Sr/Staff Automation Controls Engineer

Joby Aviation•San Carlos, CA

About The Position

Joby Aviation is seeking a Senior/Staff Automation Controls Engineer to develop custom manufacturing equipment used to assemble and test the Joby S4 aircraft. The role is based in San Carlos, California, and combines software, electrical hardware, robotics, and engineering fundamentals to build electromechanical workstations. The engineer will contribute to advanced powertrain and electronics manufacturing equipment and take broad responsibility for novel technical challenges in a hands-on manufacturing environment. The position requires analytical capability in electrical control design, broad knowledge of controls components and sensors, industrial software expertise, and experience validating equipment in manufacturing. The engineer will partner with manufacturing and manufacturing test engineers to bring assembly and test processes into production.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
At least 6 years of experience developing automation controls in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in Structured Text PLC programming.
Strong foundation in electrical panel design and component selection.
Proficiency in electrical schematic authoring.
Hands-on experience building and wiring electrical panels for assembly and/or test equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience programming Beckhoff PLCs using Structured Text (IEC 61131-3/TwinCAT).
Experience with Python, C, C++, C#, and/or Visual Basic .NET.
Experience with EtherCAT, TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, and other common industrial communication protocols.
Experience with Ignition Perspective.
Proficiency with FANUC robots.
Familiarity with motion control using Bosch Rexroth and/or Beckhoff platforms.
Experience designing electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical.
Experience with industrial vision systems, including Cognex, FANUC iRVision, and Keyence.
Experience selecting and integrating precision sensors, DAQs, and instrumentation.
Experience integrating PLCs, SCADA, and MES systems.
Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, NFPA 70E, and UL 508A requirements for industrial control systems.

Responsibilities

Own the electromechanical, software, and commissioning aspects of custom manufacturing equipment development, partnering with manufacturing engineers and manufacturing test engineers to bring assembly and test processes to production.
Design and develop scalable PLC software in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3), creating reusable libraries and standardized software components.
Develop intuitive and maintainable HMIs for machine operation, diagnostics, and maintenance.
Create complete electrical design packages, including component selection, electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring documentation, and bills of materials.