Jobs · Engineering · California

Propulsion Controls Engineer, Motor / Power Electronics

Archer · San Jose, CA · 1 mo ago
Engineering$144k–$198k/yrFull-time

Key Responsibilities

  • Architect, implement, and verify advanced control algorithms for electric propulsion systems focusing on one of the following domains:
    • Motor control track: deployment of motor/generator control logic, including sophisticated sensorless and observer-based architectures.
    • Power electronics track: engineering of resonant converter controls and high-performance DC-DC converter topologies.
  • Engineer seamless interfaces between flight control computers, power inverters, propulsion controllers, and battery management units.
  • Develop and troubleshoot safety-critical embedded C/C++ code for real-time aerospace applications.
  • Execute rigorous simulations, HIL testing, and iron-bird validation to ensure compliance with strict aerospace performance requirements.
  • Build and manage complex control architectures, plant models, and HIL environments for motor drives and power conversion hardware.
  • Facilitate flight test programs and prototype vehicle integration through detailed data analysis and system-level debugging.
  • Produce comprehensive technical documentation for designs and software iterations following DO-178C and DO-254 development standards.
  • Uphold meticulous configuration management protocols for all flight-critical software and control assets.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
  • 2+ years of experience in control systems engineering – electric propulsion, power electronics, motor control, flight controls, EV powertrains, or energy storage systems.
  • Proficiency in embedded C/C++ for real-time, safety-critical applications.
  • Strong background in at least one of the following:
    • Power electronics track: resonant converter control design, DC-DC converter design and implementation.
    • Motor control track: advanced motor/generator control algorithms (e.g., FOC, DTC, observers, sensorless control), multi-motor control architectures.
  • Experience with simulation and validation tools (MATLAB/Simulink) and HIL testing.
  • Familiarity with microcontrollers and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN).
  • Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.

Bonus Qualifications

  • Experience with electric propulsion systems for aerospace or EV applications.
  • Knowledge of battery management systems, high-voltage power electronics, and high-voltage safety.
  • Experience with flight-critical or safety-critical system development, and state machine design.
  • Familiarity with aerospace standards (DO-178C, DO-254).
  • Experience with system hardware bring-up and integration of motor/generator drive systems.

Pay & Schedule

Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Archer is targeting a base pay range of $144,000 - $198,000 for this position.

Benefits

At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's strategy.

Schedule

Our team works in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and operates on a flexible schedule to meet the demands of our projects.

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