Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

Base pay range

$/yr - $/yr

Direct message the job poster from Sangha Partners

We’re partnering with a well-funded robotics startup developing next-generation automation systems that merge AI-driven intelligence with classical industrial controls. Their mission is to bridge the gap between modern machine learning and real-world factory robotics — enabling more adaptable, scalable, and intelligent production environments.

This is a small, world-class team working on cross-disciplinary problems at the intersection of robotics, automation, and AI, and they’re looking for a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to join onsite in San Mateo.

Overview

You’ll design and implement advanced robotic automation systems, integrating intelligent control into real production environments — think robotic arms, sensors, and vision systems all talking seamlessly through modern control frameworks.

You’ll collaborate closely with robotics and ML engineers to build automated data-collection systems, test stands, and production-scale automation cells that directly feed AI model development.

This is a ground-floor opportunity to own the controls layer in a fast-moving, technically elite environment.

What You’ll Do

• Design, implement, and maintain robotic automation systems

• Develop automated test and data-collection systems for AI training

• Integrate PLCs, robots, sensors, and actuators into cohesive systems

• Own the controls aspect of hardware + software integration

• Work directly with founding engineers in a flat, collaborative structure

Must Haves

• 3-7 years of experience in automation or controls engineering

• Strong experience with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and vision systems

• Proven track record building and sustaining production automation systems

• Proficiency in C/C++ (for low-level control) and Python (for automation workflows)

• Knowledge of industrial standards and plant protocols (Ether

CAT, Modbus, CAN, etc.)

Why This Role

• Combine industrial automation + AI-driven robotics in one role

• Work directly with elite engineers and founders

• Hands-on, high-impact technical scope

• Competitive salary + equity + relocation to San Mateo, CA

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

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