Principal Engineer

Modern control techniques including state-space modeling, LQR/LQG, Kalman Filtering, Model Predictive Control (MPC), robust control and MIMO system design. Classical control techniques including PID, lead–lag compensation, loop shaping, root locus design, feedforward control, and cascaded loop architectures.

Direct Hire opportunity

• Monday-Friday 8AM - 5PM (additional effort may be required to meet project deadlines).
• Salary range depending on experience: $91,500K - $148K.
• NOT REMOTE-must work onsite

Top qualifications: 
Experience implementing motion control algorithms from scratch at a senior level using classic or modern methods. Model based control development using simulink.

Job Description
The Senior Embedded Software & Controls Tech Specialist will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and validation of embedded control systems for defense applications. This role requires deep expertise in classical and modern control theory, real-time embedded systems, and system-level integration. The position is highly technical and hands-on, supporting the full lifecycle from modeling and algorithm development through hardware integration and vehicle-level deployment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS: Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Controls System Design & Development
Implement control algorithms using classic and modern control techniques
Perform stability, robustness, and 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 control strategies through SIL, HIL, bench, and vehicle testing
Support system commissioning, calibration, and field troubleshooting
System Simulation and Modeling
Develop state-space and frequency-domain models of electromechanical, hydraulic, and vehicle systems through physical modeling and system identification methods
Identify performance metrics and system specifications from model results
Model correlation and validation to test data
Use models to develop and test controls algorithms
System Hardware Integration
Support design, selection, and integration of electronic components
Communicate mechanical requirements of system to design staff
Identify controller hardware to meet I/O and computational requirements
Troubleshoot and resolve system and electrical issues
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
MS or PhD in Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Mechatronic Systems
8+ years of engineering experience
DESIRED SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Control system modeling and simulation in MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow
Classical control techniques including PID, lead–lag compensation, loop shaping, root locus design, feedforward control, and cascaded loop architectures
Modern control techniques including state-space modeling, LQR/LQG, Kalman Filtering, Model Predictive Control (MPC), robust control and MIMO system design
Numerical optimization methods for parameter fitting and control tuning
Embedded Model-Based Development tools (Simulink/Stateflow Coder, MotoHawk, Raptor, OpenECU, dSPACE)
Embedded software in C/C++ on microcontrollers, Linux, or RTOS-based platforms
Expertise in specific areas such as:
Weapon Systems
Combat Vehicle Engineering
Fire Control Systems
Turrets and Ammo Handling Systems
Knowledge of MIL Standards for software, electronics, communications, cyber and functional safety (MIL-STD-498, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-882E, DO-178C, DO-254)
Experience delivering defense software CDRLs
Networking protocols and standards (Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP, EtherCAT, DDS, TSN)
Automotive protocols (CAN, LIN, J1939, XCP/CCP) and Tools (Vector, Kvaser, INCA)
Actuator controls (motors, valves) and by-wire design
Electric and Hybrid vehicle architecture
Vehicle/system level simulation (ADAMS, Dymola, CarSim/ TruckSim, FMI/FMU)
Vehicle and system troubleshooting experience
Electrical/Mechanical/Hydraulic/Pneumatic system design and simulation
Data acquisition hardware and software experience
Must meet the requirements for obtaining US Government clearance
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Position requires light physical activity