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Optimal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Draper

Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82K - $220K/yr

... optimal control, and similar techniques. • Significant knowledge in the design and analysis of control systems. • Significant knowledge of design and implementation of trajectory design ...

Draper

Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82K - $220K/yr

Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques. Significant knowledge in the design and analysis of control systems. Significant knowledge of design and ...

Draper

Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site +1

$82K - $220K/yr

Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques. Significant knowledge in the design and analysis of control systems. Significant knowledge of design and ...

Draper Labs

Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$82K - $220K/yr

Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques. * Significant knowledge in the design and analysis of control systems. * Significant knowledge of design and ...

Draper

Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site +1

$82K - $220K/yr

Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques. Significant knowledge in the design and analysis of control systems. Significant knowledge of design and ...

Draper

Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$82K - $220K/yr

Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques. Significant knowledge in the design and analysis of control systems. Significant knowledge of design and ...

PlusAI

Research Engineer Intern - Control

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$19 - $65/hr

The longitudinal MPC is reallocated to be the consumer of the lateral optimized speed trace. Iterative lateral & longitudinal control/planning: when lateral offset is large and cannot reduce due to ...

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Optimal Control information

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How much do optimal control jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for optimal control in the United States is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optimal control?

Optimal control is a branch of mathematics and engineering that focuses on finding a control policy for a dynamic system so that a specific objective, such as minimizing cost or maximizing performance, is achieved. It involves determining the best way to influence a system's behavior over time, typically through the use of differential equations and optimization techniques. Applications of optimal control can be found in areas like robotics, aerospace, economics, and process engineering.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optimal control, and how can these be addressed?

Professionals in Optimal Control often encounter challenges such as handling complex, high-dimensional systems, ensuring solutions remain computationally feasible, and balancing accuracy with real-time performance requirements. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including system engineers, software developers, and data scientists—is essential to develop effective models and algorithms. Staying updated with the latest optimization techniques and leveraging advanced computational tools can help address these challenges, and many organizations support ongoing training or conference participation for career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optimal control engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as an Optimal Control Engineer, you need a strong background in control theory, applied mathematics, and engineering, often supported by a relevant degree such as electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering. Proficiency with tools like MATLAB, Simulink, and programming languages such as Python or C++, as well as familiarity with optimization algorithms, is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills for translating complex models into practical solutions. These skills are vital for designing and implementing efficient control systems that optimize performance and stability in real-world applications.

What is the difference between Optimal Control vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectOptimal ControlControl Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsDegree in Control Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related fields; often requires knowledge of optimization and algorithmsDegree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; focuses on designing and implementing control systems
Work EnvironmentResearch, algorithm development, mathematical modeling, often in academia or R&DDesign, testing, and deployment of control systems in manufacturing, automation, or robotics
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, robotics, finance, and advanced automation for optimal decision-makingApplied across industries for real-time control of machinery and processes

Optimal Control focuses on developing mathematical algorithms to determine the best control strategies, often involving complex optimization techniques. Control Systems Engineers implement and maintain these control strategies in practical systems. While both roles require a strong background in control theory, Optimal Control emphasizes theoretical and algorithmic development, whereas Control Systems Engineering centers on practical application and system integration.

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Optimal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optimal Control job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,201 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

GNC Engineer, Attitude Control Systems

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Burlingame, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.
With Pulsar - the world's most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit - Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.
We're looking for a GNC Engineer, Attitude Control Systems to join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control team and help develop the attitude control systems that enable precise spacecraft pointing, maneuvering, and momentum management. In this role, you will design, simulate, implement, and test control algorithms that operate across real mission conditions, from high-fidelity simulation through software- and hardware-in-the-loop validation.
This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of control theory, spacecraft dynamics, flight software, and rigorous test infrastructure.
What You'll Do
  • Develop and maintain 6DOF attitude simulations for ACS design and verification.
  • Design, tune, and validate PID, LQR, and optimal control algorithms.
  • Develop actuator allocation logic for reaction wheels, torque rods, thrusters, or other effectors.
  • Implement momentum management and desaturation algorithms.
  • Support model-based development, integration, and test workflows.
  • Run SIL/HIL test campaigns and analyze performance across nominal and off-nominal cases.
  • Develop unit, regression, and simulation-based tests.

Required Qualifications
  • Experience with 6DOF attitude dynamics simulations.
  • Hands-on experience with PID, LQR, or optimal control design.
  • Experience with actuator allocation, momentum management, or desaturation logic.
  • Experience with model-based software development processes.
  • Experience with SIL/HIL simulation and test environments.
  • Experience developing unit or regression tests.
  • Strong programming skills in Python, C++, and MATLAB.
  • Proficiency with Git and Linux environments.

Desired Qualifications
  • BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Applied Physics, or a related technical field.
  • Experience developing ACS algorithms for spacecraft, satellites, UAVs, or autonomous systems.
  • Familiarity with reaction wheels, magnetic torque rods, thrusters, star trackers, IMUs, magnetometers, or sun sensors.
  • Experience with flight software integration, embedded deployment, or real-time systems.
  • Experience with Monte Carlo analysis, robustness testing, or fault-case validation.
  • Familiarity with autocoding workflows from MATLAB/Simulink or similar tools.

For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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