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 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.

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.

  Benefits of working at Starfire Optical Range:

• Your contributions will directly impact the advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities, a critical mission for our national security

• You’ll have the opportunity to work with world-class telescopes and advanced optical systems

• You’ll assume ownership for the architecture, development, and long-term health of a key application

• You’ll be part of a supportive enthusiastic team of experts in various fields

• We are committed to the professional development of our team members and provide opportunities for learning and advancement

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

• 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

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

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 (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

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

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

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

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

• Active U.S. Top Secret/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

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

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.

Associate (Level 2) Summary pay range: $91,800 - $124,200

Mid-Level (Level 3) Summary pay range: $112,200 - $151,800

Applications for this position will be accepted until Feb. 28, 2026

Export Control Requirements:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, 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 an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

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.