Principal Control Engineer

Role Summary / Purpose 

The Principal Control Engineer reports to the Staff Controls Engineer and acts as the lead technical contributor for control system design, modeling, and algorithm development in CorVent ventilator products. 

This role focuses on developing, simulating, and implementing advanced control algorithms that ensure precise and reliable breath delivery while maintaining patient safety. 

The Principal Control Engineer applies advanced control theory, signal filtering, and uncertainty analysis to deliver optimized real-time control solutions and serves as a key innovator in model-based design. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Design, model, and implement feedback and feedforward control algorithms for ventilator subsystems. 

• Develop and maintain Matlab/Simulink dynamic models for pneumatic, electromechanical, and sensor components. 

• Implement and tune controllers using classical, modern, and nonlinear control techniques. 

• Apply nonlinear control methods including windup prevention, direct and indirect adaptive control, and nonlinear optimization. 

• Design and evaluate signal filters: IIR, FIR, low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch, and differentiators. 

• Perform uncertainty and sensitivity analysis, including propagation of error, to evaluate design robustness. 

• Utilize real-time estimation and prediction techniques (least squares, observers, Kalman filters). 

• Support embedded software integration, verification testing, and algorithm performance tuning. 

• Conduct data analysis and root cause investigations using simulation-based methods. 

• Contribute to design documentation, verification reports, and risk management files per ISO 14971 and 21 CFR 820. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and provide technical mentorship to junior staff. 

Qualifications and Requirements 

• M.S.E. or Ph.D. in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. 

• Minimum 5+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and implementing control systems. 

• Strong foundation in feedback and estimation theory: transfer functions, state-space, discrete-time design. 

• Proven skills in:
  • Nonlinear control (windup prevention, adaptive control, nonlinear optimization)
  • Filter design (IIR, FIR, LP, HP, BP, notch, differentiators)
  • Uncertainty & sensitivity analysis; propagation of error 

• Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink, scripting, Stateflow, and model-based design workflows. 

• Experience with dynamic simulation, real-time testing, and embedded system integration. 

• Excellent analytical and communication skills, capable of working independently and collaboratively. 

Preferred Knowledge / Experience 

• Experience with pneumatic systems, flow control, proportional valves, and blowers. 

• Familiarity with embedded code generation and integration. 

• Knowledge of IEC 60601-1, IEC 62304, and ISO 14971 design control standards. 

• Experience with model predictive or adaptive control systems for medical devices.