Design and optimize control systems for electric propulsion, perform testing, and ensure compliance with aviation standards while collaborating across teams.
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.
We are seeking a highly skilled Propulsion Controls Engineer to design, develop, and optimize control systems for our advanced electric propulsion and power generation systems. The successful candidate will play a critical role in bringing safe, sustainable, and scalable urban air mobility to life through innovative propulsion control technologies.
- Design and implement advanced control algorithms for electric propulsion systems
- Develop interfaces between flight control computers, propulsion controls, generators, and battery management systems
- Coordinate with aerodynamics, structures, and flight controls teams to optimize propulsion system performance
- Create and maintain control system architectures, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments
- Design redundant fault detection, isolation, and recovery systems for safe flight operations
- Conduct system-level testing and validation of control algorithms
- Perform hardware-in-the-loop and iron-bird testing for flight-critical systems
- Support flight testing activities and data analysis for control system validation
- Collaborate with flight test team to validate propulsion performance across flight envelope
- Ensure compliance with DO-178C (software), DO-254 (hardware), and other applicable aviation standards
- Maintain rigorous configuration management of flight-critical control system software
- 7+ years of experience in aircraft propulsion systems, flight controls, electric vehicle powertrains, or energy storage systems
- Experience with distributed propulsion systems or multi-motor control architectures preferred
- Background in flight-critical or safety-critical system development
- Expert-level proficiency in control integration, state machine design, high-voltage systems, and fault-tolerant control
- Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++ for real-time embedded control systems, and Python for analysis
- Advanced system modeling, control system simulation, and plant model development experience
- Knowledge of battery management systems and high-voltage safety
- Experience with system hardware bring-up, HIL testing, and integration
- Passion for sustainable aviation and urban air mobility
- Strong systems thinking and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
- Exceptional attention to detail with focus on flight safety
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment
- Strong communication skills for technical presentations and documentation
- Self-motivated with ability to drive projects to completion
- Commitment to Archer's mission of safe, sustainable urban aviation
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 $134,400.00 - $168,000.00. 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 [email protected]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to [email protected]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.
Top Skills
C/C++
Matlab
Python
Simulink
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Robotics • Security • Software • Defense
The Operations and Test Lead will manage logistics and operations for autonomous surface vessels, coordinate with multiple teams, and ensure effective deployment and demobilization processes. They will also support documentation and process improvements post-deployment.
Top Skills:
Communication SkillsInventory ManagementLogistics ManagementMechanical EngineeringOcean EngineeringRoboticsSystems Engineering
Fintech • HR Tech
Lead the design of intuitive, AI-driven customer support experiences. Collaborate across teams to enhance user journeys and support operations.
Top Skills:
AIData SciencePrototypingService Design PrinciplesUser-Centered Design
3D Printing • Aerospace • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Manufacturing
Support installation and operation of additive post processing equipment, develop SOPs, track machine utilization, and implement process improvements.
Top Skills:
Additive ManufacturingIso As9100Iso9000Powder Bed FusionSix-Sigma
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
