Senior Controls Engineer

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:

• 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

Required Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Key Competencies

• 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

Salary & Benefits:

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.