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Optimal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blue Origin, LLC

Control Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$134K - $188K/yr

Experience with filtering, state estimation (Kalman filters, extended Kalman filters) and optimal control techniques (LQR, LQG) * High proficiency in Simulink and MATLAB for modeling, simulation ...

Blue Origin LLC

Control Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Experience with filtering, state estimation (Kalman filters, extended Kalman filters) and optimal control techniques (LQR, LQG) * High proficiency in Simulink and MATLAB for modeling, simulation ...

Blue Origin

Control Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$134K - $188K/yr

Experience with filtering, state estimation (Kalman filters, extended Kalman filters) and optimal control techniques (LQR, LQG) * High proficiency in Simulink and MATLAB for modeling, simulation ...

Meta

Research Scientist, Advanced Control

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$184K/yr

Develop RL-based control strategies that enable self-optimizing data center systems -- improving thermal stability, energy efficiency, and operational reliability in transient conditions * Shape ...

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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How much do optimal control jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.

Principal Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

MTSI is seeking an engineer with experience in developing 6-Degree-Of-Freedom simulations with experience with Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms. The candidate will join a team delivering modeling, simulation, and analytical products of kinetic weapon system concepts for the Missile Defense Agency. This role offers the opportunity to work on high visibility, cutting-edge missile system programs and contribute to innovative solutions for national defense.

Key Responsibilities: Conduct performance analysis, design, integration, and testing of GNC systems with a focus on seeker and image processing for offensive and defensive missile systems. Develop and analyze navigation solutions and image-level processing techniques to support precision guidance of missiles in challenging environments. Collaborate with engineers and developers to prototype and test weapon system concepts using legacy high-fidelity 6-DOF simulations in FORTRAN and C++.

Provide detailed analytical products for emerging missile and weapon system concepts supporting DoD programs. Support ongoing missile programs and contribute to the development of corporate tool sets. Qualifications: US citizenship and a secret level clearance required Bachelor's degree and 12-20 years of experience in missile systems development, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles, tactical weapons, BMDS interceptors, kill vehicles, on-board algorithms, and related analysis.

Software development skills include but not limited to FORTRAN, C++, Python, MATLAB Strong background in modern control theory (e.g., optimal control, robust control, adaptive control) applied to missile and GNC systems. Experience integrating models from different coding languages Experience with hypersonic advanced concepts and strategic missions Experience with 6-DOF simulation models of: Aerodynamics, Autopilots design, development, tuning, gain scheduling, and stability analysis across flight regimes, Guidance algorithms, Navigation systems, state estimation, and advanced filtering techniques including Kalman filters and their variants, Propulsion, High fidelity seeker processing including pixel-level modeling and image processing (IR, RF, optical sensors), Target discrimination algorithms. Preferred qualifications MS or PhD Candidate should also have demonstrated ability to formulate and conduct analyses at the missile system and subsystem level to support requirements development and performance assessment

Demonstrated capability in GNC system performance analysis and design. #LI-JJ1

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