X4 Engineering · 4 hours ago
Simulation & Control Systems Engineer
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$150K/yr - $170K/yr
7+ years expX4 Engineering is an advanced drilling technology company focused on developing next-generation downhole systems for geothermal energy and hard-rock applications. They are seeking a Simulation and Control Systems Engineer to model, simulate, and control downhole actuation systems, ensuring their performance under real drilling conditions.
Staffing & Recruiting
Hiring Manager
George Baker
Responsibilities
Develop high-fidelity, multi-domain dynamic models (hydraulic, mechanical, and control) using MATLAB/Simulink and Simscape
Run simulations to predict drilling response, including steerability, torque and drag effects, and mitigation of stick-slip
Design, tune, and validate closed-loop control algorithms (adaptive PID, state-space, MPC, etc.) for precise force and motion control
Collaborate with embedded and firmware engineers to implement and test control algorithms on real-time hardware
Define and execute component- and system-level test and qualification plans, including HIL and extreme-environment testing
Perform root-cause analysis on test or field issues related to hydraulics, controls, or actuation performance
Create and maintain engineering documentation such as design reports, FMEAs, and qualification procedures
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field
7+ years of experience in control systems, dynamic modeling, and hydraulics, including 3+ years with downhole tools (RSS, MWD, or similar)
Strong MATLAB/Simulink experience for modeling and control design
Solid understanding of electro-hydraulic servo systems and fluid power principles
Experience designing systems for extreme environments (HPHT, shock, vibration)
Familiarity with downhole sealing and fluid compensation systems
Exposure to advanced control techniques (optimal, nonlinear, or model-based control)
Benefits
Competitive compensation and benefits
Company
X4 Engineering
X4 Engineering partner with businesses across the entire engineering spectrum, from early-stage R&D to commercial enterprises to provide world-class talent solutions.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase