Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

A Senior Controls & Automation Engineer will design, build, and support custom automated test equipment, manufacturing systems, and embedded control solutions for powertrain development and production support. This role bridges industrial automation, embedded hardware/firmware, and system integration, supporting everything from robotic test cells and PLC‑controlled machinery to ECU‑integrated embedded devices and Windows‑based engineering tools. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on engineer comfortable working across electrical design, firmware, PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and on‑site commissioning of one‑off and low‑volume systems.

• Design, modify, and maintain automated test stands, endurance systems, and manufacturing equipment; program and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs for presses, test fixtures, and special‑purpose machinery.
• Integrate industrial robots with presses and test systems, including interlocks and safety logic.
• Retrofit and modernize legacy equipment where original electronics or controls are obsolete; support and repair custom, one‑off automation equipment used in engineering and manufacturing.
• Design custom embedded control hardware for test systems and product prototypes; develop firmware in C/C++ for microcontroller‑based controllers.
• Implement CAN bus communication with ECUs and vehicle subsystems; create embedded solutions for sensors, actuators, motor control, and data acquisition.
• Support prototype development through testing, iteration, and limited‑production readiness.
• Develop automated engine and motorcycle test systems for endurance, EPA mileage accumulation, and performance testing.
• Build systems for dyno automation, robotic control, and long‑duration unattended operation; integrate sensors, cameras, and data acquisition hardware for mechanical and powertrain analysis.
• Develop data visualization and processing tools for test and lab environments.
• Develop Windows‑based engineering and test applications (Visual Studio/C#); interface off‑the‑shelf HMIs and custom hardware for operator control and remote monitoring.
• Support configuration and calibration tools for embedded and test systems.
• Integrate and interface with automotive ECUs, including CAN messaging and control features; support ECU feature development and experimentation for R&D projects; work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to support powertrain development.
• Reverse engineer CAN bus data to interface various ECUs with custom test equipment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or custom machinery.
• Strong experience with PLC programming and industrial I/O.
• Embedded firmware development (C/C++).
• Electrical schematics and hardware design, PCB layout.
• Knowledge of sensors, actuators, motors, VFDs, and safety circuits.
• Hands‑on experience commissioning and troubleshooting machines in real‑world environments.
• Comfortable working independently on one‑off and prototype systems.
• Ability to work independently in a small company with entrepreneurial energy and creative tendencies.
• General interest in the motorcycle/motorsports industry is a plus.

• Work performed in an office environment with occasional exposure to test cells and production environment.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and may be required to balance, stoop, kneel or crawl.
• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Must comply with safety equipment standards: safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety toe shoes when present on production floor.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization.