Sr. Automation Controls Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Sr. Automation Controls Engineer (Industrial Automation): Designing and building scalable manufacturing automation systems for eVTOL aircraft with an accent on PLC programming, HMI development, and electrical system architecture. Focus on bridging the gap between R&D concepts and flight-ready hardware through the deployment of intelligent manufacturing systems.

Location: Onsite in San Jose, California, United States. hirify.global is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position.

Salary: $126,700 - $158,400

Company

Aerospace company building all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to advance sustainable air mobility.

What you will do

• Design and develop high-volume production systems from early process feasibility studies through scalable production.
• Lead the full controls system lifecycle, including programming PLCs (primarily Allen-Bradley), HMIs, robotics, and servo drives.
• Draft detailed electrical schematics and oversee the procurement and fabrication of electrical control panels.
• Partner with external system integrators to ensure equipment meets hirify.global standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, deploy, and validate MES interfaces and build/improve HMI systems focusing on Ignition and V8.
• Perform in-line troubleshooting of electrical systems, control panels, field devices, and safety interlock circuits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation, controls, or manufacturing equipment environments.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming and electrical troubleshooting.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and use AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP.
• Must be willing to work onsite in San Jose and travel up to 20% (primarily domestic).

Nice to have

• Experience with Beckhoff or Siemens PLCs.
• Hands-on experience with Ignition HMI.
• NFPA 70E or RIA certifications (e.g., Certified Vision or Motion Control Professional).
• Experience with battery module/pack manufacturing or PFMEA development.
• Proficiency with NX and Teamcenter.

Culture & Benefits

• Pay-for-performance culture that rewards contributions to the company's business strategy.
• Commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge, sustainable eVTOL aircraft technology.
• Collaborative environment focusing on solving complex engineering challenges.