In one embodiment an engine system includes a cylinder, an inlet valve configured to control the flow of gases into the cylinder, an outlet valve configured to control the flow of gases out of the cylinder, a throttle configured to control the flow of fuel into the cylinder, a memory including program instructions stored therein, and a processor operably connected to the inlet valve, the outlet valve, the throttle, and the memory, and configured to execute the program instructions to control the inlet valve and the outlet valve in accordance with an HCCI valve lift profile and an SI valve open/close profile, and activate a first spark in the cylinder while controlling the inlet valve and the outlet valve in accordance with the HCCI valve lift profile and the SI valve open/close profile.