ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optimal Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inversion

Staff GNC Engineer (Guidance)

Los Angeles, CA

$161K - $221K/yr

Strong fundamentals in flight mechanics, optimal control, and trajectory optimization * Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C++ for simulation and analysis * Demonstrated ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsOptimal Control JobsOptimal Control Jobs in California

Optimal Control information

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior/Staff Software Engineer, Controls

Gatik AI

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Who we are
Gatik, the leader in autonomous middle-mile logistics, is revolutionizing the B2B supply chain with its autonomous transportation-as-a-service (ATaaS) solution and prioritizing safe, consistent deliveries while streamlining freight movement by reducing congestion. The company focuses on short-haul, B2B logistics for Fortune 500 retailers and in 2021 launched the world's first fully driverless commercial transportation service with Walmart. Gatik's Class 3-7 autonomous trucks are commercially deployed across major markets, including Texas, Arkansas, and Ontario, Canada, driving innovation in freight transportation.
The company's proprietary Level 4 autonomous technology, Gatik Carrier , is custom-built to transport freight safely and efficiently between pick-up and drop-off locations on the middle mile. With robust capabilities in both highway and urban environments, Gatik Carrier serves as an all-encompassing solution that integrates advanced software and hardware powering the fleet, facilitating effortless integration into customers' logistics operations.
About the role
We seek passionate Software Engineers with strong fundamentals in software development practices and who are experts in C/C++ and Matlab/Simulink languages in production-oriented environments. The ideal candidate has a solid background in Control and Optimization and is a highly experienced software developer passionate about enabling the world's first safe, reliable & efficient network of autonomous vehicles. You will partner with the research and software engineers to design, develop, test, and validate our autonomous fleet's AV control and optimization features.
This role is onsite 5 days a week at our Santa Clara, CA office!
What you'll do
  • Design, implement, integrate, and support real-time mission-critical software for Gatik's autonomy stack.
  • Work with the research engineers to develop maintainable, testable, and robust software designs.
  • Work with the Control team to develop, design, and implement the control and optimization methods in simulation and through in-vehicle testing.
  • Support rapid prototyping of new methodologies via SiL and HiL.
  • Participate in tuning, calibration, and in-vehicle testing.
  • Participate in the visualization and post-processing of test data.
  • Collaborate with planning, localization, dbw, and testing teams for efficient, secure, and scalable software integration
What we're looking for
  • MSc or PhD in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or Computer Science with a background in controls and optimization.
  • Deep understanding of optimal control, MPC, and Kalman filtering.
  • 5+ years of production-level experience in C++/C (high and low level coding) and Matlab/Simulink.
  • Experience using optimization techniques and tools/solvers to create robust and performant controllers.
  • Solid backgrounds in math and linear algebra, and vehicle dynamics modeling and controls.
  • 2+ years of experience in the AV/ADAS industries.
  • Experience using source control, containerization, bash scripting, ROS2, CAN, Python, and Linux.
Bonus Qualifications
  • Familiar with dSPACE and vehicle dynamic modeling toolchains.
  • Familiar with SiL/HiL setup and automotive-grade simulation tools such as TruckSim and IPG TruckMaker.
  • Familiar with CI/CD and pipeline management.

Salary Range- $180,000- $250,000
More about Gatik
Founded in 2017 by experts in autonomous vehicle technology, Gatik has rapidly expanded its presence to Mountain View, Dallas-Fort Worth, Arkansas, and Toronto. As the first and only company to achieve fully driverless middle-mile commercial deliveries, Gatik holds a unique and defensible position in the AV industry, with a clear trajectory toward sustainable growth and profitability.
We have delivered complete, proprietary AV technology - an integration of software and hardware - to enable earlier successes for our clients in constrained Level 4 autonomy. By choosing the middle mile - with defined point-to-point delivery, we have simplified some of the more complex AV challenges, enabling us to achieve full autonomy ahead of competitors. Given extensive knowledge of Gatik's well-defined, fixed route ODDs and hybrid architecture, we are able to hyper-optimize our models with exponentially less data, establish gate-keeping mechanisms to maintain explainability, and ensure continued safety of the system for unmanned operations.
Visit us at Gatik for more company information and Careers at Gatik for more open roles.
Notable News
  • Bloomberg: Autonomous Trucking Firm Gatik Inks Contracts Worth $600 Million
  • Forbes: Hundreds' Of Gatik Robot Delivery Trucks Headed For U.S. Roads
  • Forbes:Gatik And Loblaw Announce Largest Commercial Deployment Of AV Trucks
  • Forbes: Forget robotaxis. Upstart Gatik sees middle-mile deliveries as the path to profitable AVs
  • Tech Brew: Gatik AI exec unpacks the regulations that could shape the AV industry
  • Business Wire: Gatik Paves the Way for Safe Driverless Operations ('Freight-Only') at Scale with Industry-First Third-Party Safety Assessment Framework
  • Auto Futures: Autonomous Trucking Group Gatik Secures Investment From NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS
  • Automotive News: Gatik foresees hundreds of self-driving trucks on road soon, and that's just the beginning
  • Forbes: Isuzu And Gatik Go All In To Scale Up Driverless Freight Services
  • Bloomberg: Autonomous Vehicle Startup Takes Off by Picking Off Easier Routes
  • Reuters: Driverless vehicles on limited routes bump along despite US robotaxi scrutiny
Taking care of our team
At Gatik, we connect people of extraordinary talent and experience to an opportunity to create a more resilient supply chain and contribute to our environment's sustainability. We are diverse in our backgrounds and perspectives yet united by a bold vision and shared commitment to our values. Our culture emphasizes the importance of collaboration, respect and agility.
We at Gatik strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels they have opportunities to succeed and grow because we know that together we can do great things. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse team. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status or any legally protected status.

Apply