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Optimal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Draper

Senior Software Autonomy 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 ...

Navier

Autonomy Software Engineer

Alameda, CA

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 ...

Intellectt INC

Control Engineer

Jonesboro, AR · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

The role focuses on designing, programming, and optimizing control systems to enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety. Key Responsibilities: * Design and implement control systems using Allen ...

Draper

Senior Navigation Algorithm 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 Navigation Algorithm 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 Software Autonomy 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

Principal Guidance & Control Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site +1

$95K - $245K/yr

Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques. Strong leadership and team management skills. Ability to motivate and develop a team of professionals. Excellent ...

Gestamp

Controls Engineer

Chattanooga, TN

$76K - $98K/yr

... for optimal control system performance. 4. Provide technical support to production and maintenance teams, assisting in issue resolution. 5. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop ...

Draper

Senior Navigation Analysis 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

Principal Guidance & Control Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$95K - $245K/yr

Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques. Strong leadership and team management skills. Ability to motivate and develop a team of professionals. Excellent ...

Draper

Senior Navigation Analysis 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

Principal Guidance & Control Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site +1

$95K - $245K/yr

Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques. Strong leadership and team management skills. Ability to motivate and develop a team of professionals. Excellent ...

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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.
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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.

Platform Systems Engineer; Motion Planning and Control

Waabi

Phoenix, AZ • On-site, Remote

$147K - $291K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Waabi, founded by AI visionary Raquel Urtasun, is the leader in Physical AI. With a world-class team, we're unlocking the next era of autonomous transportation with technology that's powering commercial autonomous trucks and robotaxis. Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech.

With offices in Toronto, San Francisco, Dallas, and Pittsburgh, Waabi is growing quickly and looking for diverse, innovative and collaborative candidates who want to impact the world in a positive way. To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai


You will...
- Create Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Requirements using analytical and numerical methods, with focus on motion planning, motion control and Vehicle Dynamics (VD).
- Own the definition and requirements development of the Motion Planning, Motion Control and low level vehicle control contract.
- Create methods and use physical and simulated data to inform and verify principled requirements
Advance VD simulation in AVs.

Qualifications:
- Strong foundation in AV systems in motion planning, motion control and VD and low level actuator control.
- Strong physics and control systems knowledge.
- Knowledge of Systems Engineering and Verification and Validation (V&V) best practices.
- Knowledge of functional safety standards (i.e. ISO 26262).
- Comprehensive coding skills in Python, or other common programming languages.
- Risk modeling, translating probabilistic safety goals into physical metrics, and quantifying system uncertainty (including correlated errors).
- Requirements decomposition from high-level safety goals into detailed, verifiable functional and technical requirements for a Level 4 AV system.
- Experience in VD simulation (use) and VD tools development (build).

Bonus:
- Applied and proven experience in building end to end motion planning and control systems systems.
- Commercial trucking actuator system and truck dynamics and control.
- Applied and proven experience of optimal control systems.
- A strong passion for robotics systems and an intuitive understanding of actual electro-mechanical problems in the context of self-driving or robotics.
- Coding in Rust and using build and test automation tools.

The US yearly salary range for this role is: $147,932  - $291,612 USD in addition to competitive perks & benefits. Waabi US Inc. and Waabi Canada Inc.'s yearly salary ranges are determined based on several factors in accordance with the Company's compensation practices. The salary base range is reflective of the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US and Canada locations.  Note: The Company provides additional compensation for employees in this role, including discretionary equity incentive awards and discretionary annual performance bonus.

Perks/Benefits:
Waabi provides a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive compensation and equity awards.
- Health and Wellness benefits that include Medical, Vision and Dental coverage.
- Unlimited Vacation.
- Flexible hours and Work from Home support.
- Daily drinks, snacks and catered meals (when in office).
- Regularly scheduled team building activities and social events.
- As we grow, this list continues to evolve! 
 
Waabi is a technology start-up building technologies to transform the way the world moves. Join our talented team to be a part of the future and to make an impact!
 
Waabi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and accessible workplace for all our employees. We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, caregiver status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We make workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please let our recruiting team know.
 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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