Sr Staff Engineer, Automation Controls
About The Position
We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we're redefining what's possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world? As a Senior Staff Automation Controls Engineer at Sila, you will architect, design, and deploy robust, deterministic machine control software and electrical subsystems for complex, production-scale materials processing equipment. You will bridge cross-functional teams—from scientists to shop-floor technicians—to build high-reliability, first-of-a-kind industrial automation platforms.
Requirements
- 10+ years of industry experience deploying mission-critical industrial automation systems and capital equipment.
- B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with complex materials processing involving high technical risk (e.g., extreme temperatures/pressures, unforgiving chemistry, or strict uptime requirements).
Responsibilities
- Lead the strategy, software architecture, and electrical design for modular, deterministic, and scalable control systems.
- Define engineering standards and specifications for novel capital equipment.
- Architect HMI software and write robust PLC code primarily in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3).
- Implement industrial Fieldbus protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus) and batch/safety standards (ISA-88, IEC 61151, SIS).
- Design electrical schematics, power distribution, control panels, and network architectures.
- Apply deep knowledge of AC/DC power, analog signals, control wiring, and functional safety systems.
- Drive projects end-to-end through system integration, advanced troubleshooting, and formal validation (FAT/SAT).
- Generate comprehensive, high-quality technical documentation for both software and hardware.
- Drive technical engagements with strategic vendors and collaborate with research scientists, engineers, and technicians.
- Mentor mid- and junior-level controls engineers to promote engineering rigor and best practices.
Benefits
- Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
