GA Drilling is developing next-generation drilling technologies to unlock geothermal energy anywhere on Earth. Our mission is to make geothermal a globally scalable, baseload source of clean power by enabling access to hard, hot rock at depths and temperatures that conventional drilling cannot reach economically. Our work demands mastery across electronics, hydraulics, mechanics, systems, and control to create products that survive and perform in harsh, high-temperature, high-load downhole conditions.

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We are looking for a Control Systems Engineer with 3+ years of experience to drive the design, simulation, and control of the actuation systems integral to our downhole tools.

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You will be based at our Brazil office in Rio de Janeiro.

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The opportunity for you

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You will be part of a fast-moving, geographically distributed, and culturally diverse organization working on technically challenging projects. You will own the modeling, control design, and validation of actuation systems for our downhole drilling tools — collaborating with electrical, hydraulics, firmware, and mechanical engineers across the prototype-to-commercial transition. Your work will directly influence GA Drilling's ability to commercialize technology and accelerate the global energy transition.

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Responsibilities

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1. Electrical Design
   • Design and develop electro-electronic and actuation systems for High Voltage tools, from initial requirements definition and conceptual schematic to analysis and simulation.
   • Conduct calculations and simulations to validate system performance and predict fluid behavior under various downhole conditions, including high pressure and temperature.
   • Creating system block diagrams, schematics, wiring harnesses and detailed electrical designs using engineering design software
   • Providing technical support to field service technicians and on-site drilling crews to resolve operational problems.
2. Modeling, Simulation & Control Design
   • Design and develop electro-electronic and actuation systems for high-voltage downhole tools, from initial requirements definition and conceptual schematic to analysis and simulation.
   • Develop high-fidelity, multi-domain (electrical, control) dynamic models of the actuation system using tools like Simscape and MATLAB/Simulink...
   • Conduct calculations and simulations to validate system performance and predict fluid behavior under downhole conditions, including high pressure and high temperature.
   • Collaborate with firmware engineers on the implementation, optimization, and real-time testing of control algorithms on embedded processors.
3. Qualification, Testing & Field Support
   • Create system block diagrams, schematics, wiring harnesses, and detailed electrical designs using engineering CAD software.
   • Define and execute rigorous component- and system-level validation plans, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation and extreme environmental testing (e.g., flow loop, hot box).
   • Provide technical support to field service technicians and on-site drilling crews to resolve operational problems, and perform root cause analysis on field failures related to hydraulics, control stability, or actuation performance, driving timely design modifications.
   • Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including design reports, FMEAs, and qualification procedures.
   • Support a positive and proactive HSE culture, adhere to HSE regulations and quality procedures, and help maintain a safe, organized work environment.

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What we expect from you

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1. Experience & Technical Domain Knowledge
   • 3+ yers of professional experience in control systems, dynamic modeling, and electrical design.
   • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Power Electronics, Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
   • Expertise in MATLAB, Simulink, and Simscape for modeling and control design.
   • Proficiency with electronics simulation and CAD tools used to model, simulate, and design electronic devices.
   • Deep understanding of control logic and power-electronics principles.
   • Experience with advanced control techniques (e.g., optimal control, non-linear control).
   • Ability to work in both Portuguese and English.
   • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to read and interpret technical documentation, drawings, and schematics.
2. Customer Interface & Cross-Functional Collaboration
   • Experience working alongside engineers, field representatives, and drilling crews to support testing, deployments, and on-site troubleshooting.
   • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to capture lab and field test observations as clear, actionable feedback for engineering.
3. Execution, Testing & Operational Excellence
   • High attention to detail and discipline across design reports, simulation results, FMEAs, and qualification procedures.
   • Demonstrated ability to work independently, executing project plans from high-level direction and delivering reliably against schedule and milestones.
   • Experience driving root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement from test and field results.
   • Ability to balance speed and rigor in fast-moving, technically challenging environments.
4. Professional Mindset & Working Style
   • Hands-on, practical mindset with a strong bias toward action and problem solving.
   • Comfortable in the lab, on the shop floor, and at field locations as required, including travel.
   • Strong safety and quality focus, with respect for procedures while helping refine them as systems and processes mature.
   • Adaptable and resilient in early-stage and transitioning-to-commercial technology environments. Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback that improves equipment performance and reliability.

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Nice to have

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• Experience with embedded firmware development or real-time control on embedded processors.
• Experience with hydraulics, fluid power systems, or high-pressure/high-temperature equipment.
• Exposure to oil & gas, drilling, or downhole tool qualification standards.
• Interest in geothermal energy, drilling systems, or high-temperature downhole environments.

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What we offer:

• Opportunity to develop unique and innovative technological solutions which have the potential to change the world.
• The satisfaction of solving challenges associated with making ultra-deep geothermal energy a commercial reality.
• Be part of an experienced, global and highly motivated team.
• Collaborate with the world’s top industry players.
• Competitive industry compensation & benefits.

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