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Optimal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shift Robotics

Gait Control Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Model-based control (e.g., MPC, optimal control) * Extended Kalman Filters or nonlinear state estimation * RTOS-based embedded systems * ARM Cortex microcontrollers * Real-time signal processing

Shift Robotics

Gait Control Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Model-based control (e.g., MPC, optimal control) * Extended Kalman Filters or nonlinear state estimation * RTOS-based embedded systems * ARM Cortex microcontrollers * Real-time signal processing

Shift Robotics

Gait Control Engineer

Austin, TX

Model-based control (e.g., MPC, optimal control) * Extended Kalman Filters or nonlinear state estimation * RTOS-based embedded systems * ARM Cortex microcontrollers * Real-time signal processing

Westrock

Industrial Control Technician

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$39.66/hr

Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure optimal performance. * Diagnose and repair faults in complex control systems using specialized diagnostic equipment. * Collaborate ...

Meta

Research Scientist, Advanced Control

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$184K - $257K/yr

... self-optimizing data center systems - improving thermal stability, energy efficiency, and operational reliability in transient conditions • Shape advanced control strategies into deployable ...

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Optimal Control information

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$10

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$31

How much do optimal control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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 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.
More about Optimal Control jobs
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Optimal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optimal Control job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,201 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Junior Control Systems Engineer

Junior Control Systems Engineer

DEKA Research & Development

Manchester, NH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 hours ago

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

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