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Propulsion Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Terraline

Senior Propulsion Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Position: Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer - Automotive FLSA Classification: Exempt Reports to : Software Lead Supervisory responsibilities : None As a Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer, you will ...

Terraline

Senior Propulsion Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Position: Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer - Automotive FLSA Classification: Exempt Reports to : Software Lead Supervisory responsibilities : None As a Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer, you will ...

L3HHCM20

$92K - $171K/yr

Specialist Project Engineer, Propulsion Controls Electronics Job Code: 38795 Job Location: Canoga Park, CA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and ...

Mach Industries

Controls Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

The Role We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to support the development and testing ... Interface with propulsion engineers to implement control logic, safety limits, and operating ...

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Propulsion Controls Engineer information

What is the difference between Propulsion Controls Engineer vs Powertrain Controls Engineer?

AspectPropulsion Controls EngineerPowertrain Controls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering; experience with control systemsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering; experience with control systems
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, or electric vehicle industries; R&D and testing labsAutomotive and hybrid vehicle industries; vehicle testing and development
Industry UsageDesigning propulsion system controls for electric and hybrid vehicles or aircraftDeveloping control systems for vehicle powertrains, including engines and transmissions

Propulsion Controls Engineers focus on designing and testing control systems for propulsion units in electric or hybrid vehicles and aircraft, while Powertrain Controls Engineers specialize in control systems for vehicle engines and transmissions. Both roles require similar technical skills and work environments but differ in their specific focus areas within vehicle systems.

What does a propulsion controls engineer make?

A propulsion controls engineer typically earns a salary ranging from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. They work with control systems, software, and hardware to ensure propulsion systems operate safely and efficiently, often requiring knowledge of aerospace or mechanical engineering and proficiency with control software tools.

Are propulsion controls engineers in demand?

Propulsion controls engineers are in demand in industries such as aerospace, defense, and transportation, where expertise in control systems, automation, and embedded software is valued. The growing focus on electric and hybrid propulsion systems, along with advancements in automation technology, increases employment opportunities for these engineers. Strong skills in control theory, programming, and relevant certifications can enhance job prospects.
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What cities in California are hiring for Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Propulsion Controls Engineer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Propulsion Controls Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Senior Propulsion Controls Engineer

Terraline

Fremont, CA • On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Who we are:
Terraline is creating the only clean-sheet, battery-electric heavy truck that is designed for any human or autonomous driver, and is capable of exceeding 500 miles of range. The Terraline team has decades of experience in the autonomous and electric vehicle industries, most notably the Tesla and Waymo Class 8 trucks. You will be working with a highly cross-functional team of systems, software, hardware and vehicle engineers, as well as an incredibly talented team of designers, technicians, and a wide range of other professionals.
Position: Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer - Automotive
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Software Lead
Supervisory responsibilities: None

Job description:
As a Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer, you will design, simulate and implement powertrain control algorithms for an electrical truck. You will also be engineering responsible for certain aspects of pre-production builds. As the team grows, you may be designated as a subject matter expert and will be asked to provide guidance to junior team members. The ideal candidate works well within a diverse team while also being able to operate independently and deliver projects on time and to specification. This candidate is able to solve complex problems by working up from the engineering fundamentals to develop the best solution, regardless of what others are doing or have done. We can't change the world by doing it the way everyone else has done it! Finally, while we are an engineering driven company, you will need to be able to effectively communicate with our co-workers and partners in both technical and non-technical capacities. 

Responsibilities:
Be responsible for design, development, calibration and validation of propulsion control systems for electrical trucks. Control features include torque control, torque arbitration, drive gear management, power distribution, drivability, regenerative braking control, drive mode, functional safety, and interface with the autonomy system
Support different levels of propulsion control software validations using SIL, HIL, dyno and development vehicles 
Perform and maintain FMEA for critical features of propulsion systems
Work with cross functional teams to perform root cause analysis, recommend solutions, and negotiate and execute contingency plans
Support, organize and lead customer and supplier meetings
Create report which address critical vehicle control issues and engage cross functional engineering support as required
Documentation of algorithm development and testing results, and integration of the documentation within the relevant tools.
Support product development and testing timeline planning with cross-functional hardware, controls, and software teams

Job Requirements - Essential Skills:
Solid control background in linear/nonlinear systems analysis, stability, and controller design
Experience, understanding, and intuition for the physics of electric propulsion and motion control systems
Creating dynamic models of electrical and mechanical systems
Model development and data analysis in Matlab/Simulink
Strong communication and preference for working in teams
Hands-on work is an integral part of being an engineer at Terraline, so familiarity with and a willingness to use basic hand tools is necessary for success 

Desired Skills:
Experience with propulsion control and calibration
Good understanding of automotive functional safety standards like ISO 26262
Familiarity with Electric Vehicle (EV) drive systems
Capability of delivering high-quality code in an embedded environment

Qualifications:
MS/PhD in EE/ME or equivalent
5+ years experience in controls system development, modeling, and implementation in an embedded environment
3+ years working experience in automotive, or aerospace industries

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Unfortunately, Terraline cannot sponsor new visa applicants at this time.

What we offer you:
High-quality individual and family medical, dental, and vision insurance with an employer contribution
Competitive compensation packages
Employer-paid group term life insurance
Employer-paid Short-term and Long-term disability insurances
401(k) with company match
Paid vacation
Holidays following the Federal Holiday Schedule

Physical demands:
We are all hands on deck at Terraline in our efforts to create exciting change within the trucking world. The ideal candidate will be both adventurous and versatile. Daily activities could range from a full day of designing components at your desk, to full days working in the shop building out huge Class 8 trucks, and everything in between. Each day will be an adventure and you should feel comfortable handling moderately sized components within your daily routine.

Travel required:
Subject to periodic travel requirements. Company-related travel expenses reimbursed per the company's Travel and Expense Reimbursement policy.

Other duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Terraline Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Terraline Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let the recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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