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Propulsion Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mach Industries

Controls Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$115K - $195K/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.

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.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs in California?

For Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Propulsion Controls Engineer job openings:

Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion Controls Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Propulsion Controls Engineer, Motor / Power Electronics

San Jose, CA • On-site

Archer
See more jobs at Archerexternal

$144K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

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.

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