Staff Controls & Automation Engineer

Mainspring Energy•Menlo Park, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Mainspring Energy is revolutionizing power generation with the Mainspring Linear Generator, a flexible and adaptable local power generation technology. They serve commercial, industrial, and utility leaders for EV charging, commercial facilities, data centers, and grid-scale operations, offering a fuel-flexible solution with near-zero NOx emissions. Backed by top-tier investors, Mainspring designs, manufactures, and delivers products across the U.S. and is scaling for international expansion, aiming for an affordable, reliable, net-zero carbon grid. The company values pragmatic optimism, excellence without ego, and proactive collaboration. As a Staff Controls and Automation Engineer, you will be the technical lead for the entire lifecycle of control and execution systems, from concept to scalable manufacturing deployment. This involves architecting intelligent manufacturing systems, managing them through feasibility assessments and production, and developing automation solutions that balance demanding deterministic control needs with modern software engineering practices like modular design, version control, code reviews, and disciplined change management. The role emphasizes modernizing traditional industrial automation.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience in automation
7 - 15 or more years of hands-on experience with control systems within an industrial automation or manufacturing equipment environment
Extensive, practical experience in PLC programming and troubleshooting, with proficiency in Beckhoff (required), Codesys, Schneider Electric, Allen Bradley
Demonstrated expertise in supporting existing automated manufacturing equipment or production lines, including in-line troubleshooting of electrical systems, control panels, field devices, and safety interlock circuits
Proven capacity to collaborate with external contractors and equipment vendors for the design, build, installation, and commissioning of future manufacturing automation
Robust practical electrical troubleshooting proficiencies, encompassing the ability to read, interpret, and review electrical schematics, diagrams, and blueprints
Experience independently executing and supporting SCADA/HMI systems (such as Ignition Perspective, Siemens WinCC, or Rockwell FTView ME)
Experience integrating robotics (e.g., FANUC) and vision systems (e.g., Keyence and Cognex)

Nice To Haves

Experience in the design and programming of MES data transactions and PLC product tracking
Experience configuring Operational Technology (OT) networks (e.g., managed network switches) and functional safety programming (e.g., ProfiSafe, CIP Safety, or FANUC)
Experience with advanced programming languages (Python, MATLAB), and version control software for the extraction of insights and the implementation of system control modifications

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and deployment of control systems, ensuring they are scalable for the manufacturing environment
Directly engage with external contractors, system integrators, and equipment vendors to engineer and build automated equipment. You must collaborate with both internal and external teams to guarantee adherence to equipment standards
Mandate and oversee the execution of Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) to secure the delivery of compliant, high-quality control systems
Oversee multiple concurrent projects and provide essential technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff