Automation Controls Engineer

Senior Automation & Controls EngineerMainspring Energy manufactures and delivers fuel-flexible, low-emissions local power solutions that rapidly add new capacity and deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric power. The company began commercial shipments of its Mainspring Linear Generators in 2020 and today has hundreds of megawatts in advanced development and field operations for leading Fortune 500 companies, data centers, and utilities. Mainspring also partners with global energy leaders including AEP, NextEra Energy Resources, Schneider Electric, and more.The core values that ground our work, guide our decisions, and connect us together:Pragmatic OptimismExcellence without EgoProactive CollaborationJob OverviewWe are seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer who applies sound software engineering practices to design and deliver industrial automation systems using the Beckhoff Platform. This role focuses on building reliable, maintainable, and scalable control systems in a real-world manufacturing environment.You will develop automation solutions that balance deterministic control requirements with modern engineering practices such as modular design, version control, code reviews, and disciplined change management. While the work is rooted in traditional industrial automation, there is an increasing emphasis on improving the development, testing, and deployment of control software.In this role, you will work across the full lifecycle of automation systems—from electrical design and hardware selection to controls software development, deployment, commissioning, and long-term support. A significant portion of your time, approximately 20-25%, will also be dedicated to the maintenance, improvement, and upgrading of existing equipment. You will collaborate closely with manufacturing, electrical, mechanical, and software teams to ensure systems are safe, reliable, and adaptable to evolving production needs.The role is based at Mainspring Headquarters in Menlo Park, California, and is primarily on-site with some travel within North America.ResponsibilitiesSystem Design & Architecture: Lead the design of complex automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotics. Create and maintain electrical schematics, control enclosure layouts, and wiring diagrams using CAD softwareProgramming & Implementation: Program and debug control systems using platforms mainly in Beckhoff products with some possible use of Rockwell, Siemens TIA Portal and Schneider Electric products. Develop and implement closed-loop control systems and novel data structuresProject Execution: Own specific engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met. Contributing to the successful completion of projects in a timely fashionContinuous Improvement: Analyze existing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks. Conduct root cause analyses and troubleshooting to support process improvementsSafety & Compliance: Design and deploy personnel safety interlock systems and ensure compliance with industry standards such as NFPA 79, SEMI, and UL508ACollaboration & Mentorship: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, hardware, software) to ensure proper integration of automated systems. You may supervise the activities of a few others or mentor junior staff and techniciansRequired Qualifications5–10 years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineeringHands-on experience with PLC platforms such as Beckhoff TwinCAT (TwinCAT 3), Allen-BradleyStrong proficiency in IEC 61131-3 with emphasis on Structured TextProven experience delivering industrial automation projects in manufacturing or production environmentsSolid understanding of: Industrial sensors and actuators | Electrical control systems and panel design | Industrial networking and fieldbus protocolExperience using Git or similar version control systems in a professional environmentPreferred QualificationsExperience with motion control, robotics, or high-performance automation systemsFamiliarity with EtherCAT architecture and performance tuningExperience with industrial networks (OT networks)Experience working alongside MES, SCADA, or higher-level software systemsPrior experience acting as a technical lead on projects$122,000 - $143,000 a year This position is onsite at our Menlo Park HQ. The salary will be adjusted to reflect local market conditions based on employee location as well as the experience of the employee. Along with the base salary, Mainspring offers pre-IPO stock options + benefits.Does your experience not meet all of our posted requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed requirement. At Mainspring, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, flexible, and collaborative environment, so if you want to help us transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, and don't meet all posted requirements for a particular role, we'd still love to hear from you. Mainspring can sometimes be flexible enough to shift responsibilities for the right person, or otherwise identify open or upcoming roles that may better fit your professional background.Mainspring Energy, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.This compensation and benefits information is based on Mainspring Energy's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. We generally do not negotiate on salary once we have made an offer. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. New hires joining the company tend to be paid within the starting base pay range noted above, with opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company-specific knowledge.