Senior / Staff Automation Controls Engineer
About The Position
At Heron Power, we are building the future of scalable power electronics. Our mission is to enable high-volume, capital-efficient manufacturing of advanced energy systems. We believe that robust automation and controls are foundational to achieving this vision. As an Automation Controls Engineer, you will take full ownership of the control systems that power our custom manufacturing equipment. You will define the controls architecture, set the technical trajectory, and ensure our systems deliver precision, reliability, and throughput at scale. This is a hands-on role for someone who holds a high standard for automation performance and safety and is motivated by the challenge of building control systems that are robust, maintainable, and built to last.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, with a focus on safety systems and controls engineering.
- Expert-level proficiency in PLC programming across multiple platforms, specifically: Beckhoff TwinCAT Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley Siemens TIA Portal
- Strong command of programming languages: Ladder Logic Structured Text Function Block Diagram
- Extensive experience with 6-axis robots, gantry systems, and inspection methods
- Subject matter expert in evolving safety standards and technologies
- Deep experience with risk assessments and functional safety validation
- Experience with high volume manufacturing process equipment such as fastening, dispensing, thermal processes, laser welding, material handling, and inspection systems
- Willingness to work in a hands-on role
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Nice To Haves
- Functional safety certification
- Deep expertise in visual inspection systems
- Established strategic relationships with equipment suppliers across power electronics, battery pack, drive unit, general assembly, and other high-volume, high-tech manufacturing domains
Responsibilities
- Define controls architecture for Heron Power’s factories, including platforms, devices, safety systems, and communication protocols
- Lead virtual commissioning efforts to simulate, test, and validate controls logic prior to deployment
- Design, program, and commission in-house control systems for custom manufacturing equipment
- Write clean, scalable, and maintainable control code for long-term flexibility and reuse
- Set up industrial robots, including programming, safety zoning, and cycle optimization
- Conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses to identify potential safety issues and develop mitigation strategies for new and existing automation cells
- Troubleshoot controls-related issues and drive resolution on the production floor
- Manage supplier controls performance, ensuring alignment with system requirements, quality standards, and safety expectations
- Identify and mitigate risks, including compliance gaps, integration challenges, and long-term maintainability
Benefits
- Heron Power provides competitive compensation (salary and equity) and benefits.
- The salary for this role ranges from $120,000 to $195,000 per year.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
51-100 employees
