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Control Engineer Postdoc Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Guidehouse

Bioinformatics Scientist

Bethesda, MD

$65K - $108K/yr

Provide scientific mentorship and guidance to students, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and ... Provide programming and troubleshooting support to the Federal Government in the dissemination of ...

Guidehouse

Bioinformatics Scientist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$65K - $108K/yr

Provide scientific mentorship and guidance to students, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and ... Provide programming and troubleshooting support to the Federal Government in the dissemination of ...

Axle

Biologist

Rockville, MD · On-site

With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on ... Perform laboratory quality control, including upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment upon ...

Axle

Biologist

Rockville, MD · On-site

With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on ... Perform laboratory quality control, including upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment upon ...

Axle

Biologist

Rockville, MD

With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on ... Perform laboratory quality control, including upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment upon ...

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All JobsControl Engineer Postdoc JobsControl Engineer Postdoc Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Control Engineer Postdoc information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$36.8K

$82.8K

$129.4K

How much do control engineer postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for control engineer postdoc in Ashburn, VA is $82,832.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,400.00 and $99,200.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Ashburn, VA?

For Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Ashburn, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

Control Engineer Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Engineer Postdoc job openings in Ashburn, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,832 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004135)

Johns Hopkins University

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Postdoctoral Research Associate (PREP)
Scanning SQUID Metrology for Superconducting Electronics
This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP), which supports collaborative research between NIST scientists and researchers at PREP-affiliated academic institutions. The position is ideal for early-career researchers seeking to build an independent research profile while working at the forefront of superconducting electronics and quantum-enabled metrology.
Research Opportunity
Advancing Scanning SQUID Metrology for High-Speed Superconducting Circuits
The postdoctoral associate will conduct original research focused on developing advanced scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry to study superconducting electronic systems. Core research directions include improving SQUID sensor performance, imaging and understanding flux trapping, and evaluating mitigation strategies in high-speed superconducting circuits.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and shape research directions, contribute to the design and construction of next-generation scanning SQUID instrumentation, and apply these tools to cutting-edge superconducting devices. Our group has deep expertise in microwave metrology, nanoscale device characterization, and superconducting circuit design, fabrication, and measurement.
Key Responsibilities and Opportunities
The postdoctoral associate will have the opportunity to:
  • Lead scanning SQUID imaging studies of trapped flux, superconducting circuits, and novel devices
  • Develop and optimize SQUID sensors and measurement techniques
  • Design and perform high-speed electronic measurements (>10 GHz)
  • Design and fabricate novel superconducting circuits and/or sensors using NIST's advanced cleanroom facilities
  • Develop rigorous data analysis pipelines with appropriate statistical validation
  • Publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present findings at major scientific conferences
  • Collaborate closely with NIST scientists while maintaining scientific independence and ownership of research outcomes
  • Contribute to documentation, software, and data archiving to support long-term impact of the work

Mentorship and Professional Development
This position provides strong mentorship from NIST staff scientists and is structured to support:
  • Development of an independent research program
  • A strong publication record
  • Visibility within the superconducting electronics and quantum metrology communities
  • Preparation for academic, national laboratory, or industry research careers

Qualifications
Required qualifications:
  • PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field (completed or near completion)
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications
  • Demonstration of hands-on experimental research experience with publication(s), e.g. description of experiments constructed, devices fabricated, etc.

Desired qualifications:
  • Experience with cryogenic measurements
  • Experience with scanning SQUID imaging
  • Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for data analysis and experiment control
  • U.S. citizen preferred

Application Instructions
Please upload the following with your application:
• CV/Resume
*Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Your resume will not be considered if the following information is included on your CV/resume.
• Self portraits
• Phone number
• Home address/Country
• Citizenship status
• Languages spoken
• Sex/Gender
• Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876

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