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. About The Role: As part of Archer’s mission to scale production of our cutting-edge eVTOL aircraft, we are seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to help design and build manufacturing automation at scale. This role goes beyond maintaining existing lines—it’s about architecting intelligent manufacturing systems from the ground up. We’re looking for a hands-on technical engineer who thrives on turning complex designs into reliable, scalable solutions, bridging the gap between early R&D concepts and flight-ready hardware. The primary objective of this role is to collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative machine and process concepts. You will lead the full controls system lifecycle, including programming PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and servo drives. In addition, this role involves drafting detailed electrical schematics and overseeing the procurement and fabrication of electrical control panels. What You’ll Do:

Assist in the development of high-volume production systems, from early process feasibility studies through scalable production
Contribute to the development of Equipment Development Standards and templates to drive hardware and software standardization across the factory
Partner with external system integrators to deliver equipment that meets Archer standards and specifications
Provide machine design feedback from an electrical, controls, and machine/operator safety perspective; drive implementation with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, Archer standards, equipment specifications, and field labeling
Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment and tooling alongside system integrators
Develop, deploy, and validate MES interfaces to production equipment
Build HMIs from scratch and improve existing HMIs, with a focus on ignition and V8 systems
Support in-line troubleshooting of electrical systems, control panels, field devices, and safety interlock circuits
Develop comprehensive handoff packages for production and sustaining engineering teams
Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve quality, increase throughput, and reduce cost
Specify and select controls and safety hardware, and program devices for prototype lines and internally developed equipment

What You Need:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering,... Mechatronics,... Mechanical Engineering,... Computer Science,... or related field or equivalent hands-on automation experience
2+ years hands-on experience in industrial automation/controls/manufacturing equipment environment
Experience as Controls Engineer,... Automation Engineer,... Electrical Engineer,... Applications Engineer,... Equipment Engineer
Hands-on PLC programming experience including Allen-Bradley (primary), Beckhoff (nice-to-have), Siemens (nice-to-have/future-focused)
Ability to modify existing PLC programs or develop logic from scratch
Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment or production lines
Strong hands-on electrical troubleshooting skills
Ability to read/understand electrical schematics
Experience using AutoCAD Electrical/EPLAN (both acceptable)
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP)
Experience developing/supporting HMI systems; Ignition experience a plus but not required
Exposure to SQL databases for logging/recipes/data exchange between PLCs/higher-level systems
Willingness to work onsite in hands-on manufacturing environment; Ability to travel up to ~20% primarily domestic later-phase support

Bonus Qualifications:

NFPA 70E certification
RIA certifications (Certified Vision Professional,... Certified Motion Control Professional)
Hands-on battery module/pack manufacturing experience
Experience with PFMEA development
Experience with NX/Teamcenter software tools

Please note this job description provides general overview only. At Archer we aim to attract/retain/motivate talent possessing skills/leadership necessary for business growth. We drive pay-for-performance culture rewarding performance supporting company strategy. Base pay targeted between $134400 - $168000 USD annually. Actual compensation determined by knowledge/skills/experience. Archer committed to reasonable accommodations for disabilities/religious beliefs. Contact Archer People Team at people@archer.com for accommodation requests. Candidate privacy policy applies. No visa sponsorship currently available. Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity/inclusivity. No external recruiting agencies without prior agreement accepted. All employment managed by Archer People Team.