Controls Engineer; Associate or Mid-Level

Controls Engineer (Associate or Mid-Level) Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

We are looking for an Associate or Mid-Level Controls Engineer (Level 2 or
3) to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in advancing Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5 m to 3.5 m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting the development, optimization, and maintenance of control solutions.

• Develop high‑fidelity mathematical models of dynamic systems (e.g., mechanical, electrical, thermal processes) using first‑principles physics and empirical system identification techniques.
• Analyze system behavior, including stability, linearity, and transient/steady‑state responses.
• Design, develop, and implement advanced control strategies.
• Utilize industry‑standard tools (primarily MATLAB/Simulink) for control system simulation, analysis, and rapid prototyping.
• Conduct extensive simulations to verify algorithm performance, stability, and robustness under various operating conditions and disturbances.
• Develop and execute Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) and Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL) tests for algorithm validation.
• Perform rigorous tuning and optimization of control parameters to achieve desired system performance metrics (e.g., accuracy, speed, response time, energy efficiency, disturbance rejection).
• Analyze data from real‑world systems to refine and improve control algorithms.
• Collaborate closely with software/firmware engineers to translate complex control algorithms into executable code (e.g., C/C++, VHDL) for embedded systems, real‑time operating systems (RTOS), or FPGA platforms.
• Create detailed control system design specifications, mathematical derivations, simulation reports, and validation plans.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or a non‑US equivalent directly related to the work statement.
• 2+ years with MATLAB and Simulink (including toolboxes such as Control System Toolbox, MPC Toolbox, Optimization Toolbox, Simscape, Stateflow).
• Must be willing to work variable shifts, including day, evening, night, and weekends.

• 3+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Active U.S. TS/SCI Security Clearance.
• 3+ years in at least one relevant programming language (e.g., C/C++, Python) for algorithm implementation or data analysis.
• 3+ years of professional experience in designing, modeling, and implementing advanced control algorithms for dynamic systems.
• Experience with at least two or more advanced control techniques (e.g., MPC, LQR, robust control, adaptive control).
• Background in developing robust control systems for telescopes, addressing challenges in pointing accuracy, vibration suppression, and thermal stability.

This position is variable shift and 100% onsite at the Starfire Optical Range.

Associate (Level 2) Summary pay range: $91,800 – $124,200.
Mid‑Level (Level 3) Summary pay range: $112,200 – $151,800.
Benefits include health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and paid/unpaid time away from work.

Applications will be accepted until Jan. 23 2026
.

U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) required.

Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required); a clearance active in the past 24 months is considered active.

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.