Control Systems Engineer

avav; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 91,000 - 138,750; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment's Space Technologies division seeks a Control Systems Engineer to design, test, and analyze advanced control systems for laser communications payloads. You will translate continuous-time control theory into robust discrete-time implementations, perform system identification, and work with gimbals in the lab.

This hands‑on role requires rigorous experimentation, documentation, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Scientific discipline from an accredited four‑year university.
• Strong academic foundation in classical and state‑space control theory.
• Hands‑on experience in a laboratory environment setting up, testing, and experimenting with control system technologies.
• Experience with high bandwidth control systems design.
• Experience working with gimbals and/or other highly actuated mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to translate continuous‑time control algorithms into discrete‑time systems.
• US citizenship to obtain/maintain a security clearance.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Algorithm & System Design: Develop robust control algorithms and translate continuous‑time models into discrete‑time implementations.
• System Identification & Analysis: Conduct rigorous system identification and performance analysis to optimize precision pointing and tracking.
• Hardware Integration: Work directly with gimbals and other advanced actuated mechanical systems in a laboratory environment.
• Requirements & Testing: Analyze system‑level requirements and conduct testing and characterization of electro‑optic payloads.

Skills

High bandwidth control

MATLAB/Simulink

Discrete-time control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Scientific discipline

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Are you ready to shape the future of space-based connectivity? Our Space Technologies division is seeking a talented Control Systems Engineer to join a high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary team. In this role, you will be an integral part of our cutting‑edge Laser Communications Program, designing, testing, and analyzing advanced control systems that enable high‑bandwidth optical data transfer across the stars.

If you have a passion for precision engineering and want to see your work launch into orbit, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Algorithm & System Design: Develop robust control algorithms and translate continuous‑time control models into high‑performing discrete‑time implementations.
• System Identification & Analysis: Conduct rigorous system identification and performance analysis to optimize precision pointing and tracking.
• Hardware Integration: Work directly with gimbals and other advanced actuated mechanical systems in a laboratory environment.
• Requirements & Testing: Analyze system‑level requirements and conduct hands‑on testing and characterization of electro‑optic payloads.

What You Bring (Required Qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Scientific discipline (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering) from an accredited four‑year university.
• Core Theory: Strong academic foundation in classical and state‑space control system theory.
• Hands‑on Experience: Proven experience in a laboratory environment setting up, testing, and experimenting with control system technologies.
• Experience with high bandwidth control systems design
• Technical Expertise: Experience working with gimbals and/or other highly actuated mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to translate continuous‑time control algorithms into discrete‑time systems.
• Must be a US Citizen able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Tools: High proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and Microsoft Office suite.

Bonus Points (Desired Qualifications)

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Engineering/Science with a specialized research focus in advanced control systems theory.
• Prior experience in aerospace, optical communications, or satellite payload development.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

U.S. Citizenship required.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

Salary Range

$91,000 - $138,750

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.