Freelance Control Systems Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summit Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Control Systems Research Engineer to support the development of next-generation propulsion, power, and autonomous control technologies for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and advanced defense systems. This role integrates advanced control theory, embedded computing, optimization, and real-time system implementation within high-performance electromechanical propulsion environments. You will help transform early-stage modeling and algorithm research into validated, prototype-ready embedded control systems that improve propulsion efficiency, acoustic stealth, and mission reliability. Working within an interdisciplinary R&D environment, you will collaborate with experts in embedded systems, power electronics, hydrodynamics, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems to deliver breakthrough capabilities for national security missions and advanced subsea applications. This is a full-time, on-site role located in Niskayuna, NY. Only U.S. citizens will be considered, as this position requires an active U.S. DoD Secret clearance. Roles & Responsibilities Develop advanced control, optimization, estimation, and detection algorithms for propulsion and power systems.
Design and implement real-time control architectures for embedded and electromechanical subsystems.
Support modeling and simulation of complex physical systems including propulsion, hydrodynamics, and acoustic environments.
Integrate control algorithms into embedded computing platforms (microcontrollers, SoCs, FPGAs, ARM/x86 architectures)
Validate system performance through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and experimental laboratory demonstrations
Optimize system efficiency, stability, and energy performance under operational constraints.
Collaborate with embedded software, FPGA, and cybersecurity engineers to ensure secure and resilient architectures.
Author technical documentation, research reports, and customer-facing deliverables.
Support transition of research concepts into deployable prototype and operational systems.
Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field)
OR
Master’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience
3+ years of experience in advanced controls, optimization, estimation, or detection algorithm development
Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink
Programming experience in C, C++, and/or Python for embedded or real-time applications
Demonstrated experience developing algorithmic solutions for complex physical systems (e.g., propulsion, power systems, mechanical or aerospace systems)
Experience integrating control solutions into embedded or real-time hardware platforms.
Preferred Qualifications Experience with FPGA-based control implementations (Verilog/VHDL).
Knowledge of real-time operating systems (QNX, RTLinux, VxWorks).
Experience with Linux-based embedded systems and hardware acceleration.
Background in subsea technologies, sonar systems, naval systems, or autonomous platforms.
Experience applying machine learning or AI techniques within control systems.
Embedded system cybersecurity experience.
Experience with U.S. Government-funded R&D programs (DoD, DARPA, DOE, ARPA-E).
Demonstrated ability to mature advanced research concepts into fielded prototype systems.
Work Environment Advanced R&D environment focused on next-generation propulsion and autonomous systems
Cross-disciplinary collaboration across embedded systems, power electronics, hydrodynamics, and defense technologies
Hands-on experimentation, modeling, and prototype development
High-visibility national security programs
Security Clearance: Active U.S. DoD secret clearance (interim secret may be considered to start).
U.S. Citizenship required
If you are qualified and want to be considered for this position, please supply the following to: ,
and please put the job number ‘6923’ in the subject line: Updated resume including MM/YYYY for each employer.
Best times/dates to interview (plus phone # you can best be contacted at).
Availability to start once given formal offers.
Summit Technologies Inc. appreciates your interest. We will contact the best matching prospects and will consider you for future opportunities. We will not submit your resume without your prior knowledge and consent. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.