Senior Automation Engineer

Opportunity Summary

We are a venture-backed, pre-seed startup revolutionizing industrial automation with cutting-edge control systems and real-time data intelligence. As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing autonomous systems that power next-generation machinery. You’ll lead the design and deployment of sophisticated control architectures, integrating real-time sensor data, machine intelligence, and automation technologies to enhance efficiency, precision, and safety. This is an opportunity to join a fast-growing startup at the ground floor, shaping the future of intelligent automation in high-impact industries.

About Us

Backed by top-tier investors, we are a pre-seed startup pioneering automation solutions for large-scale industrial operations. Our mission is to modernize and optimize an industry that has seen little innovation in decades, unlocking new levels of efficiency through AI-driven control systems, edge computing, and real-time analytics. With a team of world-class engineers and industry experts, we are building game-changing technology that will redefine how industrial processes are designed, executed, and scaled. This is your chance to be part of an early-stage startup where your contributions will directly impact product development and company trajectory.

Job Duties

• Design, develop, and optimize PLC-based control architectures for autonomous machinery, ensuring high performance, reliability, and safety.
• Integrate real-time sensor data acquisition to enable precise monitoring and intelligent automation.
• Implement safety-critical control systems, including fail-safe electrical circuits, emergency shutdown protocols, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Develop and refine HMI and SCADA interfaces for seamless system interaction, diagnostics, and real-time performance tracking.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, software, and robotics teams to align automation solutions with product design and operational needs.
• Lead rapid prototyping, field testing, and system validation to ensure automation solutions perform reliably in real-world conditions.
• Architect and implement edge computing solutions for on-site data processing and autonomous decision-making in rugged environments.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations governing industrial automation and electrical control systems.

Qualifications

• 6 years of experience in automation, industrial controls, or robotics engineering, designing and implementing scalable automation systems.
• Expertise in PLC programming (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) with a strong background in structured text, ladder logic, or state machines.
• Experience with servo controllers, VFDs, safety PLCs, and fail-safe circuit design.
• Strong knowledge of industrial communication networks (EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP) and distributed control systems.
• Understanding of electrical panel design, hardware integration, and compliance standards (NEC, NFPA, UL508A).
• Hands-on experience conducting field deployments, troubleshooting, and system testing in challenging environments.

Preferred Experience

• Proven ability to lead automation projects from concept through deployment.
• Experience working with industrial robotics (ABB, KUKA, Fanuc) or complex mechatronics systems.
• Background in edge computing, distributed automation, or AI-driven control systems.
• Passion for fast-paced, high-impact environments, with a strong sense of ownership and initiative.
• Startup experience or an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to adapt to evolving technical and business challenges.

Why Join Us?

• Early-Stage Impact – Join a venture-backed startup in its early days, shaping the company’s technology and future.
• Ownership & Leadership – Take full ownership of a critical product vertical, with the opportunity to grow into a leadership role.
• Innovative Technology – Work on groundbreaking automation and AI-driven control systems that will transform industrial operations.
• High-Visibility, High-Growth – Operate in an environment where your work will have a direct and immediate impact.
• Global Field Experience – Travel opportunities to deploy, test, and refine automation solutions in real-world environments.
• Top-Tier Team – Collaborate with world-class engineers, technologists, and industry pioneers.
• Flexible Work Culture – We embrace autonomy, innovation, and adaptability in a high-energy startup environment.
• Comprehensive Benefits – 100% paid medical, dental, vision, paid meals, equity options, and more!

Compensation Details

$140,000 - $190,000 Generous Equity