Controls and Systems Integration Engineer

SAIC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,001 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in San Diego, CA is seeking a Controls and Systems Integration Engineer for unmanned maritime systems for the U.S. Navy. This hands-on role covers vehicle controls, embedded systems, power, sensors, autonomy, and field operations.

The position is on-site in San Diego, with occasional travel for field tests, sea trials, and shipboard events. You will write Python and C/C++ code, troubleshoot across Linux, CAN, PLCs, and embedded computers, and collaborate with government customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering/technical discipline with at least 5 years' related experience.
• U.S. Citizen with active Secret Clearance to start.
• Hands-on experience with controls, robotics, automation, embedded systems, or complex electromechanical equipment.

Responsibilities

• Integrate, test, and troubleshoot control systems for unmanned maritime vehicles and subsystems.
• Write and modify Python and C/C++ code for controls, hardware integration, test automation, and data logging.
• Work with Linux-based systems, networked devices, serial and CAN bus hardware, and embedded computers.
• Support integration and troubleshooting of vehicle networks involving PLCs, HMIs, navigation sensors, cameras, and control computers.
• Assist with electrical troubleshooting across DC and AC power systems, including propulsion drives, battery systems, and power distribution.
• Plan and execute bench, dockside, and field tests; document results and support anomaly resolution.
• Support government test events, sea trials, and operational demonstrations.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, operators, and government customers to solve problems quickly and safely.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Linux

Robotics

Controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Computer Engineering or related

Job description

Overview

Controls and Systems Integration Engineer for unmanned maritime systems programs for the U.S. Navy in San Diego, CA. This is a hands-on, systems-level engineering role focused on making complex electromechanical systems work in the real world. The position involves working across vehicle controls, embedded and networked systems, power distribution, sensors, autonomy support, and field operations—often within the same day. This is an on-site role in San Diego, CA with occasional travel for field tests, sea trials, and shipboard events.

Responsibilities

• Integrate, test, and troubleshoot control systems for unmanned maritime vehicles and their subsystems — including propulsion, steering, power management, and payloads.
• Write and modify Python and C/C++ code for controls, hardware integration, test automation, and data logging.
• Work with Linux-based systems, networked devices, serial and CAN bus hardware, and embedded computers.
• Support integration and troubleshooting of vehicle networks involving PLCs, HMIs, navigation sensors, cameras, and control computers.
• Assist with electrical troubleshooting across DC and AC power systems, including propulsion drives, battery systems, and power distribution.
• Plan and execute bench, dockside, and field tests; document results and support anomaly resolution.
• Support government test events, sea trials, and operational demonstrations.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, operators, and government customers to solve problems quickly and safely.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Controls, or a related technical discipline and five (5) years or more related experience.

Clearance

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must have an Active Secret Clearance to start.

Experience

• Hands-on experience with controls, robotics, automation, embedded systems, or complex electromechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of Python and familiarity with C/C++.
• Experience working in a Linux environment.
• Familiarity with autonomous systems or robotic platforms — whether through coursework, research, or professional experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems that span software, electronics, and hardware in a lab or field environment.
• Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and network diagrams.

Desired Skills

• Experience with unmanned systems — UUVs, USVs, AUVs, ROVs, sUAS, or autonomous ground vehicles.
• Familiarity with ROS or other robotics/autonomy middleware.
• Experience with PLCs, CAN bus, or industrial communication protocols.
• Exposure to marine electronics, navigation sensors, or networked vehicle systems.
• Experience with power systems — batteries, inverters, generators, or electric propulsion.

Salary: Target salary range $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.