Senior/Staff Automation Controls Engineer

The role

You will take ownership of control systems for custom manufacturing equipment. You will define controls architecture, design and program in-house control systems, and set up industrial robots.

What you will do

• Define controls architecture for factories including platforms, devices, safety systems, and communication protocols
• Lead virtual commissioning efforts to simulate, test, and validate controls logic
• Design, program, and commission in-house control systems for custom manufacturing equipment
• Write clean, scalable, and maintainable control code
• Set up industrial robots including programming, safety zoning, and cycle optimization
• Conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses for automation cells
• Troubleshoot controls-related issues on the production floor
• Manage supplier controls performance
• Identify and mitigate risks including compliance gaps and integration challenges

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, with a focus on safety systems and controls engineering
• Expert-level proficiency in PLC programming across Siemens TIA Portal
• Strong command of Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and SFC/GRAPH
• Extensive experience with 6-axis robots, gantry systems, and inspection methods
• Subject matter expert in evolving safety standards and technologies
• Deep experience with risk assessments and functional safety validation
• Experience with high volume manufacturing process equipment such as fastening, dispensing, thermal processes, laser welding, material handling, and inspection systems
• Willingness to work in a hands-on role
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Nice to have

• Beckhoff TwinCAT
• Functional safety certification
• Deep expertise in vision inspection systems
• Experience with electrical design follow UL508 NPFA79
• Fanuc robot programming
• Established strategic relationships with equipment suppliers

Benefits

• Competitive compensation (salary and equity)
• Benefits

About the company

Heron Power is a startup company building cutting-edge power electronics for the 21st-century grid. The company aims to debottleneck the growth of electricity generation and consumption with scalable hardware solutions.