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Motor Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal Motor Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

Select and validate motor control algorithms, drive electronics, and feedback systems for precise ... Technical degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics with focus on ...

Pivotal is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Motor Controls Engineer to help develop ... Support selection of control architecture, sensing approach, and inverter strategies based on ...

Motor Controls Engineer II - R&D

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Pivotal is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Motor Controls Engineer to help develop ... Support selection of control architecture, sensing approach, and inverter strategies based on ...

Pivotal is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Motor Controls Engineer to help develop ... Support selection of control architecture, sensing approach, and inverter strategies based on ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Sr. Electrical Engineer Location : Irvine, CA- Onsite Contract/ Fulltime Visa: US C Broad Job ... Lead technical efforts for motor control systems, from concept through production and sustainment

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure ... Design and validate PCBAs for actuator and motor control systems, including motor controllers, gate ...

Showing results 41-60

Motor Control Engineer information

See California salary details

$60.2K

$107.4K

$173.2K

How much do motor control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for motor control engineer in California is $107,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a motor control engineer do?

A Motor Control Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes control systems for electric motors used in various applications, such as automotive, industrial automation, and robotics. They work with hardware and software to improve motor efficiency, performance, and reliability. This involves developing algorithms, implementing firmware, and testing motor control strategies. They may also collaborate with other engineers to integrate motor control solutions into larger systems.

What is motor control in engineering?

Motor control in engineering refers to the design and implementation of systems that regulate the operation of electric motors, including speed, position, and torque. Motor control engineers develop control algorithms, select appropriate components, and use tools like PLCs and microcontrollers to ensure precise motor performance in various applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a motor control engineer?

To thrive as a Motor Control Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, control theory, and motor systems, usually demonstrated by a relevant degree and practical experience. Familiarity with simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink), embedded systems, and industry standards, as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, are often required. Strong problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and a collaborative mindset help engineers excel in multidisciplinary project teams. These skills ensure precise, efficient, and innovative motor control solutions that meet rigorous performance and safety standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Motor Control Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Motor Control Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Motor Control Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Motor Control Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Motor Control Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Motor Control Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Motor Control Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,351 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Propulsion Controls Engineer, Motor / Power Electronics

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$144K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

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.
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.
  • Design redundant fault detection, isolation, and recovery logic to maintain uncompromising flight safety standards.
  • Build and manage complex control architectures, plant models, and HIL environments for motor drives and power conversion hardware.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams across airframe, aerodynamics, and structures to optimize the total propulsion system envelope.
  • 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.
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 support the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $144,000 - $198,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by 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 people@archer.com. 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 People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.