Controls Engineer II

Controls Engineer II

Forge Nano Inc. is a fast‑growing materials company focused on manufacturing nano‑scale coatings. We are seeking a Controls Engineer II to join our Engineering Design and Manufacturing Team, reporting to the Principal Engineer. The role focuses on developing the automation, logic, and safety schemes for our Semiconductor ALD Production Equipment.

• Develop and debug PLC logic using IEC 61131-3 languages, primarily Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming.
• Design intuitive GUIs and HMIs within standards such as ISA-101 or SEMI E-95.
• Generate control narrative documentation for interlocks, control loops, alarms, etc.
• Write technical sections for user manuals and SOPs.
• Implement new software features based on design requirements.
• Participate in cross‑functional design review meetings to gather user feedback.
• Specify, configure and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link.
• Program safety logic to HAZOP specification.
• Commission and start‑up automated systems at Forge Nano headquarters and customer sites worldwide.
• Provide remote software support and troubleshooting to tool service teams.
• Follow best practices for version control and release of software/controls packages.
• Work with R&D experts on process development and improve usability.
• Optimize controls to enhance performance of new processes and modules.

• 2-4 years of technical controls programming experience.
• 2-4 years of equipment design and manufacturing experience.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming.
• Experience with Ignition, Allen Bradley Studio 5000, and Python is a plus.
• Develop PLC logic and HMIs across multiple platforms or product lines.
• Plan and create complete software features, modules, and utilities independently.
• Lead design reviews and revise design requirements.
• Collaborate on industrial control panel design and hardware specification.
• Manage multiple encapsulated projects and solve moderate engineering challenges.
• Program safety controls logic to HAZOP specification.
• Incorporate motion control such as VFDs, motors, and actuators.
• Configure servers, network protocols, and communication architectures for external database management (e.g. Historians, OPC-UA, SQL).
• Extend control system architecture and contribute to UML codebase documentation.
• Lead commissioning of automated systems internally and in the field.
• Familiarity with industrial standards: SEMI S2, SEMI E-95, ISA-101, ISA-88, and/or IEC 61131-3.

This is an on‑site role. The employee must wear appropriate safety equipment, including eye protection, gloves, steel-toe shoes, lab coat, and a hard hat in the plant. Strict adherence to corporate and plant policies is required. Forge Nano follows recommended COVID‑19 safety protocols. The employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts and in moderate noise environments. Standing, walking, reaching with hands, and speaking are common requirements.

Occasional travel up to 15% to client locations for system start‑up and maintenance may be required.

• Salary: $90,000 – $105,000 per year, DOE, with eligibility for an annual bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k) with matching, PTO, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and FSA or HSA options.

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.