An internal combustion engine system is equipped with a controllable engine valve actuation system. Controlling lift of an engine valve includes periodically monitoring engine valve lift and engine crank angle. A preferred engine valve lift profile is determined in a crank angle-domain. A preferred engine valve position is determined in the crank angle-domain. The preferred engine valve position is interpolated to determine a preferred engine valve position in the time-domain. The control circuit is actuated to control the engine valve in the time-domain.