What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Controls Engineer position at Inertia?
Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced control systems and software for high-energy laser systems. You will work cross-functionally with optical, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams to develop robust control architectures, real-time software, and system automation solutions.
Primary Responsibilities:
The base salary range for this role is $200,000 - $260,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.
We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!
About Inertia:
Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced control systems and software for high-energy laser systems. You will work cross-functionally with optical, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams to develop robust control architectures, real-time software, and system automation solutions.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and deploy control systems and software for large, complex laser systems
- Develop and maintain real-time control algorithms for precision motion, thermal regulation, and laser operation
- Architect and implement PLC, embedded, and PC-based control systems
- Integrate hardware components including sensors, actuators, motion systems, and laser subsystems
- Develop HMI/GUI interfaces for system monitoring, diagnostics, and operator control
- Perform system modeling, simulation, and performance optimization
- Lead system integration, testing, and commissioning activities
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex system issues in both development and production environments
- Establish and enforce controls standards, documentation, and best practices
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across projects
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
- 10 years of experience in controls engineering
- Strong experience with:
- Control system design (PID, state-space, advanced control methods)
- PLC programming
- Embedded systems or real-time software development
- Programming languages such as C/C , Python, or MATLAB/Simulink
- Experience with motion control systems (servo motors, precision positioning)
- Strong system integration and debugging skills
- Experience working with laser systems, photonics, or optical equipment
- Experience developing controls architectures and state diagrams and models for vacuum systems or cooling systems
- Experience with developing controls systems to meet safety standards (e.g., laser safety, personnel safety, machine safety)
- Experience with FPGA development or high-speed data acquisition systems
- Experience developing automated test systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work on complex, multidisciplinary systems
- Excellent communication and technical documentation skills
- Leadership mindset with the ability to drive projects to completion
- Detail-oriented with a focus on system reliability and performance
The base salary range for this role is $200,000 - $260,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.
We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!
About Inertia:
Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.
Salary : $200,000 - $260,000