Automation Controls Engineer

$125,000 - $160,000/Yr

Tbwa Chiat/Day - Berkeley, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Berkeley, CA

About the position

The Automation Controls Engineer at Aircapture will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining control systems for novel direct air capture (DAC) systems. This position focuses on ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these systems while meeting performance targets. The role is onsite at the company's development and production facility in Berkeley, California, and is aimed at individuals passionate about making a significant impact in the climate technology sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot ladder logic programs for various PLC platforms (e.g., Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider).
• Create custom control logic for automation systems.
• Design and configure Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to monitor and control manufacturing equipment.
• Customize display screens for operational efficiency and ease of use.
• Design, review, and implement electrical control circuits, including selecting components and developing schematics using CAD tools.
• Ensure seamless integration between PLCs, HMIs, and other field devices such as sensors and actuators.
• Design and implement data logging systems to record operational data from industrial processes.
• Work on data collection, visualization, and analysis to improve system performance and troubleshooting.
• Perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for control systems.
• Commission systems at customer sites and ensure smooth startup.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to automation and control systems.
• Provide support to operations teams for corrective and preventive maintenance.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including control system designs, ladder logic, wiring diagrams, and operation manuals.
• Work closely with mechanical and electrical teams, project managers, and customers to ensure systems meet technical specifications and project timelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in PLC programming and automation systems, designing and building HMI interfaces for industrial applications.
• Hands-on experience with controls circuit design and electrical schematics, and knowledge of data logging software and data management systems.
• Proficiency in ladder logic programming for PLCs such as Allen Bradley, Siemens, etc.
• Familiarity with HMI/SCADA software (Wonderware, Ignition, Rockwell FactoryTalk).
• Strong knowledge of control circuit design, including electrical standards and safety.
• Familiarity with communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus).
• Proficiency in CAD tools for electrical schematics and control panel layouts.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $125,000 to $160,000 per year.