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Optimal Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Motors

Robotics Controls Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$138K - $211K/yr

About the Team The Local Planner Controller team builds optimization-based planning and control software for GM's Super Cruise system. The team formulates and solves online optimization problems that ...

Navier

Autonomy Software Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

Experience with optimal control techniques: iLQR, MPPI, etc. * Strong C++ and Python skills * Strong work ethic and the ability to work in a fast pace environment * This role is not open for visa ...

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Optimal Control information

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 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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Optimal Control jobs in California? For Optimal Control jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optimal Control jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optimal Control jobs in California are:
Optimal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optimal Control job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 57% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Robotics Controls Engineer

Robotics Controls Engineer

General Motors

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$138K - $211K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 305 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

Job Description
At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard -from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.
Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.
About the Team
The Local Planner Controller team builds optimization-based planning and control software for GM's Super Cruise system. The team formulates and solves online optimization problems that balance kinematic feasibility, collision avoidance, and ride comfort, and plays a central role in delivering safe, comfortable vehicle behavior through the Local Planner Controller and related guardrails systems.
The Role
We are looking for a Robotics Controls Engineer to join GM's Local Planner Controller team. In this role, you will work on challenging problems in trajectory optimization, vehicle dynamics, estimation, and closed-loop controls that support Super Cruise and other advanced driver assistance capabilities.
What You'll Do
  • Develop and deliver vehicle dynamics, planning, and controls software that supports safe and comfortable behavior in GM's Super Cruise system.

  • Implement, test, and refine optimization and control algorithms for trajectory tracking, constraint handling, and motion execution under real-world vehicle and environment limits.

  • Partner with more senior engineers to break down ambiguous technical problems, evaluate tradeoffs, and translate algorithmic ideas into robust production-quality software.

  • Contribute to technical reviews, code reviews, validation efforts, and day-to-day engineering execution using strong software engineering best practices.

  • Work closely with cross-functional teams across perception, prediction, localization, systems, safety, simulation, and evaluation to integrate solutions and debug end-to-end behavior.

  • Improve software reliability and development velocity through testing, tooling, continuous integration, and thoughtful iteration on team processes.

  • Contribute to GM engineering culture through clear communication, collaboration, ownership, and a strong learning mindset.

Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, or PhD, in Robotics, Controls, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.

  • Strong foundation in optimal control, trajectory optimization, motion planning, or numerical optimization.

  • Strong understanding of classical and modern feedback control theory and techniques.

  • Solid understanding of vehicle dynamics, robotics dynamics, or related physical system modeling.

  • Proficiency in C++ and Python for research or production software development.

  • Demonstrated ability to translate algorithms into reliable software in a collaborative engineering environment.

  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across disciplines.

  • Passion for autonomous driving, robotics, or advanced driver assistance technologies.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Industry or research experience in robotics, autonomous vehicles, ADAS, or safety-critical systems.

  • Experience with model predictive control, constrained optimization, or trajectory generation for real-world robotic systems.

  • Familiarity with ROS or similar robotics middleware.

  • Experience developing or validating software for embedded or real-time control systems.

  • Experience working with simulation, closed-loop evaluation, or system-level performance analysis.

  • Exposure to estimation, prediction, or planning/control interfaces in autonomous systems.

Compensation:
The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of the California Bay Area.
  • The salary range for this role is $138,200-$211,700. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

  • Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits:
  • Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

#GM-AV-1
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908

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