Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer (PAT Engineer) plays a critical role in developing and implementing advanced control systems for hardware that moves beams and tracks objects in complex, real-world environments. This position focuses on applying deep control theory to sophisticated electro-optical and tracking systems, ensuring stable, high-performance operation in challenging aerospace and defense applications.

• Develop control algorithms and software, in close collaboration with a Software Engineer, to move beams and accurately track objects using existing hardware platforms.
• Design, analyze, and tune control loops that acquire and track targets in aeronautical, space-based, and other demanding real-world applications.
• Identify, understand, and address system limitations, with particular focus on non-linear responses, oscillations, and other control theory challenges.
• Integrate control logic with current hardware, creating maintainable and reusable code to support precise beam steering and object tracking.
• Work hands-on in a lab environment to bring existing hardware online, run experiments, and validate control loop performance.
• Use tools such as MATLAB, C, and Python to model, simulate, implement, and refine control algorithms for hardware-in-the-loop systems.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team members to iterate on system design, improve tracking performance, and ensure robust operation under dynamic conditions.
• Contribute to the development of flight-ready control electronics and sensors, supporting progression from lab prototypes to space launch hardware.
• Participate in ongoing system optimization and troubleshooting, including potential real-time code modifications during critical operational milestones.
• Support the long-term evolution of the tracking and control system, helping to refine and extend capabilities beyond initial launch.

• Deep, hands-on experience in controls engineering and control theory, with a strong track record of real-world application in systems with non-linear responses.
• Significant experience (likely around 8–10 years) designing and implementing control loops that acquire and track targets in aeronautical, space-based, or similarly challenging environments.
• Proven ability to design, analyze, and tune complex control loops to solve high-impact technical problems.
• Experience working directly with hardware to develop control software that moves beams and tracks objects.
• Strong proficiency in MATLAB, C, or Python for modeling, simulation, implementation, and maintenance of control algorithms and codebases.
• Ability to clearly discuss prior work on control loops for target tracking in domains such as aerospace, space systems, autonomous vehicles, or other demanding applications.
• Solid understanding of non-linearities, oscillations, and stability considerations in control systems, and the ability to engineer practical solutions.
• Experience in controls development and controls programming, including control loop design for complex systems.
• Background in one or more of the following areas: missile guidance control, electro-optical tracking, LiDAR, space systems, or similar high-performance tracking domains.

• Prior optical communications experience, especially laser communication (lasercom), is highly valued but not strictly required.
• Laser communication (lasercom) domain experience is strongly preferred and sits at the top of the desired tracking domain hierarchy.
• LiDAR experience is highly preferred and considered very similar and complementary to laser communication work.
• Relevant experience in missile guidance control, electro-optical tracking, and space systems is beneficial.
• Background in optical engineering and optical design, particularly related to tracking and beam steering systems.
• Experience with C and general programming for embedded or real-time systems.
• System tracking and robotics experience, especially within aerospace defense contexts.
• Embedded systems Background, including working with control electronics and sensors.
• Experience with autonomous systems such as self-driving cars, drones with collision avoidance, or other platforms operating in complex real-world environments.
• Exposure to dynamic, high-stakes technical projects with long-term roadmaps and evolving system requirements.

The Controls Engineer (PAT Engineer) works in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, partnering closely with a dedicated Software Engineer and other technical team members. The role is strongly lab-based, with extensive hands-on interaction with existing hardware to bring systems online, run experiments, and validate control loop performance. You will operate within a problem-solving culture focused on making complex control systems work better, particularly in the face of non-linearities, oscillations, and other real-world challenges. The environment centers on developing and testing control electronics and sensors, progressing from initial hardware activation to flight-ready components for a space launch. This is a long-term, high-impact project with a clear trajectory extending through and beyond a major launch milestone, where your contributions are fundamental to the overall effort. The work is dynamic and evolving, involving iterative development, system refinement, and potential real-time code adjustments during critical operations, all within a technically rigorous and innovation-driven setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reno, NV.

The pay range for this position is $96.15 - $132.21/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $96 - $132