Senior/Principal Controls Engineer - Hypersonic Flight Systems, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories is seeking a Senior/Principal Controls Engineer for Hypersonic Flight Systems on site in Washington, DC. You will collaborate with sponsors, lead GN&C subsystem design, and apply advanced control theory to experimental flight systems.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree with five years of relevant experience, or equivalent, and an active DOE Q clearance. Strong software skills in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, and Julia are valued along with leadership and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with five years of directly relevant experience or equivalent.
• Active DOE Q-level security clearance or comparable security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Interface with program sponsors and collaborators to provide hypersonic controls expertise.
• Lead GN&C subsystem design, build, and test to support flight test programs.
• Apply control theory and analysis to enhance hypersonic flight systems.
• Design and implement control algorithms for optimal performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integration of GN&C technologies.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and proposals for control research.
• Provide mentorship to team members and foster professional growth.
• Partner with universities and publish findings at conferences and meetings.

Skills

Hypersonic flight controls

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Julia

Robust control

Project leadership

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

Master’s or Ph.D. in Control Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

C/C++

Julia

Job description

Senior/Principal Controls Engineer – Hypersonic Flight Systems (Onsite)

Sandia National Laboratories is a leading science and engineering laboratory focusing on national security and advanced technology. The Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) II Department seeks an experienced Controls Engineer to contribute to hypersonic flight system research and development in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

• Interface directly with program sponsors and collaborators to provide hypersonic controls expertise.
• Lead GN&C subsystem design, build, and test to support flight test programs.
• Apply control theory and analysis to enhance experimental hypersonic flight systems.
• Design and implement control algorithms ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful integration of GN&C technologies.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and compelling proposals for control research initiatives.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering professional growth.
• Engage in collaborative research with universities and publish findings at conferences and customer meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Active DOE Q‑level (or a comparable DOD equivalent) security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Engineering or a related field with an independent research project.
• Experience with classical, modern, or robust control.
• Proven project planning, execution, and design experience in R&D.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and a passion for technical excellence.
• Master’s or Ph.D. in Control Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or a related field with at least 10 years of experience.
• Experience with hypersonic flight systems, flight testing, and real‑time embedded hardware/software.
• Proficiency with MATLAB & Simulink, Python, C/C++, and Julia.
• Experience with AI/ML, optimization techniques, embedded software development, and testing.
• Strong writing and oratory skills and a record of leading R&D research initiatives.

Security Clearance

Requires a DOE Q‑level security clearance to begin work, or an equivalent active security clearance. Retention of clearance is mandatory and may be impacted by dual citizenship.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.