Job Description

Worker Type

Regular

Are you ready to shape the future of space-based connectivity? Our Space Technologies division is seeking a talented Control Systems Engineer to join a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team. In this role, you will be an integral part of our cutting-edge Laser Communications Program, designing, testing, and analyzing advanced control systems that enable high-bandwidth optical data transfer across the stars.

If you have a passion for precision engineering and want to see your work launch into orbit, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

As a Control Systems Engineer, you will own the full lifecycle—from concept to characterization—of control systems for high-precision opto-mechanical and electro-optic systems. Your day-to-day will include:

• Algorithm & System Design: Develop robust control algorithms and translate continuous-time control models into high-performing discrete-time implementations.
• System Identification & Analysis: Conduct rigorous system identification and performance analysis to optimize precision pointing and tracking.
• Hardware Integration: Work directly with gimbals and other advanced actuated mechanical systems in a laboratory environment.
• Requirements & Testing: Analyze system-level requirements and conduct hands-on testing and characterization of electro-optic payloads.

What You Bring (Required Qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Scientific discipline (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering) from an accredited four-year university.
• Core Theory: Strong academic foundation in classical and state-space control system theory.
• Hands-on Experience: Proven experience in a laboratory environment setting up, testing, and experimenting with control system technologies.
• Experience with high bandwidth control systems design
• Technical Expertise: * Experience working with gimbals and/or other highly actuated mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to translate continuous-time control algorithms into discrete-time systems.
• Must be a US Citizen able to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Tools: High proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and Microsoft Office suite.

Bonus Points (Desired Qualifications)

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Engineering/Science with a specialized research focus in advanced control systems theory.
• Prior experience in aerospace, optical communications, or satellite payload development.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$91,000 - $129,150

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required