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Optimal Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Draper

Senior Software Autonomy Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site +1

$82.30K - $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 ...

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How much do optimal control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Optimal Control jobs
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What states have the most Optimal Control jobs? States with the most job openings for Optimal Control jobs include:
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Optimal Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optimal Control job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 20% Contract. 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.

Staff Robotics Control Engineer, Santa Clara

IntelliPro Group Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

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

Job description

Job Title: Staff Robotics control engineer
Position Type: Full-time
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Salary Range: $200000 - $250000 (USD)
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and implement state estimation, sensor fusion, planning, control algorithms that enable fast, dynamic and safe robot motion
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including embedded system, perception, hardware, AI
  • Optimize control performance across multiple domains including stability, safety, precision, and energy efficiency
  • Design and conduct experiments to validate control algorithms both in simulation and on hardware
  • Analyze system performance data to identify failure modes and improvement opportunities
  • Document technical approaches, implementation details, and experimental results
Qualifications:
  • Master's or PhD in Robotics, Controls, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field
  • 4+ years of professional experience developing control systems for dynamic robots
  • Strong expertise in control theory including nonlinear control, model predictive control, and optimal control
  • Experience with state estimation techniques such as Kalman filters, particle filters, and factor graphs
  • Proficiency in C++, Python, Rust for real-time robotics applications
  • Strong understanding of robot kinematics, dynamics, and mathematical modeling
  • Experience working with sensor integration including IMUs, encoders, force/torque sensors
  • Proven track record of implementing and testing control algorithms on physical robotic systems
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to debug complex system interactions

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with highly dynamic control systems such as bipedal, quadruped, or humanoid robots
  • Knowledge of reinforcement learning or other machine learning approaches for control
  • Experience with whole-body control and contact dynamics for legged systems
  • Experience with real-time computing and optimization
  • Background in trajectory optimization and motion planning
  • Familiarity with ROS, simulation environments (e.g., Drake, Isaac Sim, SAPIEN, MuJoCo, PyBullet)
  • Track record of publications in top-tier robotics conferences/journals

About Us:
Founded in 2009, IntelliPro is a global leader in talent acquisition and HR solutions. Our commitment to delivering unparalleled service to clients, fostering employee growth, and building enduring partnerships sets us apart. We continue leading global talent solutions with a dynamic presence in over 160 countries, including the USA, China, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Philippines, UK, India, Netherlands, and the EU.
IntelliPro, a global leader connecting individuals with rewarding employment opportunities, is dedicated to understanding your career aspirations. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, IntelliPro values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected group status. Moreover, our Inclusivity Commitment emphasizes embracing candidates of all abilities and ensures that our hiring and interview processes accommodate the needs of all applicants. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusivity at https://intelliprogroup.com/.
Compensation: The pay offered to a successful candidate will be determined by various factors, including education, work experience, location, job responsibilities, certifications, and more. Additionally, IntelliPro provides a comprehensive benefits package, all subject to eligibility.

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