Senior Maintenance Automation Engineer

Skeleton Technologies • San Jose, CA

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About The Position

Skeleton Technologies is seeking a Senior Maintenance Automation Engineer to join its team in California, US. The role supports automation and controls for the D33 production line and site utilities, with responsibility for maintainability, standardization, commissioning, maintenance systems, troubleshooting, reliability, safety, and continuous improvement. The engineer will work with engineering, equipment suppliers, procurement, IT, production, and maintenance staff, and will help build and scale the company’s manufacturing operations.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in maintenance, automation, or controls engineering in high-volume manufacturing.
• At least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation/mechatronics, controls engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with commissioning or ramp-up of a new production line or plant.
• PLC programming and troubleshooting experience, such as Siemens TIA Portal or Rockwell Studio 5000.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA, servo drives, robotics, vision systems, and industrial networks such as PROFINET and EtherNet/IP.
• Experience setting up and using a CMMS, such as SAP PM or Maximo.
• Knowledge of reliability methods, including RCA, FMEA, preventive and predictive maintenance, and OEE.
• Knowledge of machine safety and safety PLCs, as well as NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and Cal/OSHA.
• Fluent English and ability to work with international equipment suppliers.
• A hands-on problem solver who remains calm during breakdowns.
• Structured and attentive to documentation.
• Enjoys coaching technicians and sharing knowledge.
• Strong team player across production, engineering, and suppliers.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications such as Siemens/Rockwell PLC, CMRP, or functional safety (TÜV FS Engineer).
• Experience in battery, semiconductor, automotive, electronics, or similar automated production.

Responsibilities

• Review automation and controls designs for the D33 line and site utilities for maintainability, standardization, and spare-parts strategy.
• Define site automation standards for PLCs, HMI/SCADA, drives, and networks with engineering and equipment suppliers.
• Support equipment installation, I/O checks, FAT/SAT, and commissioning, and track open points to closure.
• Ensure suppliers provide complete technical documentation, backups, and training.
• Develop the automation and controls maintenance concept, including preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance.
• Set up the CMMS, including asset hierarchy, maintenance plans, and spare-parts lists.
• Define critical spare parts and stock levels with procurement.
• Help recruit, train, and mentor maintenance technicians and junior engineers.
• Lead troubleshooting for PLCs, robotics, motion control, vision systems, and field instrumentation.
• Manage software versions, backups, and change control for control systems.
• Support OT networks and cybersecurity with IT, in line with IEC 62443.
• Provide on-call escalation support for critical breakdowns.
• Analyze downtime and failure data and lead root cause analysis using methods such as RCA, 5-Why, and FMEA.
• Drive improvements to increase OEE and equipment availability and reduce mean time to repair.
• Implement retrofits, upgrades, and data-driven maintenance, including IIoT and condition monitoring.
• Ensure machine safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and safe work practices in line with Cal/OSHA and NFPA 70E.
• Maintain safety-related control systems and keep validation records current.
• Support internal and external audits on maintenance and EHS topics.

Benefits

• The opportunity to help build and scale an international deep-tech energy-storage company with a strong startup mindset.
• The chance to support an ambitious mission alongside globally recognized customers such as Volvo, Škoda, General Electric, and Hitachi Energy.
• An extra day of holiday for your birthday.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior