1

Control Engineer Postdoc Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Control Engineer Postdoc information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$34.9K

$78.6K

$122.8K

How much do control engineer postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for control engineer postdoc in Pittsburgh, PA is $78,637.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Control Engineer Postdoc, and why are they important?

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 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 Control Engineer Postdocs?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? For Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Control Engineer Postdoc jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
Infographic showing various Control Engineer Postdoc job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,637 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Engineering and Public Policy

Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Engineering and Public Policy

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world's most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn't imagine the future, we invent it. If you're passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Department of Engineering and Public Policy (EPP) is a unique department in the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University which addresses important problems in technology and policy. We educate technically skilled students to be leaders in policy-focused research; we work on policy problems in which the technology matters.

Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Engineering and Public Policy is seeking an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to advance cutting-edge, policy-relevant analysis of the U.S. energy system through open-source modeling and collaborative research. The successful applicant will play a central role in developing and applying Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa), a widely used open-source energy systems optimization framework, and contributing to the Open Energy Outlook, an ongoing effort to provide transparent, scenario-based insights into the long-term evolution of the U.S. energy system under deep uncertainty. This position sits at the intersection of energy systems modeling, open science, and policy analysis. The postdoctoral researcher will not only conduct high-impact, model-based research, but also help shape the evolution of Temoa as a community platform and contribute to building the Open Energy Outlook as a trusted, transparent, analytically rigorous source of information on future U.S. energy pathways.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development, maintenance, and extension of the Temoa modeling framework, including its core architecture and documentation.
  • Maintenance of an input database representing the U.S. energy system.
  • Help coordinate modeling and analysis activities across a large, interdisciplinary team and contribute to open-source software management, including version control, issue tracking, and community engagement.
  • Conducting original research using energy systems optimization models to inform pressing U.S. energy and climate policy questions. This includes helping to design and implement model scenarios, with careful attention to uncertainty, technology evolution, and policy dynamics.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in engineering, operations research, economics, or a related field.
  • Strong expertise in energy systems modeling, particularly optimization-based
    approaches, and demonstrated experience with scientific programming and data analysis using
    tools such as Python, Pyomo, Pandas, or R.
  • Experience with open-source software development practices, including GitHub, is essential. The ideal candidate will be able to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with large-scale energy system
    models or integrated assessment models, as well as familiarity with U.S. energy systems,
    climate policy, and technology pathways.
  • Experience managing complex datasets and relational databases is also desirable. An interest in advancing open, transparent, and reproducible approaches to energy analysis is highly valued

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows

Position Type

Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

  • Statement of Assurance


What Carnegie Mellon University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom