Propulsion Controls Engineer, Motor / Power Electronics

AlleyCorp; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer Aviation in San Jose, California seeks an experienced control systems engineer to design and implement embedded C control algorithms for electric propulsion systems. You will develop resonant converter control for high efficiency and validate power electronics within propulsion hardware.

The role requires 3+ years in control systems and experience with MATLAB/Simulink, HIL testing, and real-time embedded development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in control systems engineering, ideally in electric propulsion or power electronics.
• Proficiency in writing and debugging embedded C code for real-time applications.
• Strong knowledge of resonant converter control design and its application in high-efficiency power systems.
• Expertise in power electronics, particularly DC-DC converter design and implementation.
• Experience with validation techniques, including simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink) and HIL testing.
• Familiarity with microcontrollers and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN).
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, and innovative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control algorithms for electric propulsion systems using embedded C code.
• Develop and optimize resonant converter control designs to maximize power efficiency and system reliability.
• Integrate and validate power electronics components, with a focus on DC-DC converters, within propulsion systems.
• Conduct simulations, HIL testing, and system validation to meet stringent aerospace performance standards.
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and software teams to troubleshoot and enhance propulsion control performance.
• Document technical designs, test results, and software iterations while adhering to aerospace development processes.
• Support the integration and testing of propulsion systems during prototype development and flight test phases.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of control strategies aligned with Archer’s mission of sustainable aviation.

Skills

Embedded C

Control systems

Power electronics

HIL testing

Documentation

Teamwork

Problem solving

Python/C++

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Computer Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Microcontrollers

I2C

SPI

CAN

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.

What you'll do:

• Design and implement control algorithms for electric propulsion systems using embedded C code.
• Develop and optimize resonant converter control designs to maximize power efficiency and system reliability.
• Integrate and validate power electronics components, with a focus on DC-DC converters, within propulsion systems.
• Conduct simulations, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and system validation to meet stringent aerospace performance standards.
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and software teams to troubleshoot and enhance propulsion control performance.
• Document technical designs, test results, and software iterations while adhering to aerospace development processes.
• Support the integration and testing of propulsion systems during prototype development and flight test phases.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of control strategies aligned with Archer’s mission of sustainable aviation.

What you'll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in control systems engineering, ideally in electric propulsion or power electronics.
• Proficiency in writing and debugging embedded C code for real-time applications.
• Strong knowledge of resonant converter control design and its application in high-efficiency power systems.
• Expertise in power electronics, particularly DC-DC converter design and implementation.
• Experience with validation techniques, including simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) and HIL testing.
• Familiarity with microcontrollers and communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, CAN).
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, and innovative team environment.

Bonus:

• Experience with electric propulsion systems for aerospace or electric vehicle applications.
• Knowledge of motor control, battery management systems, or high-voltage power electronics.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254) for safety‑critical systems.
• Proficiency in Python or C++ for scripting, automation, or data analysis.

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 [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case‑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 [e-mail]. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.