ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Control Engineer Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

New York University

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

... Engineering is seeking to hire a Post Doctoral Researcher/Post Doctoral Associate to join an ... The successful candidate will conduct research on high frequency model predictive control using ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobsinternship JobsControl Engineer Postdoc Jobs

Control Engineer Postdoc information

See salary details

$36K

$81K

$126.5K

How much do control engineer postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for control engineer postdoc in the United States is $81,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $97,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a control engineer postdoc?

Control Engineer Postdocs are researchers with a Ph.D. who specialize in the design, analysis, and implementation of control systems. They work in academic or industrial research settings, often focusing on advancing knowledge in areas like automation, robotics, or process control. Their responsibilities include conducting experiments, developing new algorithms or methods, publishing research findings, and sometimes mentoring students. This position is typically a temporary role intended to further develop expertise before pursuing a permanent academic or industry position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control engineer postdoc?

To thrive as a Control Engineer Postdoc, you need an advanced degree (PhD) in control engineering or a related field, with strong expertise in systems modeling, control theory, and applied mathematics. Proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and experience with programming languages like Python or C++, as well as familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop and embedded systems, are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively make a candidate stand out. These skills and qualities are critical for conducting advanced research, developing innovative control solutions, and contributing to interdisciplinary projects.

What are some common challenges faced by control engineer postdocs when transitioning from academia to industry-focused projects?

One common challenge for Control Engineer Postdocs moving into industry-oriented projects is adapting to faster-paced development cycles and stricter project deadlines. Unlike academic research, industry projects often require practical, scalable solutions rather than theoretical proofs. Additionally, postdocs may need to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including software developers, product managers, and hardware engineers, making strong communication and teamwork skills essential. This transition also often involves working with proprietary tools and adhering to industry standards, which may require additional training.

What is the difference between Control Engineer Postdoc vs Control Engineer?

AspectControl Engineer PostdocControl Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Engineering or related field, research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, professional experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic research labs, universitiesIndustrial settings, manufacturing, automation companies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutionsManufacturing firms, tech companies
Common Search & ComparisonResearch-focused roles, academic positionsIndustry-focused roles, engineering positions

The main difference between a Control Engineer Postdoc and a Control Engineer lies in their focus and work environment. A Control Engineer Postdoc is primarily involved in academic research, requiring a PhD and working in universities or research labs. In contrast, a Control Engineer typically works in industry, applying engineering principles in manufacturing or automation settings. Both roles require a strong background in control systems, but their career paths and work environments differ significantly.

More about Control Engineer Postdoc jobs

What cities are hiring for Control Engineer Postdoc jobs?

Cities with the most Control Engineer Postdoc job openings:

What states have the most Control Engineer Postdoc jobs?

States with the most job openings for Control Engineer Postdoc jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Control Engineer Postdoc jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Control Engineer Postdoc jobs are:

Control Engineer Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Engineer Postdoc job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $81,001 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Associate - Control/Sim/RL

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

$60K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Drexel University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

410th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate - Control/Sim/RL

Apply now Job no: 507049
Work type: Full-Time
Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA
Categories: Drexel University, College of Computing and Informatics, College of Engineering

Job Summary

A postdoctoral position in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics is being offered to support research in bio-inspired underwater robotics, with a focus on the development of advanced modeling and control strategies for multi-limbed swimming systems.

Primary responsibilities include the development of high-fidelity dynamic models of swimming robots, incorporating hydrodynamic and hydrostatic effects, and the design and implementation of control strategies for bio-inspired robotic platforms. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with experimental underwater robotic systems and contribute to improving the understanding and performance of these systems under realistic operating conditions.

This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.   

Essential Functions

  • Supervise undergraduate and graduate student research related to underwater bio-robotic swimmers, providing guidance on modeling, control development, and experimental validation.
  • Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, present findings at conferences and technical meetings, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information).
  • Minimum of 0-3 years of experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Expertise in high-fidelity dynamic simulation (e.g., MuJoCo, Simscape), with emphasis on underwater or fluid-interacting systems.
  • Proficiency in Python and MATLAB for control development and data analysis.
  • Experience applying reinforcement learning to control of nonlinear, multi-DoF robotic systems, particularly in locomotion or underwater contexts.
  • Familiarity with CAD and hardware-simulation integration workflows.
  • Experience with robotic hardware and sensing systems is desirable.
  • Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 is a plus.

Physical Demands

  • Typically sitting at a desk/table
  • Typically standing, walking

Location

  • University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $60,240.00 - $90,350.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

Advertised: Jul 29 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 29 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What Drexel University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply