Design and Controls Engineer (Mid-Level or Lead)

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.

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Mid-Level or Lead Design and Controls Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We are seeking a highly skilled individual with experience in controls, system modeling, simulation, and performance optimization. This role will support the hardware, firmware, and software development of electro-optical systems. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to advancements in technology using cutting-edge equipment at a historically significant site.

This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities.  The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5m up to 3.5m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting the supporting the development, optimization, and maintenance of control solutions.

Starfire Optical Range is a world class research facility with recognized achievements, enabled by the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our entire team.  Our team consists of engineers and technicians in all disciplines required to plan, design, integrate, and test complex optical, electronic, quantum systems to achieve research objectives.

Position Responsibilities:   

• 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, including but not limited to:

  • Classical control (PID tuning, lead-lag compensation)

  • Modern control (State-Space, Pole Placement, LQG/LTR)

  • Optimal control

  • Robust control (H∞, μ-synthesis)

  • Model Predictive Control (MPC)

  • Adaptive control and gain scheduling

  • Develop multi-variable control strategies for complex, interconnected systems.

• 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.

• Provide expert guidance and support during system integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting of control-related issues.

• Create detailed control system design specifications, mathematical derivations, simulation reports, and validation plans.

• Present complex technical concepts and findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.  The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement 

• 4+ years of professional experience in designing, modeling, and implementing advanced control algorithms for dynamic systems

• 4+ years with MATLAB and Simulink (including toolboxes like Control System Toolbox, MPC Toolbox, Optimization Toolbox, Simscape, Stateflow)

• 3+ years in at least one relevant programming language (e.g., C/C++, Python) for algorithm implementation or data analysis

• Must be willing to work variable shifts; including day, evening, night, and weekends

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• 9+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

• Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline

• Experience with at least two or more advanced control techniques (e.g., MPC, LQR, robust control, adaptive control)

• Deep theoretical understanding of classical and modern control theory, including state-space methods, frequency response, stability analysis, and robust control concepts

• Strong mathematical foundation, including linear algebra, differential equations, and optimization theory

• Experience with dynamic system modeling and system identification techniques

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences

• Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing methodologies and platforms

• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded control systems development

• Background in developing robust control systems for telescopes, addressing challenges in pointing accuracy, vibration suppression, and thermal stability

• Experience with other simulation tools (e.g., LabVIEW)

  

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

This position is for Variable shift.

Pay and Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Mid-Level (Level 3) Summary pay range: $96,050 - $129,950

Lead (Level 4) Summary pay range: $119,850 – $162,150

Applications for this position will be accepted until Aug. 20, 2025

Export Control Requirements: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details: US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for variable shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

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.

Experience Level
Individual Contributor
Contingent Upon Program Award
No, this position is not contingent upon program award

Schedule
Full time

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.