Electrical Engineer Process Controls and Automation

Overview

Job Title:

Electrical Engineer – Process Controls & Automation

Location:

Knoxville, TN | Full-Time

Company:
Sky Nano LLC

Sky Nano is a fast-growing startup transforming carbon emissions into value. We ve developed and patented an electrochemical process to convert CO₂ into high-performance carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and battery-grade graphite, unlocking new possibilities for advanced materials while solving urgent industrial challenges. As we scale our technology from pilot to commercial manufacturing, we are building a world-class team of engineers, scientists, and builders motivated by deep technical challenges and real-world impact.

At Sky Nano, you ll find a mission-driven culture that values creativity, rigorous engineering, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning. Your work will directly contribute to scaling a first-of-a-kind, high-temperature electrochemical manufacturing platform.

Sky Nano is seeking a mid-career Electrical Engineer specializing in Process Controls, Automation, and Power Systems to design, implement, and optimize the electrical and controls architecture that underpins our advanced manufacturing operations. This engineer will lead PLC- and HMI-based control strategies, ensure reliable integration of high-power systems, and support the specification and selection of large electrical components critical to our FOAK process.

This role is ideal for an engineer with 5+ years of industrial experience who thrives in environments where they can contribute both at the design level and hands-on during integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Candidates should bring strong technical depth, a systems mindset, and experience with complex electromechanical or chemical process equipment.

• Design, implement, and maintain PLC-based control systems, often integrating motion control.
• Develop, test, and deploy HMI/SCADA interfaces for process monitoring and operator use.
• Design, write, test, and deploy LabVIEW software programs to drive operation of electrochemical and mechanical systems
• Write, review, and debug PLC ladder logic, function block, and structured text code.
• Define control strategies for high-temperature, high-current, and safety-critical processes.
• Conduct controls architecture reviews ensuring system reliability, maintainability, and safety.

• Specify, size, and integrate major electrical components including motors, VFDs, MCCs, transformers, switch gear, high-current rectifiers, and power distribution panels.
• Evaluate system loads and design for power quality, redundancy, and thermal performance.
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using industry-standard tools.
• Lead vendor engagement for electrical and controls components, ensuring technical compliance and cost-effectiveness.

• Support scale-up from pilot systems to full manufacturing lines, including commissioning of new equipment and fine-tuning of control logic.
• Coordinates high power installations with electrical contractors, including specification and communication of power distribution requirements including mains 3-phase circuit ampacities and branch circuit details.
• Develop instrumentation strategies, including sensor selection, calibration, and signal processing.
• Solve complex problems that cross electrical, mechanical, and software boundaries in an evolving FOAK environment.

• Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLCs, instrumentation, power electronics, and industrial communication networks.
• Collaborate with R&D, mechanical and chemical engineering, and operations teams to implement process improvements and enhance system reliability.
• Participate in FMEAs, HAZOPs, and safety reviews for equipment and process modifications.

• US citizenship is required (due to federal contract work).
• Bachelor s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, electrical design, or process controls.
• Hands-on experience programming PLCs and developing HMI interfaces.
• Strong expertise writing and editing LabVIEW software
• Strong foundation in industrial communications networking (Ethernet/IP, TCP, RS232/485, Modbus, Profibus, OPC).
• Experience selecting, sizing, and integrating major electrical components (motors, drives, MCCs, instrumentation).
• Proficiency reading and generating electrical schematics and 3D/2D layout drawings.
• Demonstrated success commissioning and troubleshooting automated or high-power systems.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally in dynamic settings.

• Experience with high-power electrical systems (≥ 100 kW loads, rectification, electromechanical integration).
• Prior startup or FOAK technology experience.
• Familiarity with chemical or advanced materials…