Linear permanent-magnet machines are often characterized by low inductance and short pole-pitch which leads to a small operational range of load angles. The resultant control performance using conventional direct thrust force control (DTFC) techniques is poor with high force ripple. This research improves this aspect of DTFC. A novel multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) state-space model, independent of the mover's speed, having stator flux and thrust force as states, is formulated for the linear permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). An optimal linear state feedback control scheme is then designed using the optimal linear quadratic regulator technique. Integral action is added to the designed control scheme by state augmentation to minimize the steady-state error and reduce the force ripple. Experimental results clearly prove that the proposed optimal control scheme results in a faster transient response of speed and force with improved steady-state regulation of force and flux when compared to the state of the art.