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

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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 28, 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:
Control Engineer Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Engineer Postdoc job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $78,637 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 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

67th of 612 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!
Innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex problem solving. In Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty members, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary research centers across the university.
Carnegie Mellon University's department of Mechanical Engineering is searching for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by working on the characterization and device-relevant evaluation of engineered mammalian cells designed for therapeutic output and biomarker sensing in the context of osteoporosis.
This position will focus on assessing engineered cells and adapting them for use with in implantable bio integrated device environments. The postdoctoral associate will design and execute studies of cell viability, growth, functionality, optical reporter performance, stimulation response, stability, and longevity under controlled in vitro and device-relevant conditions. The role will require close coordination with external collaborators and internal devices, tissue- engineering, optics, and systems-integration teams.
The position is intended for a highly capable experimentalist who can connect cell biology with quantitative engineering requirements, build rigorous test plans, troubleshoot complex assays, and generate milestone ready datasets
Core Responsibilities:
  • Lead experimental workstreams that address project milestones in a timely and rigorous manner.
  • Design, execute, analyze, and document quantitative studies of engineered-cell performance.
  • Coordinate with external collaborators to receive, culture, characterize, and test engineered cell lines.
  • Work with device and systems teams to translate biological performance requirements into testable engineering specifications.
  • Prepare SOPs, study plans, data-analysis pipelines, technical reports, presentations, and manuscript/proposal materials.
  • Maintain high standards for data integrity, reproducibility, biosafety, and traceable documentation.
  • Mentor graduate students, technicians, and other trainees as appropriate.
  • Participate in regular internal and multi-institutional project meetings.
  • Identify technical risks early and propose mitigation or contingency experiments.
  • Characterize engineered cells under standard and device-relevant culture conditions.
  • Evaluate cell viability, growth, morphology, function, reporter expression, and long-term stability in relevant in vitro environments.
  • Assess cell performance in matrices, compartments, or culture configurations relevant to implantable systems.
  • Develop assays to evaluate stimulation-response behavior, secreted therapeutic output, optical reporter performance, and biomarker-responsive readouts.
  • Coordinate cell-line transfer, banking, quality-control documentation, and repeatability studies.
  • Compare cell performance across culture formats, materials, oxygen/nutrient conditions, and longer-duration test periods.
  • Support integration of engineered cells with optical, electronic, and tissue- engineered device subsystems.
  • Generate milestone-ready datasets that inform cell-selection, device-integration, and functional-validation decisions.
  • Perform other project-related 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 Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a closely related field
  • 3-5 years of experience
  • Experience designing and executing quantitative cell-based experiments, including cell viability, proliferation, functional stability, reporter output, dose-response, and longitudinal performance studies.
  • Familiarity with sterile technique, fluorescence imaging or plate-reader assays, molecular/cellular assay workflows, and statistical analysis is required.
  • Experience with synthetic biology, optogenetic or electrogenetic systems, hormone/peptide secretion assays, calcium signaling, or device-based cell culture is strongly preferred.
  • Preferred training includes BSL-2 training, biosafety training, chemical hygiene training, human/animal-subjects compliance training if later required by assigned studies.
  • A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

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

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