Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

Base pay range $150,000.00/yr - $300,000.00/yr Direct message the job poster from Sangha Partners We’re partnering with a well-funded robotics startup developing next-generation automation systems that merge AI-driven intelligence with classical industrial controls. Their mission is to bridge the gap between modern machine learning and real-world factory robotics — enabling more adaptable, scalable, and intelligent production environments. This is a small, world-class team working on cross-disciplinary problems at the intersection of robotics, automation, and AI, and they’re looking for a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to join onsite in San Mateo. Overview You’ll design and implement advanced robotic automation systems, integrating intelligent control into real production environments — think robotic arms, sensors, and vision systems all talking seamlessly through modern control frameworks. You’ll collaborate closely with robotics and ML engineers to build automated data-collection systems, test stands, and production-scale automation cells that directly feed AI model development. This is a ground-floor opportunity to own the controls layer in a fast-moving, technically elite environment. What You’ll Do Design, implement, and maintain robotic automation systems Develop automated test and data-collection systems for AI training Integrate PLCs, robots, sensors, and actuators into cohesive systems Own the controls aspect of hardware + software integration Work directly with founding engineers in a flat, collaborative structure Must Haves 3-7 years of experience in automation or controls engineering Strong experience with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and vision systems Proven track record building and sustaining production automation systems Proficiency in C/C++ (for low-level control) and Python (for automation workflows) Knowledge of industrial standards and plant protocols (EtherCAT, Modbus, CAN, etc.) Why This Role Combine industrial automation + AI-driven robotics in one role Work directly with elite engineers and founders Hands-on, high-impact technical scope Competitive salary + equity + relocation to San Mateo, CA Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time #J-18808-Ljbffr Sangha Partners