Sr/Staff Automation Controls Engineer

Posted Yesterday
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San Carlos, CA, USA
In-Office
132K-209K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Automotive • Transportation
The Role
Develop and commission custom electromechanical manufacturing equipment for aircraft assembly and testing. Design scalable PLC software in Structured Text, build HMIs, create electrical schematics and panel layouts, select controls components and sensors, and support wiring, validation, and production deployment. Collaborate with manufacturing and test engineers to deliver reliable automation systems.
Summary Generated by Built In
Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

Joby Aviation is seeking a Senior/Staff Automation Controls Engineer to make the machines that make our aircraft. As part of this team located in San Carlos, CA, you will develop custom manufacturing equipment to assemble and test the Joby S4 aircraft. This role combines software, electrical hardware, robotics, and engineering fundamentals to make electromechanical workstations come to life. The role requires strong analytical capability in electrical control design, a broad knowledge of available controls components and sensors, industrial software, and validation in a manufacturing environment. We’re looking for an individual who excels in hands-on environments and engages broad responsibility on novel technical challenges. Come help us build advanced powertrain and electronics manufacturing equipment as we transform transportation.

Responsibilities
  • Own the electromechanical, software, and commissioning aspects of custom manufacturing equipment development, partnering with manufacturing engineers and manufacturing test engineers to bring assembly and test processes to production
  • Design and develop scalable PLC software in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3), creating reusable libraries and standardized software components
  • Develop intuitive and maintainable HMIs for machine operation, diagnostics, and maintenance
  • Create complete electrical design packages, including component selection, electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring documentation, and bills of materials

Required
  • BS in Electrical Engineering or related field with 6+ years of experience developing automation controls in a manufacturing environment
  • Proficiency in structured text PLC programming
  • Strong foundation in electrical panel design and component selection
  • Proficiency in electrical schematic authoring
  • Hands-on experience building and wiring electrical panels for assembly and/or test equipment
Desired
  • Experience programming Beckhoff PLCs using Structured Text (IEC 61131-3/TwinCAT),  Python, C, C++, C#, and/or Visual Basic .NET
  • Experience with EtherCAT, TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, and other common industrial communication protocols
  • Experience with Ignition Perspective
  • Proficiency with FANUC robots
  • Familiarity with motion control using Bosch Rexroth and/or Beckhoff platforms
  • Experience designing electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical 
  • Experience with industrial vision systems, including Cognex, FANUC iRVision, and Keyence
  • Experience selecting and integrating precision sensors, DAQs, and instrumentation
  • Experience integrating PLCs, SCADA, and MES systems
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, NFPA 70E, and UL 508A requirements for industrial control systems
Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $131,700 - $209,030/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.


Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
  • 6+ years of experience developing automation controls in a manufacturing environment
  • Proficiency in Structured Text PLC programming
  • Strong foundation in electrical panel design and component selection
  • Proficiency in electrical schematic authoring
  • Hands-on experience building and wiring electrical panels for assembly or test equipment
  • Experience programming Beckhoff PLCs using Structured Text, IEC 61131-3, or TwinCAT
  • Experience with Python, C, C++, C#, or Visual Basic .NET
  • Experience with EtherCAT, TCP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, and other industrial communication protocols
  • Experience with Ignition Perspective
  • Proficiency with FANUC robots
  • Familiarity with Bosch Rexroth or Beckhoff motion control platforms
  • Experience designing electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical
  • Experience with industrial vision systems, including Cognex, FANUC iRVision, or Keyence
  • Experience selecting and integrating precision sensors, DAQs, and instrumentation
  • Experience integrating PLCs, SCADA, and MES systems
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, NFPA 70E, and UL 508A requirements

Joby Aviation Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Joby Aviation and has not been reviewed or approved by Joby Aviation.

  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits Wellbeing perks are positioned as a meaningful part of the total package, including free daily meals and access to an on-site gym. These amenities are portrayed as reducing day-to-day costs and friction, making the overall rewards feel richer for some roles and sites.
  • Retirement Support Retirement support is described as comprehensive, including a 401(k) plan with a company match. Ownership-oriented savings options like an ESPP are also included alongside retirement benefits.
  • Equity Value & Accessibility Equity participation is a prominent component of total rewards through RSUs and an ESPP, making upside potential a core part of compensation design. This structure is framed as especially attractive when equity is valued as part of overall pay competitiveness.

Joby Aviation Insights

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The Company
HQ: Santa Cruz, CA
946 Employees
Year Founded: 2009

What We Do

Joby is a California-based company building quiet, all-electric aircraft to connect people like never before. With up to 150 miles of range and the ability to take off and land vertically, the Joby aircraft will change the way we move while reducing the acoustic and climate footprint of flight.

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