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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal - Modern Controls Engineer - **Company:** SGA Inc. - **Location:** New Hudson, MI, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Algorithm Design, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Engineering, Linux, Programming Tools, DSpace, Embedded Software, Ethernet, EtherCAT, Hardware Design, MATLAB, Network Protocols, Real-Time Operating Systems, Simulink, Stateflow, Systems Integration, TCP/IP, Test Data, Cisco Discovery Protocol, Information Technology, Modeling and Simulation, DO-178B - **Published:** August 7, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/92969952-b0a4-4f3e-972e-f41195167147 ## About the Role * MS or PhD in Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Mechatronic Systems * 8+ years of engineering experience DESIRED SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: * Control system modeling and simulation in MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow * Classical control techniques including PID, lead-lag compensation, loop shaping, root locus design, feedforward control, and cascaded loop architectures * Modern control techniques including state-space modeling, LQR/LQG, Kalman Filtering, Model Predictive Control (MPC), robust control and MIMO system design * Numerical optimization methods for parameter fitting and control tuning * Embedded Model-Based Development tools (Simulink/Stateflow Coder, MotoHawk, Raptor, OpenECU, dSPACE) * Embedded software in C/C++ on microcontrollers, Linux, or RTOS-based platforms * Expertise in specific areas such as: + Weapon Systems + Combat Vehicle Engineering + Fire Control Systems + Turrets and Ammo Handling Systems * Knowledge of MIL Standards for software, electronics, communications, cyber and functional safety (MIL-STD-498, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-882E, DO-178C, DO-254) * Experience delivering defense software CDRLs * Networking protocols and standards (Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP, EtherCAT, DDS, TSN) * Automotive protocols (CAN, LIN, J1939, XCP/CCP) and Tools (Vector, Kvaser, INCA) * Actuator controls (motors, valves) and by-wire design * Electric and Hybrid vehicle architecture * Vehicle/system level simulation (ADAMS, Dymola, CarSim/ TruckSim, FMI/FMU) * Vehicle and system troubleshooting experience * Electrical/Mechanical/Hydraulic/Pneumatic system design and simulation * Data acquisition hardware and software experience * Must meet the requirements for obtaining US Government clearance PHYSICAL DEMANDS: * Position requires light physical activity ## Description Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA) is searching for a Principal - Modern Controls Engineer for a full-time opportunity with one of our premier clients in New Hudson, MI. On site required 5x weekly The Senior Embedded Software & Controls Tech Specialist will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and validation of embedded control systems for defense applications. This role requires deep expertise in classical and modern control theory, real-time embedded systems, and system-level integration. The position is highly technical and hands-on, supporting the full lifecycle from modeling and algorithm development through hardware integration and vehicle-level deployment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS: Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: * Controls System Design & Development + Implement control algorithms using classic and modern control techniques + Perform stability, robustness, and performance analysis + Design and tune multi-loop and multi-axis control architectures + Deploy control algorithms using Simulink and embedded C/C++ environments + Develop and validate control strategies through SIL, HIL, bench, and vehicle testing + Support system commissioning, calibration, and field troubleshooting * System Simulation and Modeling + Develop state-space and frequency-domain models of electromechanical, hydraulic, and vehicle systems through physical modeling and system identification methods + Identify performance metrics and system specifications from model results + Model correlation and validation to test data + Use models to develop and test controls algorithms * System Hardware Integration + Support design, selection, and integration of electronic components + Communicate mechanical requirements of system to design staff + Identify controller hardware to meet I/O and computational requirements + Troubleshoot and resolve system and electrical issues, * Daytime schedule Monday-Friday with infrequent night/weekend work for project surge support and additional effort as needed to achieve deadlines * Some travel as required or on-site customer work ## Related Videos - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Turning Container security up to 11 with Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/718-turning-container-security-up-to-11-with-capabilities) - [How to develop an autonomous car end-to-end: Robotic Drive and the mobility revolution](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/22-how-to-develop-an-autonomous-car-end-to-end-robotic-drive-and-the-mobility-revolution) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)