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Sr/Staff Automation Controls Engineer

Joby Aviation · San Carlos, CA

Apply on Joby Aviation ↗
Level
Senior
Team
Controls
Base pay
$132k–$213k
Experience asked
6+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
Recently

The role in 30 seconds

A senior controls role at Joby Aviation (aerospace & defense) in San Carlos, CA. As part of this team located in San Carlos, CA, you will develop custom manufacturing equipment to assemble and test the Joby S4 aircraft.

They ask for
6+ years
Tools it names
Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Robotics, Automation, AutoCAD, MES
Base pay
$132k–$213k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $127k–$179k. This one lists $132k–$213k.

Median of the low and high ends of 67 live postings that list pay, out of 124 controls engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 123 other live controls postings in California.

Base pay
About 14% above similar roles

Typical $123k–$179k, from 63 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (6+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 68%
  • ✓ Robotics 45%
  • ✓ PLC 44%
  • ✓ Python 35%
  • ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 34%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 6+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Joby Aviation

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Joby Aviation in San Carlos

5 other open roles at this site.

Full description from Joby AviationAs posted on their careers site.Show

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

requirements

for industrial control systems

Additional Information

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.

Show full description ↓

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.

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

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