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.