledge of system identification and control theory will help you thrive in this role.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate with a strong theoretical foundation and practical experience in dynamic system simulation and identification. The ideal profile includes:

• A PhD or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in simulation environments, developing numerical simulations for dynamical systems.
• Proven expertise in System Identification, Modeling or State Estimation.
• Hands-on experience in designing and executing experiments for model validation.
• Strong Python programming skills for modeling and data analysis.

Bonus points for experience with aerodynamics, control systems, mechatronics, or energy systems. Julia and Linux experience are also considered a plus.

Why us?

At Kitepower, we believe that changing the world should be an exciting and rewarding journey. We invest in our team members' growth and well-being, offering a package that includes:

• An attractive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• A key role in a pioneering company at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution.
• High impact: the direct opportunity to see your work materialize and make a tangible difference in accelerating the world's transition to clean energy.
• A dynamic culture: a flat, open, and collaborative work environment where your ideas are valued and your voice is heard.
• Innovation-driven work: the chance to tackle unique, complex challenges with cutting-edge technology, from simulation to flight.
• Professional growth: continuous learning opportunities in a multidisciplinary field that blends aerospace, mechatronics, power systems and software.

If you want to help shape the future of renewable energy, challenge yourself with cutting-edge technology, and make a real impact on the world, Kitepower is the place to be.