System​/Controls Engineer

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kord, a wholly owned subsidiary of K , leads advanced defense solutions with a focus on directed energy and high energy laser (HEL) technologies. Our HEL programs support the U.S. Department of Defense in developing, integrating, testing, and fielding cutting‑edge laser weapon systems that enhance national security and deliver decisive battlefield advantages. The System/Controls Engineer will play a critical role in the design, development, integration, and performance verification of control systems that support HEL platforms, working across hardware, software, and system‑level interfaces to ensure reliable, safe, and high‑precision operation of subsystems including beam control, power/thermal management, safety interlocks, sensors, and command‑and‑control interfaces.

• Design, develop, and analyze control systems for HEL subsystems (beam control, pointing & tracking, power/thermal control, diagnostics, safety systems, etc.).
• Define system and subsystem requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture for control and automation functions.
• Implement control algorithms, signal processing routines, and feedback loops to achieve precision laser performance.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, control hardware, and embedded software into HEL testbeds and fielded systems.
• Conduct modeling and simulation of control loops, system dynamics, and performance predictions.
• Support system integration, laboratory testing, field testing, and troubleshooting of HEL prototype and operational systems.
• Analyze system data to identify performance issues, root causes, and optimization opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with DoD standards, safety requirements, and program technical baselines.
• Work with cross‑functional engineering teams to support design reviews, risk assessments, and technical decision‑making.
• Generate technical documentation, test procedures, test reports, and design artifacts in accordance with program requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in systems engineering, controls engineering, embedded systems, or related disciplines.
• Hands‑on experience developing and analyzing control systems (PID, model‑based control, sensor fusion, real‑time control).
• Experience working with sensors, actuators, data acquisition systems, or embedded control hardware.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, or similar.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and interface requirements.
• Strong analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with engineers, program management, and government customers.
• U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience with High Energy Laser, directed energy, optical, or precision pointing systems.
• Background in real‑time systems, embedded software, FPGA‑based control, or high‑speed data acquisition.
• Understanding of electro‑optical systems, beam control technologies, or thermal/power systems.
• Knowledge of DoD systems engineering processes, requirements development, and verification/validation.
• Experience with computer vision algorithms, image processing, and closed‑loop video tracking.
• Prior experience supporting Army, Navy, Air Force, or OSD HEL programs.
• Active DoD Secret or Top‑Secret clearance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks and support multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Competitive lifestyle benefits including 401(k) with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, flexible work schedule, and professional training and development opportunities.

K  is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.