Principal – Modern Controls Engineer

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA, Inc.); New Hudson (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA) is seeking a Principal - Modern Controls Engineer for a full-time role in New Hudson, MI. On-site presence is required five days per week as part of a hands-on, defense-focused program.

The Senior Embedded Software & Controls Tech Specialist will design, implement, validate, and test embedded control systems. Expect deep work in model-based development, real-time systems, and hardware integration across the lifecycle.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Mechatronic Systems.
• 8+ years of engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and validate embedded control systems for defense applications.
• Support full lifecycle from modeling and algorithm development through hardware integration and vehicle-level deployment.
• Deploy control algorithms using Simulink and embedded C/C++ environments.
• Perform stability, robustness, and performance analysis.

Skills

Control systems

MATLAB/Simulink

Stateflow

Embedded C/C++

Real-time embedded

System integration

Test & validation

Education

MS or PhD in Engineering/CS

8+ years experience

Tools

MotoHawk

Raptor/OpenECU

dSPACE

ADAMS/Dymola

Vehicle test rigs

Job description

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA) is searching for a Principal - Modern Controls Engineer for a full-time opportunity with one of our premier clients in New Hudson, MI. On site required 5x weekly.

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

• 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

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

• Daytime schedule Monday-Friday with infrequent night/weekend work for project surge support and additional effort as needed to achieve deadlines
• Some travel as required or on-site customer work

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at https://sgainc.com/.

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company EEO page to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.