PRINCIPAL EMBEDDED SOFTWARE & CONTROLS ENGINEER

Our Client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Embedded Software & Controls Engineer to serve as a technical subject matter expert in advanced motion controls, embedded systems, and state-space control methods. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in modern control theory and can not only solve highly complex engineering challenges, but also teach, mentor, and grow controls capabilities across engineering teams.

PRINCIPAL EMBEDDED SOFTWARE & CONTROLS ENGINEER
Location: New Hudson, MI | Onsite
Direct Hire
Salary: $104,000 - $173,000, depending on experience
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Travel: Approximately 10%, primarily within the Great Lakes region
Become the Technical Expert Behind Advanced Motion Control Systems
Our Client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Embedded Software & Controls Engineer to serve as a technical subject matter expert in advanced motion controls, embedded systems, and state-space control methods.
This is a senior, hands-on technical role supporting the design, development, implementation, and validation of embedded control systems for advanced defense applications. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in modern control theory and can not only solve highly complex engineering challenges, but also teach, mentor, and grow controls capabilities across engineering teams.
You will support the full development lifecycle, from modeling and algorithm development through embedded deployment, hardware integration, vehicle testing, and field commissioning.
TOP QUALIFICATIONS

• Senior-level experience implementing motion control systems and state estimators using state-space methods
• Deep knowledge of classical and modern control theory
• Ability to serve as a subject matter expert and technical mentor
• Experience developing and deploying controls onto real embedded systems
• Strong MATLAB, Simulink, and embedded C/C++ experience

WHAT YOU'LL DOAdvanced Controls Development

• Design and implement control algorithms using classical and modern control techniques.
• Develop advanced motion control strategies and state estimators.
• Perform stability, robustness, and system performance analysis.
• Design and tune multi-loop and multi-axis control architectures.
• Deploy control algorithms using Simulink and embedded C/C++ environments.
• Develop and validate controls through SIL, HIL, bench, and vehicle testing.
• Support calibration, system commissioning, and field troubleshooting.

Modeling & Simulation

• Develop state-space and frequency-domain models of electromechanical, hydraulic, and vehicle systems.
• Apply physical modeling and system identification techniques.
• Develop and validate state estimators.
• Correlate simulation models with physical test data.
• Identify system performance metrics and specifications.
• Use simulation models to develop and refine advanced control strategies.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a technical authority for motion control and advanced control theory.
• Mentor engineers in modern controls development techniques.
• Help build deeper controls expertise across engineering teams.
• Provide guidance on complex system-level engineering challenges.
• Participate in design reviews and technical decision-making.

Hardware & System Integration

• Support the selection and integration of electronic components and controllers.
• Identify controller hardware based on I/O and computational requirements.
• Communicate system requirements to mechanical and electrical engineering teams.
• Troubleshoot complex system, controls, and electrical issues.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or PhD in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
• 8+ years of engineering experience
• Significant hands-on embedded controls development experience
• Advanced experience with motion control and state-space techniques

DESIRED TECHNICAL EXPERIENCEExperience with several of the following is highly desirable:

• MATLAB
• Simulink
• Stateflow
• State-space modeling
• State estimation
• Kalman filtering
• LQR/LQG
• Model Predictive Control
• MIMO system design
• Robust control
• PID
• Lead-lag compensation
• Loop shaping
• Root locus design
• Feedforward control
• Cascaded control architectures
• Numerical optimization
• Parameter fitting and control tuning

Additional tools and technologies may include:

• Simulink/Stateflow Coder
• MotoHawk
• Raptor
• OpenECU
• dSPACE
• Embedded C/C++
• Microcontrollers
• Linux
• RTOS platforms
• SIL and HIL testing
• CAN
• LIN
• J1939
• XCP/CCP
• Ethernet
• TCP/IP
• UDP
• EtherCAT
• DDS
• TSN

DEFENSE & VEHICLE EXPERIENCEExperience in one or more of the following areas is highly valued:

• Defense systems
• Combat vehicle engineering
• Weapon systems
• Fire control systems
• Turrets and ammunition handling systems
• Actuator and motion control
• Motors and valves
• By-wire systems
• Electric and hybrid vehicles
• Vehicle-level simulation
• Hardware/software integration

Knowledge of standards such as MIL-STD-498, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-882E, DO-178C, and DO-254 is also beneficial.
POSITION DETAILSThis is a fully onsite role in New Hudson, Michigan. Remote work is not available.The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional additional hours may be required to support project deadlines.Approximately 10% travel is expected, primarily within the Great Lakes region.This position supports programs subject to U.S. export-control and government security requirements. Candidates must meet applicable eligibility requirements and be able to satisfy requirements associated with obtaining a U.S. Government security clearance.
INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. HR phone screen
2. Microsoft Teams interview with the hiring manager
3. Onsite panel interview

If you are a senior controls engineer who wants to remain deeply technical while becoming the go-to expert for advanced motion control and state-space systems, we encourage you to apply.
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