Junior Automation & Controls Engineer - Custom Machines

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSymbrium is looking for aJunior Automation & Controls Engineerwho wants to do more than sit behind a desk and maintain somebody else's existing product. We design and build one-of-a-kind machinery, automated test systems, and custom industrial equipment for aerospace, defense, research, and manufacturing customers. Our engineers work on the entire machine.You may help develop a control system, program a PLC, integrate sensors and instrumentation, troubleshoot a drive, test a machine on our floor, and later help commission that same system at a customer's facility. For an engineer early in their career, this is an opportunity to learn a very broad range of real-world engineering. What You Will DoWorking with experienced engineers and technicians, you will help develop controls and automation systems for custom machinery and test equipment. Typical work includes:Developing and modifying PLC programsCreating HMI screens and operator interfacesDeveloping machine sequences, interlocks, alarms, and control logicIntegrating sensors, instrumentation, data-acquisition systems, motors, VFDs, and servosAssisting with electrical control-system and panel designSelecting controls and instrumentation hardwareConfiguring industrial communications and networksParticipating in machine wiring, assembly, checkout, and startupTroubleshooting electrical, controls, instrumentation, and communications problemsWorking alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineers during system integrationTesting complete machines and automated systemsSupporting installation and commissioning at customer facilitiesPreparing drawings, software documentation, operating procedures, and technical recordsAs your experience grows, you will take increasing responsibility for complete machine-control systems and participate directly in customer design reviews and technical discussions. What We Are Looking ForWe are looking for an early-career engineer with a strong technical foundation who genuinely enjoys machinery, automation, and figuring out how things work.You should have:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a closely related engineering fieldStrong interest in automation, machinery, instrumentation, or industrial controlsBasic understanding of electrical circuits, motors, sensors, and control systemsStrong analytical and troubleshooting abilityMechanical aptitude and willingness to work hands-onAbility to communicate clearly and work with a multidisciplinary engineering teamCuriosity and willingness to learn unfamiliar technologiesWillingness to travel occasionally for equipment installation and commissioningAuthorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorshipSymbrium does not provide employment visa sponsorship for this position. Experience That Will Get Our AttentionYou donotneed to already know all of these technologies.Experience with any of the following is useful:Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCsSiemens PLCsHMI programmingVariable-frequency drivesServo motion systemsIndustrial EthernetSensors and instrumentationData-acquisition systemsMachine visionElectrical CADControl-panel designC#, C++, Python, or similar programming languages We also place considerable value on hands-on experience outside the classroom.That might include:Engineering internships or co-op programsFormula SAERobotics teamsLaboratory equipmentSenior design projectsMachine buildingCNC equipmentElectronics projectsCars, motorcycles, machinery, or other serious personal technical projectsIf you have actually built, wired, programmed, repaired, or automated something, we want to hear about it. This Is Not a Typical Entry-Level Engineering JobMany new engineers enter positions where they spend several years working on a small piece of an established product. That is not how Symbrium operates. Most of our projects are one-of-a-kind systems. Our equipment routinely combines:Mechanical systemsElectric motors and drivesHigh-speed rotating equipmentInstrumentationSensorsData acquisitionPLC controlsIndustrial communicationsSoftwareAutomated testingBecause the projects are different, you will continually encounter new engineering problems.You will see machines progress from concept through design, assembly, programming, debugging, testing, and final commissioning. That breadth of exposure is difficult to get in a large engineering organization.You May Be a Good Fit IfYou:Like understanding how things actually workEnjoy solving problems without predetermined answersAre comfortable getting out from behind a computerWant to work around real machinery and equipmentAsk questions when you do not understand somethingLearn quicklyTake ownership of your workEnjoy working with engineers, technicians, machinists, and programmersGet satisfaction from seeing something you helped design actually operateWe do not expect a new engineer to arrive knowing everything.We do expect intelligence, curiosity, initiative, and a genuine desire to become a very capable engineer.About SymbriumSymbrium designs and builds highly engineered custom test systems, manufacturing equipment, and automation systems.Our work spans mechanical engineering, controls, instrumentation, data acquisition, software, automation, and machine design.Because we are a small engineering organization, engineers have substantial involvement in the systems they develop and the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility early in their careers.Symbrium is an equal opportunity employer.