Automation Controls Engineer

Heron Power Electronics Company

$120K — $195K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering.
  • 5+ years of industrial automation experience, focusing on safety systems and controls engineering.
  • Expert-level PLC programming proficiency in Beckhoff TwinCAT, Rockwell Automation, and Siemens TIA Portal.
  • Strong command of programming languages: Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagram.
  • Experience with 6-axis robots and high volume manufacturing process equipment.
  • Knowledge in risk assessments and functional safety validation.

Responsibilities

  • Define the controls architecture for manufacturing systems, encompassing platforms, devices, and communication protocols.
  • Lead virtual commissioning to test and validate controls logic prior to deployment.
  • Design, program, and commission control systems for custom manufacturing equipment.
  • Write scalable and maintainable control code for long-term flexibility in systems.
  • Set up and optimize industrial robots for manufacturing processes.
  • Conduct risk assessments to identify safety issues and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve controls-related issues on the production floor.
  • Manage supplier controls performance to ensure quality and safety compliance.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package including salary and equity.
  • Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
  • Collaborative culture focused on personal and technical growth.
Full Job Description
Job Overview

At Heron Power, we are building the future of scalable power electronics. Our mission is to enable high-volume, capital-efficient manufacturing of advanced energy systems. We believe that robust automation and controls are foundational to achieving this vision.

As an Automation Controls Engineer, you will take full ownership of the control systems that power our custom manufacturing equipment. You will define the controls architecture, set the technical trajectory, and ensure our systems deliver precision, reliability, and throughput at scale. This is a hands-on role for someone who holds a high standard for automation performance and safety and is motivated by the challenge of building control systems that are robust, maintainable, and built to last.

How You Will Contribute
  • 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
  • Design, program, and commission in-house control systems for custom manufacturing equipment
  • Write clean, scalable, and maintainable control code for long-term flexibility and reuse
  • Set up industrial robots, including programming, safety zoning, 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, quality standards, and safety expectations
  • Identify and mitigate risks, including compliance gaps, integration challenges, and long-term maintainability
What You Will Bring

We have a short list of must-have requirements. We prioritize a strong grip on first principles, hands-on skills, and a sense of initiative. Domain-specific knowledge and experience will help determine the career level for each hire.

Must-Have Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ 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
  • Strong 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
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail


Nice-to-Haves
  • 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


If you are passionate about technology and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you. Join us in accelerating the electrification of everything at Heron Power.

Heron Power provides competitive compensation (salary and equity) and benefits. The salary for this role ranges from $120,000 to $195,000 per year.

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