Control Systems Engineer

Vessev is creating a new era of how we move on water, and we need a world-class Control Systems Engineer to join the crew. The role will be fast-paced, demanding, and exceptionally rewarding for the right person.

Our Vessel Controls team are responsible for the firmware, algorithms, modelling, and simulation that allows our vessels to take flight on high-performance embedded platforms.

You're likely someone who has experience from the aerospace, defense, or automotive industries with a simulation and modelling background using Python, MATLAB, and the Simulink toolkit. Familiarity with embedded systems and low-level software languages would also be an advantage.

You do not need to be an expert in marine, hydrofoiling, or electric vehicles, but you do need to be intelligent, willing to muck-in, creative, and curious.

We are making an iconic New Zealand company - something that is cherished by everyone who interacts with us. Our dream is for you to create something that you are insanely proud of.

You do not need to meet every requirement to apply. 

• Masters or PhD in Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent.

• 2+ years of relevant industry experience in control systems development using model-based techniques like optimal (LQR, MPC) and robust control, and/or simulation and modelling of vehicle dynamics.

• Good taste in developing clean, effective tools to automate routine work.

• Strong teamwork skills with an ability to effectively interact and work with other engineering disciplines.

• Proactive, enthusiastic, self-motivated, and open to learning.

• Work closely with the Lead Control Systems Engineer on the development and implementation of control laws for our foiling platforms.

• Run studies with our 6DOF simulator to evaluate different control concepts.

• Building control system prototypes in Python or MATLAB to run in the simulator.

• An appreciation of software-in-the-loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments.

• Evaluating sensors to use as input to the control systems.

• Work closely with our Embedded Systems Engineers to implement the algorithms you develop with our vehicle firmware.

• Develop a deep understanding of how mechanical systems fit with electrical, structure, and control systems to form the bigger picture of vessel control.

Our purpose at Vessev is to propel a more liveable world - one with better commutes, fewer cars on the roads, additional routes to affordable housing, better connections with nature, clean air, and clean water. We're doing that by designing and manufacturing electric hydrofoiling vessels - the most performant electric vessels ever. Through extraordinary increases in efficiency and comfort - they unlock entirely new sustainable opportunities on our under-utilised waterways.

We value trust, honesty, and a certain can-do spirit that only comes from the desire to blow expectations out of the water. Above all else - we care about doing our best work. Our team have built America's Cup-winning racing yachts, delivered orbital rockets into space, created iconic international technology products, earned multiple PhDs, and helped build existing internationally renowned companies. We are backed by some of the best including Blackbird Ventures, Icehouse Ventures, and K1W1.

There are 33 million vessels in the world today, and nearly all of them are fossil fuel-powered. Demand for practical, sustainable solutions is growing exponentially in every sector, and marine is no exception. What we are creating at Vessev is the most performant way to move on the water and will have a large role to play in this once-in-a-generation transition.

We're not just making electric boats. We are making better boats that can make a genuine impact.

Together, we can propel a more liveable world.

Important events are nearly always held in person. That sense of connection and spontaneity cannot be replaced, and the work that we do is no exception. We believe in an office-first culture for the highly collaborative and world-class nature of what we do. "Flying boats to help save the world" will need more than Zoom calls to take flight. 

Being in the office lets us build real relationships—not just through meetings but through the everyday interactions that create trust and a sense of teamwork. These connections allow us to disagree, give feedback and do meaningful and aligned work. Some of the best ideas come from quick conversations or impromptu brainstorming sessions. Being in the same space makes it easier to share thoughts and solve problems together. Working side by side helps us make decisions quickly, stay aligned, and keep pushing the ball forward.

With that being said, we are office first, but not office only. We place a huge amount of trust in our team to do what is best for Vessev. Ultimately, we are a sum that is greater than its parts and being together is what helps us reach extraordinary outcomes.

• We are developing a foundational technology for the future of marine sustainability. There are fewer than 100 electric hydrofoiling vessels on the water today. We are at the earliest innings of this great transition and joining Vessev is a chance to make some waves (metaphorically speaking).

• Genuine impact - the technology we are creating isn't just green. It uses up to 90% less energy than conventional vessels and has used economic benefits to propel its adoption.

• "First flights" are massive memorable events that we all share in and coming up we will have some huge events associated with our larger vessels.

• A hugely talented and collaborative team to work with. 

• Our products are quite public - we're not just creating an iconic New Zealand company, we will be creating an iconic company on the global stage.

• We offer 20 weeks fully paid parental leave for primary caregivers and 4 weeks fully paid secondary caregiver leave (conditions apply).

• We offer attractive remuneration packages made up of salary, and generous employee stock ownership plans (role dependent)

• Usage of our 1500sqm facility and tools for personal projects (conditions apply)

• Being on the water is part of our job - our facility even borders the Tamaki River with outdoor seating available for daily use. 

• If the water is where you want to be, you will find no shortage of boaters, beach goers, sailors, foilers, surfers, and kiteboarders in our community.

Vessev is committed to creating the best possible work experiences that we can - a place where everyone can do their best work. Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women and under-represented groups of candidates tend to only apply when they meet every requirement. If you think you have what it takes but don't necessarily tick every requirement on this job description, please still get in touch and apply to Vessev.

We'd love to chat to see if you'll be an epic fit

If this opportunity sounds like you, please apply below by sending through your cover letter explaining why you're excited about this role and working at Vessev, along with your CV, and we'll be in touch

If you have questions please send them to  

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