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Phd Control Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Engineering, PhD degree is preferred in Aerospace Engineering • You must have a minimum of 10 years of pertinent experience in the development of Flight Control Laws for FBW (Fly-By-Wire) aircraft ...

The Manager, Automation & Control Engineering (Management Path) is primarily responsible for ... PhD+0 yrs) * The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English * 5 Years ...

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Phd Control Engineering information

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$36K

$81K

$126.5K

How much do phd control engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd control engineering in the United States is $81,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $97,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD control engineer?

PhD Control Engineering professionals are experts who have completed a doctoral degree focused on the theory and application of control systems. They conduct advanced research and develop methods to design, analyze, and optimize automatic control systems used in industries such as robotics, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. Their work often involves mathematical modeling, simulation, and the application of algorithms to ensure that complex systems function reliably and efficiently. These individuals typically work in academia, research institutions, or high-tech industries where advanced control solutions are needed.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD control engineers in industry settings?

PhD Control Engineers often encounter the challenge of translating advanced theoretical models into practical, robust solutions that work reliably in real-world environments. Balancing innovation with system constraints, such as hardware limitations, safety regulations, and integration with legacy systems, is a key aspect of the role. Additionally, these engineers frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, requiring effective communication to bridge gaps between research and practical application. Managing project timelines while conducting in-depth analysis and experimentation is also a common challenge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD control engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Control Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of control theory, systems modeling, and mathematics, typically supported by a doctoral degree in control engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation and design tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, and familiarity with embedded systems or real-time control platforms is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative solutions, conducting impactful research, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in complex engineering projects.

What is the difference between Phd Control Engineering vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectPhd Control EngineeringControl Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Control Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Control Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsIndustry settings, manufacturing, automation projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, advanced R&DTech companies, manufacturing firms, automation industries

While a Phd in Control Engineering focuses on research, development, and advanced theoretical work, a Control Systems Engineer applies control principles to design and implement practical automation solutions. Both roles require a strong foundation in control theory, but the PhD is more research-oriented, whereas the Control Systems Engineer is more application-focused.

What are popular job titles related to Phd Control Engineering jobs?

For Phd Control Engineering jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Phd Control Engineering job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,001 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Staff Robotics Motion Control Engineer

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Qualcomm
Technology, Communication and Media • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Multimedia Systems
General Summary:
Qualcomm's Robotics Team is driving innovation in autonomous systems by delivering cutting-edge hardware and software solutions for next-generation robots. We are seeking a Robotics Motion Control Engineer to design, implement, and optimize motion control algorithms for robotic platforms powered by Qualcomm's advanced SoCs and AI engines. This role will focus on enabling precise, safe, and efficient motion for robotic arms, mobile manipulators, and humanoid systems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and optimize motion control algorithms for robotic manipulators and mobile platforms, including trajectory planning, inverse kinematics, and real-time control loops.

  • Integrate motion control software with Qualcomm's robotics SDK, ROS2-based frameworks, and hardware abstraction layers.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (AI, perception, hardware, and simulation) to ensure seamless integration of motion control with perception and planning modules.

  • Implement safety and compliance features aligned with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508).

  • Conduct performance benchmarking and tuning for real-time execution on heterogeneous compute platforms (CPU, GPU, NPU, DSP).

  • Validate algorithms in simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim) and on physical robotic platforms.

  • Contribute to system-level architecture discussions for robotics solutions, including sensor fusion and actuator control strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
*Works in the lab, can use hazardous chemicals (e.g., glue, machinery).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of experience in motion control for robotic systems.
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and Python; experience with ROS/ROS2.
  • Solid understanding of kinematics, dynamics, and control theory (PID, model predictive control, impedance/admittance control).
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools (Gazebo, Webots, Isaac Sim) and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
  • Experience with humanoid or collaborative robot motion control.
  • Knowledge of functional safety standards and safe motion planning.
  • Familiarity with Qualcomm robotics platforms (e.g., RB5, RB6, IQ series) and AI acceleration frameworks.
  • Exposure to machine learning for motion planning or reinforcement learning-based control.
  • Strong debugging and performance optimization skills for embedded platforms.

Why Join Qualcomm Robotics?
  • Work on cutting-edge robotics platforms integrating AI, 5G connectivity, and advanced compute for real-time autonomy.

  • Collaborate with a global team shaping the future of robotics across industrial, commercial, and consumer markets.

  • Access to state-of-the-art hardware, simulation environments, and Qualcomm's robotics SDK for accelerated development.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$167,000.00 - $250,600.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

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Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985