Senior Maintenance Automation Engineer

Skeleton Technologies • San Jose, CA

10d

About The Position

Skeleton Technologies is seeking a Senior Maintenance Automation Engineer to join its team in California, US. The role supports the D33 production line and site utilities, with responsibility for the maintainability and standardization of automation and controls, commissioning and supplier handover, maintenance systems, troubleshooting, reliability improvements, and safety. The engineer will act as technical lead for automation-related maintenance, help develop the maintenance team, and provide on-call escalation support for critical breakdowns.

Skeleton Technologies describes itself as a global leader in critical power infrastructure for AI data centers and electrical grid stability. Founded in 2009, the company develops power systems for AI data centers, electrical grids, defense systems, and other critical infrastructure.

The position offers an opportunity to help build and scale an international deep-tech energy-storage company and support its mission alongside customers including Volvo, Škoda, General Electric, and Hitachi Energy. The company also offers an extra day of holiday for the employee’s birthday.

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 commissioning or ramping up a new production line or plant.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, 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, and of NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, and Cal/OSHA.
• Fluent English and ability to work with international equipment suppliers.
• Hands-on problem-solving approach and ability to stay calm during breakdowns.
• Structured and documentation-minded.
• 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, focusing on maintainability, standardization, and spare-parts strategy.
• Define site automation standards for PLC, HMI/SCADA, drives, and networks in collaboration with engineering and equipment suppliers.
• Support equipment installation, I/O checks, FAT/SAT, and commissioning, and track open points through to closure.
• Ensure suppliers provide complete technical documentation, backups, and training.
• Develop the automation and controls maintenance concept, covering preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance.
• Set up the CMMS, such as SAP PM or Maximo, 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 all 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 raise 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

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

What This Job Offers

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