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

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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.

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Metrology of Materials, Surfaces, and Processes for Semiconductor Adv

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title: Metrology of Materials, Surfaces, and Processes for Semiconductor Advanced Packaging
The work will entail: We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to advance measurement science for next-generation hybrid advanced packaging. This role will contribute to the development of novel surface and materials metrology methods that enable predictive control of bonding processes and heterogeneous integration. The successful candidate will work within the Dynamic Mechanical Metrology Project of the Quantum Measurement Division to help establish the quantitative foundations needed for reliable, high-density microelectronic assembly, supporting national efforts to strengthen U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging technologies.
The main responsibilities are:
  • Design, model, and performance of test methods to evaluate bond quality of bonded chip pairs using different wafer materials and bond methods.
  • Design and fabrication of test rigs for bond strength measurement.
  • Implement bond strength testing at cryogenic and high temperatures.
  • Closely coordinate with teams performing materials characterization, surface and thin film thin film characterization.

Qualifications
Necessary Qualifications:
  • PhD in mechanical engineer, physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
  • Experience with wafer and/or hybrid chip bonding processes.
  • Experience with destructive test methods, such as those utilizing materials test machines or related instruments.
  • Proficiency in finite element modeling, using tools such as COMSOL or ANSYS
  • Proficiency in CAD, using tools such as SolidWorks or Autodesk.
  • Proficiency in programming languages, such as Python, Java, or Matlab.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Experience, including process development, in back-end semiconductor device fabrication, including wafer cleaning and handling.
  • Familiarity with silicon electronic and photonic device processing
  • Experience with custom infrared microscopy and optical measurement setups.
  • US citizenship strongly preferred

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 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 the 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. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004280

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