Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer Job details

Engineering

Phoenix , San Francisco Full-time

On-site
** Role
* * Build the automation backbone that enables Azora's optical ground stations to operate independently: autonomous pass scheduling, calibration routines, health monitoring, and fault recovery. As a lead, you will define the automation architecture across a growing global network of ground sites.
** Responsibilities
* ** Architect and implement end-to-end automation for ground station operations: target acquisition, pass execution, weather-driven decision-making, and safe-state recovery.
* Develop hardware control software for telescopes, gimbals, weather sensors, and optical bench instrumentation (motion controllers, cameras, power systems).
* Build automated calibration, self-test, and built-in-test (BIT) routines that keep stations operational without on-site staff.
* Design monitoring, alerting, and remote diagnostics infrastructure across multiple geographically distributed sites.
* Define interfaces between site-level automation and the network-level scheduler/orchestration layer.
* Establish software engineering practices for the automation stack: CI/CD, hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation environments, and release management.
* Build, lead and mentor a small team of automation and controls engineers as the ground network scales.
** Required Qualifications
*** BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering, or related field.
* 5+ years building automation or control software for physical systems (robotics, observatories, test automation, industrial control, or similar).
* Strong programming skills in Python and at least one systems language (C++, Rust, or Go).
* Experience with hardware interfaces and protocols: serial, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, CAN, or similar.
* Demonstrated experience taking automation systems from prototype to reliable 24/7 operation.
** Preferred
* ** Experience automating telescopes, observatories, or optical ground stations (e.g., INDI/ASCOM ecosystems, custom mount control).
* Familiarity with orbital mechanics and satellite pass prediction (e.g., SGP4, Skyfield).
* Experience with distributed systems, message buses (MQTT, ZeroMQ, gRPC), and time synchronization (NTP/PTP).
* Prior technical leadership or team lead experience in a startup environment.
** Location
* * This is an onsite/hybrid role based in Tempe, AZ or the Bay Area, CA – hardware work that’s hard to do remotely. Some travel expected for field deployment and vendor/manufacturing visits.
** Benefits:
*** Generous equity
* Competitive healthcare (including options for vision and dental)
* 401(k)
* Unlimited PTO
** EEO & Reasonable Accommodations**
* * Azora is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.*
* * If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know by contacting
* * infoce
* ** Export Control
** To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (iii) protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
** Salary ranges are based on the following criteria:
*** Level 1 (starting from $130,000 USD): 3-5 years of experience in relevant roles.
* Level 2 (starting from $160,000 USD): 5-15 years of experience in relevant roles.
* Final salary is based on geographic location, experience, skills, and qualifications.