Heron Power

power electronics

Senior/StaffAutomationControlsEngineer

$120–195k scotts valley, california, united states FULL TIME
The Brief

“Senior / Staff Automation Controls Engineer at Heron Power. Skills: automation controls, PLC programming, robotics, safety systems, risk assessment. 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”

What You'll Achieve.

debottleneck the growth of electricity generation and consumption; accelerating the electrification of everything; enable high-volume, capital-efficient manufacturing of advanced energy systems; ensure our systems deliver precision, reliability, and throughput at scale; building control systems that are robust, maintainable, and built to last

Industry & Context.

power electronics
Problems you'll solve

solving difficult problems; problem-solving skills

Eligibility Requirements

hands-on role

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

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, 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, problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Nice to Have

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

What You'll Do.

Define controls architecture for Heron Power’s factories

and communication protocols

Lead virtual commissioning efforts to simulate

and validate controls logic prior to deployment

and commission in-house control systems for custom manufacturing equipment

and maintainable control code for long-term flexibility and reuse

Set up industrial robots

including programming

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

and safety expectations

Identify and mitigate risks

including compliance gaps

integration challenges

and long-term maintainability

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

learn a lot together and from each other; collaborative, enriching environment; work in a dynamic and collaborative environment; as part of a team

Communication Scope

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

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