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Propulsion Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Terraline

Senior Propulsion Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA

$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

$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 & Software Job Code: 38795 Job Location: Canoga Park, CA Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours ...

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 ...

Vast

Propulsion Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$112K - $159K/yr

... and process controls for safety-critical fluid components. * Drive continuous improvement ... Senior Propulsion Engineer: $137,760 - $195,552

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Propulsion Controls Engineer information

Is propulsion engineer a good career?

A propulsion controls engineer designs and maintains systems that manage vehicle propulsion, often requiring knowledge of control systems, electronics, and aerospace principles. The role offers opportunities in aerospace, defense, and space industries, with a focus on innovation and technical skills. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in engineering and technology development.

How much does a propulsion engineer make in the US?

Propulsion controls engineers in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or working in aerospace or defense industries can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Propulsion Controls Engineers in advanced aerospace, defense, or automotive industries can reach annual salaries of $300,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in control systems, and relevant certifications. High-level engineers working on complex projects or in leadership roles may also achieve this compensation level.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior propulsion controls engineers in aerospace, defense, or automotive industries can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in control systems and software, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly at large corporations or in specialized fields.
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Propulsion Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Propulsion Controls Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Propulsion Controls Engineer, Motor

Propulsion Controls Engineer, Motor

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

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.

What you'll do:
  • Design, implement, and validate advanced motor/generator control algorithms for electric propulsion systems, including sensorless and observer-based control techniques.
  • Develop interfaces between flight control computers, motor/generator inverters, propulsion controls, and battery management systems.
  • Coordinate with aerodynamics, structures, and flight controls teams to optimize integrated propulsion system performance.
  • Create and maintain control system architectures, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments and plant model development for motor/generator systems.
  • Design redundant fault detection, isolation, and recovery systems for safe flight operations, including motor/generator fault handling.
  • Conduct rigorous system-level testing and validation of motor control algorithms and observers.
  • Perform hardware-in-the-loop and iron-bird testing for flight-critical systems, focusing on motor/generator system performance and safety.
  • Support flight testing activities and data analysis for control system validation across the operational envelope.
  • 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.
  • Develop control strategies and algorithms for electric actuators and ancillary propulsion systems.
What you'll need:
  • 2+ years of experience in aircraft propulsion systems, high-performance electric motor control, flight controls, electric vehicle powertrains, or energy storage systems.
  • Extensive experience with advanced motor control algorithms (e.g., FOC, DTC, observers, sensorless control) and 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.
  • Expert proficiency with system modeling, control system simulation, and plant model development for electric machines (motors/generators).
  • Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++ for real-time embedded control systems, and Python for analysis.
  • Knowledge of battery management systems and high-voltage safety.
  • Experience with system hardware bring-up, HIL testing, and integration of motor/generator drive systems.
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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