ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Control Systems Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SPX

Collaborate with Product Management, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, R&D, and New Product ... Experience developing control system specifications and test plans. * Strong electrical system ...

HDR

Control Systems Designer/EIT

Denver, CO · On-site

... research, and life sciences. This individual should be self-motivated with attention to detail and an initiative to deliver high quality, technically sound control system designs. Primary ...

Cmu

Senior Autonomous Systems Research Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$113K - $144K/yr

Study AI approaches to motion planning, task planning, mission planning, and command and control to ... systems. Duties: * Hands-on Research: Lead novel research in applied machine learning and robotics.

HDR

Control Systems Designer/EIT

Denver, CO

... research, and life sciences. This individual should be self-motivated with attention to detail and an initiative to deliver high quality, technically sound control system designs. Primary ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsControl Systems Research JobsFreelance Control Systems Research Jobs

Freelance Control Systems Research information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance control systems research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance control systems research in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Control Systems Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Control Systems Researcher, you need a strong background in control theory, mathematics, and engineering principles, often backed by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical, mechanical, or related engineering disciplines. Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and simulation tools, as well as familiarity with research publication standards, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, self-motivation, and communication skills help you stand out when collaborating with clients and presenting complex findings clearly. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality, innovative solutions and maintaining credibility in a competitive freelance environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance control systems researchers when working with clients remotely?

Freelance control systems researchers often encounter challenges such as clearly defining project requirements, managing communication across different time zones, and ensuring access to necessary technical resources or proprietary data. Additionally, translating complex control theory concepts into actionable solutions for clients with varying technical backgrounds can require extra effort. Building trust and demonstrating expertise remotely is crucial, as is maintaining organized project documentation to facilitate smooth collaboration.

What is the difference between Freelance Control Systems Research vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectFreelance Control Systems ResearchControl Systems Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, control systems, or related fields; certifications are optionalRequires a degree in engineering; professional certifications like PE or control system-specific credentials are common
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, often remote or client-site workUsually employed by companies, working in office or plant environments
Industry UsageUsed by clients seeking specialized research or consulting on control systemsEmployed in designing, implementing, and maintaining control systems in industrial settings

Freelance Control Systems Researchers focus on specialized research and consulting on control systems, often working independently on specific projects. Control Systems Engineers typically work within organizations to develop and maintain control systems in industrial environments. While both roles require engineering knowledge, freelancers emphasize research and consulting, whereas engineers focus on implementation and operational support.

What is freelance control systems research?

Freelance control systems research involves independently studying, designing, and optimizing control systems for various industries, such as manufacturing, robotics, and aerospace. Freelancers in this field typically analyze system dynamics, develop control algorithms, and may also simulate or prototype solutions for clients. This work often requires strong knowledge of engineering principles, mathematics, and programming. Freelance control systems researchers may collaborate with companies, research institutions, or startups on a project-by-project basis, offering flexibility and specialized expertise.
More about Freelance Control Systems Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Control Systems Research jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Control Systems Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Research jobs? The most popular types of Control Systems Research jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Control Systems Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Control Systems Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Control Systems Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Control Systems Research jobs are:
Freelance Control Systems Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Control Systems Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Junior Control Systems Engineer

Junior Control Systems Engineer

DEKA Research and Development

Manchester, NH • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

DEKA Research and Development is seeking a Junior Control Systems Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will contribute to the design and development of cutting-edge automation and robotics systems across two key domains: embedded medical devices and PLC-driven manufacturing automation. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of engineers to bring innovative prototypes from concept to reality.
Responsibilities
Embedded Medical Device Development
  • Design and develop control systems for prototype medical devices running on embedded compute platforms
  • Implement real-time control algorithms on embedded targets (e.g., ARM Cortex, FPGA, or DSP-based systems)
  • Write and validate embedded firmware in C/C++ for safety-critical medical applications
  • Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate sensors, actuators, and embedded hardware into functional prototypes
  • Support design verification and validation (V&V) activities in compliance with medical device development standards.
  • Create and maintain system requirements, software design documentation, and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
Manufacturing Automation
  • Develop, program, and commission PLC-based automation systems for internal manufacturing equipment
  • Integrate industrial sensors, drives, servo systems, and actuators into automation solutions
  • Troubleshoot and optimize existing automation systems to improve reliability and throughput
  • Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to translate process requirements into automated control solutions
  • Document control system architectures, ladder logic, and functional specifications
General
  • Apply linear, non-linear, and optimal control techniques across both embedded and industrial platforms
  • Develop and maintain control systems for automation and robotic products
  • Support testing, debugging, and continuous improvement of prototype and production systems
Required Qualifications
  • B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Biomedical Engineering
  • Foundational knowledge of linear and optimal controls theory
  • Experience applying control algorithms in robotics or automation applications
  • Proficiency in Python and C/C++
  • Familiarity with embedded systems concepts (real-time OS, hardware peripherals, firmware development)
  • Experience with automation sensors, drives, and actuators
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
Preferred Qualifications
  • PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
  • Exposure to medical device development processes or regulated industries (FDA, ISO 13485, IEC 62304)
  • Experience with real-time operating systems
  • Familiarity with communication protocols used in embedded and industrial systems (CAN, SPI, I2C, EtherCAT, Modbus, PROFINET)
  • Knowledge of design verification and validation (V&V) methodologies
  • Familiarity with version control systems (Git) and engineering documentation practices

Apply