Senior Automation Engineer
About The Position
Therma, a Legence company, is hiring a Senior Automation Engineer for a hands-on technical leadership role designing, programming, and commissioning advanced industrial automation solutions. The engineer will own significant portions of automation system design and delivery, lead complex greenfield and retrofit projects from concept through startup, work directly with customers, and mentor junior engineers. The position combines technical execution, problem solving, customer interaction, and project leadership; it is not a maintenance, controls technician, production support, or project-management-only role. The role involves industrial control system design, PLC/DCS programming, HMI/SCADA development, electrical and controls schematics, instrumentation, testing, commissioning, and project close-out. The engineer will also manage automation project budgets and timelines and ensure documentation and compliance requirements are met. Therma describes its work as serving varied sectors such as biopharmaceutical, education, healthcare, food and beverage, commercial, industrial, and data center facilities. The position requires a BS or higher in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and at least seven years of relevant industrial automation and controls experience. Candidates should have experience designing, programming, testing, and commissioning industrial control systems, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment. Local travel and occasional travel outside California are required. U.S. work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is unavailable. The posted base salary range is $155,000–$195,000 per year, with actual compensation dependent on skills, experience, and work location.
Requirements
- BS or higher in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in industrial automation and controls.
- Experience designing, programming, testing, and commissioning industrial control systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for specifications, technical documentation, and client interactions.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
- Current U.S. work authorization; visa sponsorship is not available.
- Ability to travel locally and occasionally outside California.
Nice To Haves
- Programming skills in structured text, C++, Java, or Visual Basic.
- Knowledge of UL 698A.
Responsibilities
- Lead design and implementation for greenfield and automation retrofit projects.
- Develop Functional Design Specifications and Sequence of Operations (SOO).
- Program and script PLC/DCS systems.
- Create and configure HMI/SCADA graphics.
- Define and design electrical and controls schematics.
- Oversee development and execution of test protocols and manage commissioning activities.
- Prepare close-out documentation and ensure compliance.
- Manage automation project budgets and timelines.
- Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance.
- Serve as the primary customer interface for automation and controls scopes.
- Travel locally and occasionally outside California.
Benefits
- 401(k) plan with company match of dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of eligible pay and immediate vesting.
- Employer-provided medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
- Employee Assistance Program and accident and illness coverage.
- Employer-provided basic life insurance and AD&D, with the option to buy additional coverage.
- Flexible non-accrual vacation, separate from California sick leave.
- Company holidays per policy.
- Reimbursement of business travel and related expenses per company policy.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
