Controls Engineer - Model Based Development/MBD

Job Title: Control Systems Engineer

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Peoria, IL

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Control Systems Engineer to own the design, development, validation, and deployment of closed-loop control algorithms and embedded control software for off-highway machine systems. In this role you will set the technical direction for control strategies, take algorithms from concept and plant modeling through Model-Based Design, automatic code generation, on-target integration, and in-vehicle calibration, and mentor engineers across the team. The ideal candidate combines deep control-theory and estimation expertise with strong embedded software skills in C and C++, advanced proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow, and extensive hands-on experience with CAN, SAE J1939, and ISO 11783 communication standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of closed-loop control algorithms (PID, feed-forward, gain scheduling) and state estimators for hydraulic, pump, powertrain, and implement control systems.
• Develop plant models, perform system identification, and validate control strategies through MIL/SIL/HIL simulation.
• Create, simulate, and verify control models in MATLAB/Simulink and Stateflow using Model-Based Design, and generate production code with Embedded Coder.
• Design and optimize the embedded control application in C and C++, integrating generated code with drivers, hardware abstraction layers (HAL), and multi-core task scheduling on target ECUs.
• Tune and calibrate controllers on machines and test rigs; analyze test data to assess stability, robustness, and performance against requirements.
• Translate system requirements into control and software requirements, interface definitions, and detailed designs; support FMEA and functional-safety analyses.
• Develop and maintain SAE J1939, CAN, and ISO 11783 (Virtual Terminal / Task Controller) communication, fault detection, and diagnostics.
• Maintain unit test frameworks and automated regression tests integrated into the CI build system.
• Lead design, model, and code reviews; establish and enforce coding and modeling standards (MISRA C, MAAB).
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and act as the controls subject-matter expert for the program.
• Collaborate with Systems, Hydraulics, Electrical, Validation, and Product Engineering teams; serve as a technical point of contact for suppliers and customers.

Required Skills

• 6+ years of experience in embedded controls or embedded software development, including 3+ years leading technical work or owning control-system designs end to end.
• Deep understanding of classical and modern control theory, state estimation (Kalman filters/observers), and signal processing for real-time embedded systems.
• Strong programming skills in Embedded C and C++ for microcontrollers, including HAL and device driver development.
• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow, Model-Based Design, Embedded Coder code generation, and verification tools (Simulink Test, Simulink Check, Polyspace).
• Hands-on experience with MIL/SIL/HIL testing (e.g., dSPACE, Speedgoat, NI) and on-machine controller calibration.
• Extensive experience with CAN, SAE J1939, and ISO 11783 protocols and communication stacks.
• Proficiency with embedded debugging tools: JTAG debuggers, fault logging and stack-trace tools, CAN analyzers (e.g., Vector CANoe/CANalyzer), oscilloscopes.
• Experience with CTest / Google Test (GTest), Git, and CI pipelines.
• Proven experience leading software architecture, design reviews, and code reviews.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and mentoring skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with electro-hydraulic systems, pump/valve control, or hydrostatic transmissions.
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 25119, IEC 61508, or ISO 13849) and safety-related software development.
• Experience with RTOS-based or AUTOSAR architectures.
• Python or MATLAB scripting for test automation and data analysis.
• Experience in display software and GUI application development.
• Background in agricultural, construction, or mining equipment.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master’s degree preferred.