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Internship Control Theory Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Eng Sr Prin - Sys

Westminster, CO · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical ... Technical competence in all of the following areas: motor control theory, power amplifier design ...

Lead a team to develop engineering solutions that require creative designs, detailed analysis ... Analyze the stability and robustness of GNC algorithms using control theory and Monte Carlo ...

Engineer VII

Englewood, CO · On-site

$128K - $229K/yr

Lead a team to develop engineering solutions that require creative designs, detailed analysis ... Analyze the stability and robustness of GNC algorithms using control theory and Monte Carlo ...

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Internship Control Theory Engineer information

What is the difference between Internship Control Theory Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectInternship Control Theory EngineerControl Systems Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in control engineering, electrical engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's degree in control engineering, electrical engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in research labs or development teamsFull-time professional role in industry, manufacturing, or technology companies
Industry UsageUsed for training, skill development, and project support during studiesDesign, implementation, and maintenance of control systems in real-world applications

In summary, an Internship Control Theory Engineer is a temporary, learning-focused role for students or recent graduates, while a Control Systems Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and managing control systems in industry.

What types of projects can an internship control theory engineer expect to work on, and how is mentorship typically provided?

As an Internship Control Theory Engineer, you can expect to work on projects involving modeling, simulation, and analysis of dynamic systems—often supporting the development or improvement of control algorithms for mechanical, electrical, or robotic systems. Interns frequently assist with data analysis, running simulations in tools like MATLAB/Simulink, and performing hardware-in-the-loop testing. Mentorship is commonly provided through regular check-ins with a senior engineer or supervisor, collaborative team meetings, and hands-on guidance during project tasks. This supportive environment helps interns quickly build technical skills and gain exposure to real-world engineering workflows.

What does an internship control theory engineer do?

An Internship Control Theory Engineer works alongside experienced engineers to design, analyze, and implement control systems for various applications, such as robotics, automation, or aerospace. Interns typically assist in modeling dynamic systems, developing algorithms, running simulations, and supporting experimental validation. This role offers hands-on experience with industry tools and exposure to real-world engineering challenges while applying theoretical knowledge from coursework.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship control theory engineer?

To thrive as an Internship Control Theory Engineer, a solid background in mathematics, dynamics, and control systems, typically supported by coursework in engineering or applied mathematics, is essential. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink and programming languages such as Python or C++ is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, curiosity, and effective communication help interns collaborate and learn quickly in technical environments. These skills and qualities enable efficient analysis, design, and implementation of control solutions, contributing to successful project outcomes.
What are popular job titles related to Internship Control Theory Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Internship Control Theory Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Internship Control Theory Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Control Theory Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Internship Control Theory Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Internship Control Theory Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Internship Control Theory Engineer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Navigation, Guidance & Control - RPO Engineer V

Arcfield

Louisville, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities
Overview
OSS is seeking a Principal Navigation, Guidance & Control (NG&C) Engineer to own the relative-navigation, guidance, and control algorithm architecture for a complex autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) mission involving a cooperative, docking-ready target. This is a senior technical leadership role you will set the technical direction for how our spacecraft safely approaches, holds relative to, and docks with its target, define the supporting verification and validation strategy, and serve as the GN&C technical authority in design reviews.
You will work primarily in Python and C++ (experience with or willingness to learn Julia is a plus) and should be fluent in orbit and attitude dynamics, relative orbital mechanics, and estimation and control theory. Because OSS is a smaller, fast-moving company, the role also offers the opportunity to contribute across mission planning, high-fidelity orbit propagation, ADCS and propulsion subsystem work, and new business pursuits - but the core of this position is leading RPO algorithm development.
Key Responsibilities
Rendezvous & Proximity Operations (RPO) Algorithm Leadership:
  • Own and evolve the relative-navigation, guidance, and control algorithm architecture for autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking with a cooperative target, integrated into OSS's in-house GN&C software framework.
  • Design and implement relative-navigation filters (EKF/UKF), sensor fusion, and relative orbit determination using the RPO sensor suite - vision-based pose estimation, LIDAR, and/or relative GNSS - for a cooperative, fiducial-equipped target.
  • Develop rendezvous and proximity-operations guidance: V-bar/R-bar and glideslope approaches, station-keeping, controlled fly-around and inspection, and safe-hold points.
  • Design the safety-critical trajectory logic: approach corridors, keep-out spheres/ellipsoids, passive-abort trajectories, and autonomous collision-avoidance maneuvers.
  • Develop 6-DOF relative guidance and control through final approach, docking, and capture, including control allocation across the thruster and actuator set.
  • Model relative orbital dynamics (Clohessy-Wiltshire/Hill, and eccentric formulations such as Tschauner-Hempel as needed) to anchor algorithm design and analysis.
  • Define and lead the GN&C V&V strategy: 6-DOF closed-loop simulation, Monte Carlo dispersion analysis, and processor- and hardware-in-the-loop (PIL/HIL) testing.
  • Support proximity-operations validation on dynamic testbeds (e.g., air-bearing or robotic relative-motion facilities) where applicable.
  • Perform supporting orbit, attitude, power, and overpass analyses using OSS's in-house NG&C framework.

Technical Leadership
  • Derive and own GN&C requirements, including relative-navigation performance, approach safety, and abort criteria.
  • Set software design standards - modular, efficient, testable, well-documented - and author robust unit and integration tests.
  • Mentor engineers and lead GN&C content in system and design reviews.
  • Interface algorithm designs with the flight software / embedded environment, including autocoding workflows where used.

Contributing Areas
  • Support ADCS subsystem trades, sizing, and hardware/software test of COTS ADCS components, sensors, and actuators.
  • Support propulsion subsystem trades, selection, and test.
  • Contribute to mission planning, high-fidelity orbit propagation, and satellite data analysis.
  • Support business development through proposals, conceptual mission design, and requirements development.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant engineering or computational field, plus 10-12 years (BS), 8-10 years (MS), or 5-7 years (PhD) of professional experience developing software for high-reliability space and aerospace applications.
  • Strong working knowledge of orbit and attitude dynamics, relative orbital mechanics, and the space environment, including common perturbation modeling.
  • Demonstrated depth in estimation and/or control theory (e.g., Kalman filtering, optimal control) applied to spacecraft GN&C.
  • Hands-on algorithm development experience in C++ and Python (or similar).
  • Proficiency with modern software development practices and version control (Git preferred).
  • Excellent technical writing, communication and presentation skills.
  • Must be a U.S. person as defined under ITAR/EAR, and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience developing GN&C algorithms for rendezvous, proximity operations, formation-flying, or on-orbit servicing mission.
  • Flight or on-orbit GN&C experience.
  • Vision-based / LIDAR-based relative navigation and pose estimation.
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and model-based design and autocoding techniques.
  • Advanced control methods (e.g., MPC, optimal/robust control).
  • Embedded / real-time flight software experience, including Linux and embedded Linux variants.

Equal Pay Act
This is the projected compensation range for this position. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, Arcfield invests in its employees beyond just compensation. Arcfield 's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections. Min: $131,755.50 Max: $229,097.25
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.