Apply on Employer Site

Archer · 3 weeks ago

Engine Modeling/Control Intern

San Jose, California, United States

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$25/hr - $35/hr

Start in 2026 Summer

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California, building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. They are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to join their motor control and simulation team, providing hands-on experience in the design, control, and validation of core components of their aircraft's electric powertrain.

AerospaceAir TransportationElectric VehicleManufacturing

No H1B

Responsibilities

Develop and refine motor control algorithms in MATLAB/Simulink or PLECS to optimize the performance, efficiency, and thermal characteristics of our high-power-density motors

Create and analyze simulation models of high-voltage DC/DC converters and motor inverters to predict their behavior, stability, and efficiency under various flight conditions

Assist in the electromagnetic and thermal analysis of electric motors using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, contributing to the analysis of torque ripple, cogging torque, and loss mechanisms

Contribute to motor design trade studies, evaluating the impact of different topologies, materials, and winding configurations on performance metrics like power density and efficiency

Support the assembly, bring-up, and testing of prototype motor drive and power electronics hardware in the lab, gaining hands-on experience with high-power systems

Develop test scripts and analyze experimental data from dynamometer and bench tests to validate simulation models and characterize component performance

Correlate motor simulation models with experimental data from dynamometer testing to improve model accuracy and validate design choices

Document your simulation results, test procedures, and design analysis in detailed reports and present your findings to the team to inform critical design decisions

Qualification

Power ElectronicsMotor ControlMotor DesignMATLAB/SimulinkFinite Element AnalysisPythonProblem-SolvingCollaboration

Required

Pursuing a Bachelor's (3rd or 4th year), Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field

Strong fundamentals and coursework in Power Electronics, electric machine theory (including electromagnetic principles and motor topologies like IPM/SPM), and control systems

Simulation experience with PLECS and/or MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and simulating motor control systems or power converters

Exposure to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS Maxwell, FEMM, or a similar package for electromagnetic simulation

Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, and electronic loads for testing power electronics

Familiarity with motor control techniques such as Field-Oriented Control (FOC) and Space Vector Modulation (SVM)

Excellent problem-solving skills, a strong theoretical foundation, and a desire to learn in a fast-paced, collaborative environment