Sr Staff Engineer, Automation Controls

The starting base pay for this role is between $172,000 and $218,000 at the time of posting.

• Architecture & System Design:
  Lead the strategy, software architecture, and electrical design for modular, deterministic, and scalable control systems. Define engineering standards and specifications for novel capital equipment.
• Software & Automation Engineering:
  Architect HMI software and write robust PLC code primarily in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3). Implement industrial Fieldbus protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ether Net/IP, Modbus) and batch/safety standards (ISA-88, IEC 61151, SIS).
• Electrical & Hardware Design:
  Design electrical schematics, power distribution, control panels, and network architectures. Apply deep knowledge of AC/DC power, analog signals, control wiring, and functional safety systems.
• Execution, Validation & Quality:
  Drive projects end-to-end through system integration, advanced troubleshooting, and formal validation (FAT/SAT). Generate comprehensive, high-quality technical documentation for both software and hardware.
• Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment:
  Drive technical engagements with strategic vendors and collaborate with research scientists, engineers, and technicians. Mentor mid- and junior-level controls engineers to promote engineering rigor and best practices.

• As a Senior Staff Automation Controls Engineer at Sila, you will architect, design, and deploy robust, deterministic machine control software and electrical subsystems for complex, production-scale materials processing equipment. You will bridge cross-functional teams—from scientists to shop-floor technicians—to build high-reliability, first-of-a-kind industrial automation platforms.
• Experience:
  
  10+ years of industry experience deploying mission-critical industrial automation systems and capital equipment.
• Education:
  
  B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Preferred Domain Exposure:
  Experience with complex materials processing involving high technical risk (e.g., extreme temperatures/pressures, unforgiving chemistry, or strict uptime requirements).