Modern Controls Engineer – Principal (State Estimation)We are seeking a Modern Controls Engineer – Principal to lead the design, development, implementation, and validation of advanced embedded control systems for defense applications. This highly technical role focuses on motion control, state estimation, and advanced model-based controls development, supporting the full product lifecycle from system modeling and algorithm development through hardware integration, testing, and vehicle deployment.The ideal candidate will serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME) in state-space controls and state estimation techniques, helping establish best practices while mentoring other engineers and expanding the organization's technical capabilities in advanced controls.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and implement advanced control algorithms using both classical and modern control techniques.Develop motion control systems utilizing state-space methods and advanced estimation techniques.Perform stability, robustness, and performance analysis.Design and tune multi-loop and multi-axis control architectures.Develop and deploy control algorithms using MATLAB/Simulink and embedded C/C++ environments.Validate control strategies through:Software-in-the-Loop (SIL)Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)Bench testingVehicle testingSupport system commissioning, calibration, and field troubleshooting.Develop state-space and frequency-domain models for electromechanical, hydraulic, and vehicle systems.Perform physical modeling and system identification.Correlate simulation models with real-world test data.Analyze system performance metrics and validate engineering requirements.Utilize system models to develop, optimize, and validate advanced control algorithms and state estimators.Support the design, selection, and integration of embedded electronic hardware.Define controller hardware requirements based on system I/O and computational needs.Collaborate with mechanical engineering teams to communicate system integration requirements.Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and system-level integration issues.Serve as the organization's subject matter expert for advanced motion control and state estimation.Mentor and coach engineering teams on modern controls methodologies.Help develop organizational standards and best practices for advanced controls engineering.Provide technical guidance during architecture reviews, design reviews, and system integration activities.Required Qualifications8+ years of engineering experience in controls, embedded software, or related disciplines.Senior-level experience implementing advanced motion control systems using state-space methods.Experience developing state estimators and advanced control algorithms.Demonstrated expertise in model-based controls development using MATLAB/Simulink.Experience mentoring engineers and serving as a technical leader within engineering teams.Ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance.Technical SkillsMATLABSimulinkStateflowState-space modelingMotion control systemsState estimationControl system modeling and simulationEmbedded C/C++Real-time embedded systemsSystem identificationSIL/HIL testingVehicle controls developmentPreferred QualificationsExperience with one or more of the following:State-space modelingKalman FilteringLQR/LQGModel Predictive Control (MPC)Robust controlMIMO system designNumerical optimizationObserver designMulti-axis motion controlParameter estimation and controller tuningPID controlLead-lag compensationLoop shapingRoot locus analysisFeedforward controlCascaded loop architecturesSimulink/Stateflow CoderMotoHawkRaptorOpenECUdSPACEEmbedded LinuxRTOS platformsMicrocontroller developmentWeapon systemsCombat vehicle engineeringFire control systemsTurret and ammunition handling systemsElectric and hybrid vehicle architecturesBy-wire systemsActuator controls (motors and valves)ADAMSDymolaCarSimTruckSimFMI/FMUEthernetTCP/IPUDPEtherCATDDSTSNCANLINJ1939XCP/CCPVector toolsKvaserINCAElectrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic system designData acquisition hardware and softwareVehicle and system troubleshootingExperience delivering defense software CDRLsKnowledge of applicable military standards including:MIL-STD-498MIL-STD-461MIL-STD-882EDO-178CDO-254Master's or PhD in:Automotive EngineeringMechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringComputer ScienceComputer EngineeringMechatronicsOr a closely related technical disciplinePosition DetailsEmployment Type: Direct HireWork Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PMAdditional hours may be required to meet project deadlines.Work Location: Onsite (Remote work is not available.)Travel: Approximately 10%, primarily to test sites throughout the Great Lakes region.Salary Range: $104,000-$173,000, depending on experience.Additional RequirementsThis position supports ITAR-regulated programs.Dual citizenship is not permitted for this position.Candidates must be eligible to obtain a U.S.
Government security clearance.Position requires light physical activity.Equal Opportunity Employer (including Disability/Veterans)