Controls Engineer 1 - Engine Controls Development & Calibration (119680-1)

Cullerton Group; Mossville (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Controls Engineer 1 – Engine Controls Development & Calibration in Mossville, Illinois. The work is performed 100% onsite, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on an 18-month contract that can lead to permanent employment.

The role supports the development, validation, and calibration of embedded engine control algorithms and diagnostic systems, using MATLAB/Simulink, engine testing, and calibration data to optimize air, emissions, and combustion

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline as listed.
• 0–2 years in controls engineering or related activities.
• Knowledge of control algorithms, modeling, or embedded control applications.
• Familiar with MATLAB/Simulink for control system modeling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, simulate, validate, and calibrate embedded engine control algorithms.
• Support MATLAB/Simulink-based modeling and technical reviews.
• Develop engine test plans and assist with on-engine testing and calibration.
• Analyze data, propose improvements to control performance.
• Prepare documentation and ensure safety requirements and schedules are met.

Skills

Embedded systems

Controls engineering

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Controls Engineer 1 – Engine Controls Development & Calibration in Mossville, Illinois.

The work will be performed 100% onsite, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This is an 18-month position that can lead to permanent employment with our client.

Compensation is $41/hr W-2 plus full benefits (vision, dental, health insurance, 401k, and holiday pay).

Job Summary

The Controls Engineer 1 will support the development, validation, and calibration of embedded engine control algorithms and diagnostic systems for diesel and alternative-fuel engine platforms. This role focuses on air systems, emissions, and combustion controls, contributing to new product development and engine performance optimization. The engineer will work with MATLAB/Simulink, simulation models, engine testing, and calibration data to evaluate and improve control strategies. The ideal candidate will have a foundation in embedded systems and control systems development, strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, and an interest in hands‑on engine testing and software development.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, simulation, validation, and calibration of embedded engine control algorithms, including air system, combustion, and emissions control strategies.
• Support MATLAB/Simulink‑based control system modeling, algorithm evaluation, technical reviews, and embedded software specification development.
• Develop engine test plans, assist with on‑engine testing and calibration activities, analyze experimental data, and recommend improvements to engine control performance.
• Troubleshoot hardware, embedded software, and engine control system issues while collaborating with engineering teams to identify root causes and implement solutions.
• Prepare technical documentation, software specifications, design review materials, and calibration reports while ensuring engineering safety requirements and project schedules are met.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience in controls engineering, embedded systems, engine development, calibration, or related engineering activities. Relevant internships are accepted.
• Knowledge or experience in control systems design and development, including control algorithms, modeling, or embedded control applications.
• Familiarity with embedded systems, including software, hardware, or electronic control technologies.
• Strong analytical thinking, technical troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink or similar engineering software used for control system modeling and simulation.
• Ability to analyze technical data, interpret engineering results, and contribute to control system validation and calibration activities.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage engineering assignments effectively.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with engineering teams and technical specialists.
• Willingness to work 100% onsite in Mossville, IL, including time spent in engine test cells and occasional proving ground activities.
• Ability to follow laboratory and engine testing safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering with a focus on embedded software, control systems, engine development, or related technical areas.
• Experience using MATLAB, Simulink, or model‑based development tools for control algorithm design and simulation.
• Exposure to diesel engines, alternative‑fuel engines, air systems, combustion controls, or emissions control technologies.
• Experience with embedded software development, control algorithm implementation, or engine electronic control systems.
• Familiarity with engine calibration, on‑engine testing, test plan development, and experimental data analysis.
• Knowledge of classical and modern control theory and its application to embedded control systems.
• Experience with engineering simulation, software specifications, design reviews, and technical documentation.
• Hands‑on engineering internships, academic research, or student projects involving embedded controls, engine testing, or system troubleshooting.
• Previous experience supporting automotive, industrial machinery, powertrain, or heavy equipment engineering projects.

Why This Role?

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to advanced engine control technologies while supporting a global leader in heavy machinery and manufacturing. You will gain hands‑on experience developing embedded control algorithms, working with MATLAB/Simulink, performing engine testing and calibration, and learning both classical and modern control strategies.

Cullerton Group provides a professional environment with growth potential, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to develop expertise in embedded systems, engine controls, and new product development.