Automation Controls Engineer

Archer•San Jose, CA

5d•$134,400 - $168,000•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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)
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
Willingness to work onsite in a hands-on manufacturing environment
Ability to travel up to ~20% (primarily domestic, later-phase support)

Nice To Haves

Beckhoff (nice-to-have)
Siemens (nice-to-have / future-focused)
Ignition experience is a plus, not required
Exposure to SQL databases for logging, recipes, or data exchange between PLCs and higher-level systems
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

Responsibilities

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