Senior / Staff Controls Engineer
Bay Area, California | Full-time Onsite
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing / Automation / Aerospace
Are you passionate about building automation systems that bring complex hardware to life?
We’re looking for a Senior or Staff Controls Engineer to design and implement control systems for high-performance test and production environments. You’ll work across electrical, software, and systems disciplines to develop safe, reliable, and scalable automation that powers next-generation manufacturing.
What You’ll Do
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Design and commission automation systems for manufacturing and test setups – including vacuum chambers, welding stations, and robotic assemblies.
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Develop Python-based control logic to interface with hardware via Modbus, EtherCAT, CAN, and TCP/IP.
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Program and support PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, Bosch Rexroth).
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Build state machines and control sequences for precision and safety.
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Collaborate cross-functionally to gather requirements and translate them into scalable control architectures.
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Troubleshoot and optimize live hardware systems, improving uptime and data quality.
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Document electrical schematics, I/O mapping, and software structure.
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Mentor junior engineers and foster best practices in automation and safety.
What You’ll Bring
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5-8+ years of experience designing and commissioning automated control systems.
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Strong skills in Python and PLC programming.
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Hands-on experience with industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, Modbus, CAN, TCP/IP).
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Understanding of electrical cabinet design, safety interlocks, and industrial safety standards (NFPA 79, UL 508A).
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Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
Bonus Points For
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Experience with vacuum systems, robotic integration, or environmental test chambers.
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Background in aerospace, semiconductor, or medical device automation.
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Familiarity with SQL, InfluxDB, or LabVIEW.
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Knowledge of motion control, vision systems, or robotic welding.
Why Join
You’ll help build the automation backbone behind manufacturing and testing operations – from robotic welders to environmental systems.
If you love hands-on engineering, solving complex control challenges, and seeing your systems in action, this role is for you.
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Sebastian Prins