Automation Controls Engineer

Overview

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. We are committed to diversity and an equitable, inclusive environment that embraces our differences and supports all team members.

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 s 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.

• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent hands-on automation experience
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in an industrial automation, controls, or manufacturing equipment environment
• Experience working as a Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Applications Engineer, or 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 and/or develop logic from scratch
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment or production lines
• Strong hands-on electrical troubleshooting skills
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics
• Experience using AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN (both acceptable)
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP or equivalent)
• Experience developing or supporting HMI systems
• Ignition experience is a plus, not required
• Exposure to SQL databases for logging, recipes, or data exchange between PLCs and higher-level systems
• Willingness to work onsite in a hands-on manufacturing environment
• Ability to travel up to 20% (primarily domestic, later-phase support)

• NFPA 70E certification
• RIA certifications (e.g., Certified Vision Professional, Certified Motion Control Professional)
• Hands-on…