Automotive Control Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 all facets of engineering—electronics, hydraulics, mechanics, systems, and control—and project management to create products that can survive and perform in harsh, high-temperature, high-load downhole conditions. Our technologies include smart downhole anchoring and drive systems that control the drilling process at the bit, plasma-based rock-destruction systems that fracture rock ahead of the drill bit, and innovative reeled drillstrings that redefine how hard-rock wells are constructed. These innovations—whether deployed individually or integrated into a groundbreaking autonomous reeled drilling system—enable hard-rock wells to be drilled further, faster, and safer than conventional technologies. With engineering teams in the USA, Brazil, the UK, and across Europe, and strong collaboration with leading operators, GA Drilling is progressing rapidly toward commercial deployment of these technologies.

We are seeking an engineer with 10+ years’ experience in electronics design, testing and manufacturing for downhole drilling systems, as well as prototyping operating and debugging the associated test equipment. The ideal candidate will be equally well versed in design, analysis, and test.

You will be based at our UK (Tewkesbury) office.

• Develop electronic hardware, analog and digital circuits, and embedded systems for downhole measurement and control applications.
• Creating system block diagrams, schematics, wiring harnesses and detailed electrical designs using engineering design software.
• Designing and implementing electrical stress tests (e.g., pressure, temperature, vibration) to ensure product reliability and durability.
• Conducting prototype board bring-up, functional testing, and performance analysis.
• Troubleshooting electronic faults at the component and system level using diagnostic tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and spectrum analyzers.
• Providing technical support to field service technicians and on-site drilling crews to resolve operational problems.
• Look-ahead at validation requirements, and develop/execute test plans and test setups, utilizing both firmware and hardware debugging tools
• Support a positive and proactive HSE culture and ensure that all activities adhere to HSE Policy.

• 10+ years of electronics engineering experience experience, ideally within advanced engineering, drilling technology, or complex industrial product development environments.
• Experience with Motor Control Electronic Circuits, such as Motor Drivers and Position Feedback circuits used in diverse applications, including Oil & Gas drilling, electric actuators, automation systems, electric vehicles, and others.
• Experience with DC-DC Converters, such as Buck/Boost and Flyback Converters used in Power Supplies and present in a large variety of industrial and consumer electronics, from computers and smartphones to permanent downhole installations for Oil & Gas.
• Experience with Analog/Digital Filters used for various applications, including mobile networks, radio, satellite transmission, medical devices and Oil & Gas sensors and permanent signals monitoring.
• Experience with Sensors found in most industrial and commercial electronics, from smartphones, automobiles and thermostats to permanent downhole installations for Oil & Gas.
• Experience with Electronics Simulation and CAD Tools for Electronics used in the industry to model, simulate and design electronic devices.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, executing project plans based on high-level direction and delivering reliably against schedule and milestones.
• Ability to provide and receive constructive, technically grounded feedback, contributing to improved product performance and reliability.
• Qualification: BSEE or MSEE preferred.

• 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