A system and approach for development of setpoints for a controller of an engine or powertrain. The controller may be parametrized as a function of setpoints to provide performance variables that are considered acceptable by a user or operator for normal operating conditions of the engine or powertrain. With each iteration of the setpoints, the controller may be reconfigured to provide more stable and dynamically performant control of the engine or powertrain. The present system and approach may automate a previously labor intensive approach for designing setpoints for the controller.