Automation Controls Engineer
$134k - $168k USD
Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
About The Role:
As part of Archer’s mission to scale production of our cutting-edge eVTOL aircraft, we are seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to help design and build manufacturing automation at scale. This role goes beyond maintaining existing lines—it’s about architecting intelligent manufacturing systems from the ground up. We’re looking for a hands-on technical engineer who thrives on turning complex designs into reliable, scalable solutions, bridging the gap between early R&D concepts and flight-ready hardware.
The primary objective of this role is to collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative machine and process concepts. You will lead the full controls system lifecycle, including programming PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and servo drives. In addition, this role involves drafting detailed electrical schematics and overseeing the procurement and fabrication of electrical control panels.
What You’ll Do:
- Assist in the development of high-volume production systems, from early process feasibility studies through scalable production
- Contribute to the development of Equipment Development Standards and templates to drive hardware and software standardization across the factory
- Partner with external system integrators to deliver equipment that meets Archer standards and specifications
- Provide machine design feedback from an electrical, controls, and machine/operator safety perspective; drive implementation with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, Archer standards, equipment specifications, and field labeling
- Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment and tooling alongside system integrators
- Develop, deploy, and validate MES interfaces to production equipment
- Build HMIs from scratch and improve existing HMIs, with a focus on ignition and V8 systems
- Support in-line troubleshooting of electrical systems, control panels, field devices, and safety interlock circuits
- Develop comprehensive handoff packages for production and sustaining engineering teams
- Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve quality, increase throughput, and reduce cost
- Specify and select controls and safety hardware, and program devices for prototype lines and internally developed equipment
What You Need:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent hands-on automation experience
- 2+ years of hands-on experience in an industrial automation, controls, or manufacturing equipment environment
- Experience working as a Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Applications Engineer, or Equipment Engineer
- Hands-on PLC programming experience, including:
- Allen-Bradley (primary)
- Beckhoff (nice-to-have)
- Siemens (nice-to-have / future-focused)
- Ability to modify existing PLC programs and/or develop logic from scratch
- Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment or production lines
- Strong hands-on electrical troubleshooting skills
- Ability to read and understand electrical schematics
- Experience using AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN (both acceptable)
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP or equivalent)
- Experience developing or supporting HMI systems
- Ignition experience is a plus, not required
- Exposure to SQL databases for logging, recipes, or data exchange between PLCs and higher-level systems
- Willingness to work onsite in a hands-on manufacturing environment
- Ability to travel up to ~20% (primarily domestic, later-phase support)
Bonus Qualifications:
- NFPA 70E certification
- RIA certifications (e.g., Certified Vision Professional, Certified Motion Control Professional)
- Hands-on experience with battery module and/or pack manufacturing
- Experience with PFMEA development
- Experience with NX and Teamcenter
Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.
At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $134,400 - $168,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.