Solar Tracking and Beam Steering Model/Algorithm Development

We are looking for an experienced MATLAB/Simulink Controls Engineer to develop and validate a control algorithm for an optical sun-tracking system. The project focuses on creating a simulation-based control solution using MATLAB, Simulink, Simscape Multibody, and Stateflow. The selected freelancer will work on system modeling, sun-position calculations, control architecture design, and control algorithm development. PLC implementation and deployment will be handled separately by our team. To see in-depth details, please see the Scope of Work below. We are open to another platform like Python or COMSOL Multiphysics for this, however, from our current understanding Mathworks looks be a good fit. Scope of Work 1. System Review & Requirements Analysis Review existing system documentation and project requirements. Understand system geometry, tracking requirements, and operational constraints. Define modeling assumptions and control objectives. Recommend an appropriate control strategy for the tracking system. 2. System Modeling Import and configure the available CAD model into Simscape Multibody. Develop the plant model representing the mechanical tracking system. Create a sun-position calculation subsystem using latitude, longitude, date, and time inputs. Generate required outputs such as tracking angle, angular velocity, and position references. Define subsystem interfaces and overall model architecture. 3. Control Algorithm Development Design and implement the tracking control algorithm. Evaluate suitable control structures (PID, cascaded loops, feedforward compensation, or other approaches as appropriate). Develop supervisory logic using Stateflow where necessary. Generate control outputs suitable for motor control applications (e.g., position, speed, RPM, or voltage commands). Optimize tracking accuracy, stability, and response performance. 4. Simulation, Validation & Documentation Validate the control algorithm under representative operating scenarios. Perform simulation-based testing and performance evaluation. Document assumptions, control architecture, and test results. Participate in periodic technical review meetings. Deliver a well-organized MATLAB/Simulink project with documentation. Required Skills MATLAB Simulink Simscape Multibody Stateflow Control System Design Dynamic System Modeling Motion Control Systems Model-Based Design Simulation & Validation Preferred Experience Solar tracking systems Robotics or motion control applications Multi-loop control system design Deliverables Simscape Multibody plant model Sun-position calculation subsystem Control algorithm implementation Simulation and validation results Documentation of assumptions, methodology, and performance Please provide: Examples of relevant MATLAB/Simulink control system projects. Experience with Simscape Multibody and Stateflow. Experience developing motion control or tracking algorithms. Estimated timeline and hourly rate.