Automation Controls Engineer (Experienced)

Location: El Segundo, California, Onsite
Compensation: 165,000 to 244,000 USD per year
US Citizenship Required (Security Clearance Eligible)

Darwin Space are partnered with an exciting national security space company who are developing advanced satellite systems for critical U.S. government missions. They are looking for an experienced Automation Controls Engineer to lead the development of control systems for robotic automation used in spacecraft production.

They need someone with deep expertise in PLC programming, industrial robotics, electrical panel design and automated system integration. This is a senior level role responsible for designing and commissioning complex control architectures that support high precision manufacturing and test operations.

This position sits within a highly collaborative engineering environment and plays a key part in driving automation capability across spacecraft production.

Role Overview

The Automation Controls Engineer will design, build and deploy PLC based control systems and robotic automation solutions for advanced manufacturing projects. You will own control system design, write IEC 61131 compliant PLC code, develop HMI and SCADA interfaces, integrate industrial robots, lead commissioning at production sites and support troubleshooting of automated systems.

This is a technical leadership role that involves mentoring junior engineers, coordinating cross functional engineering efforts and ensuring compliance with safety and industrial standards.

Key Responsibilities

System Design and Development

• Design, program and integrate PLC control systems for robotic and automated machinery
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams and I/O documentation
• Oversee the build of control panels and ensure compliance with electrical and safety standards
• Specify and configure PLCs, HMIs, servo drives, sensors and safety devices

PLC and HMI Programming

• Develop structured, well documented PLC code using IEC 61131 compliant languages including Ladder, Structured Text, Function Block, Sequential Function Chart and Instruction List
• Program PLCs from Allen Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi or similar
• Develop HMI and SCADA interfaces for operator control, diagnostics and data visualisation

Robotics Integration

• Integrate and program industrial robots including Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa or Universal Robots
• Develop motion control logic and communication links between robots and PLCs

Commissioning and Support

• Lead onsite installation, startup and validation of automation systems
• Troubleshoot electrical and software issues, perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
• Train maintenance and production teams on system operation

Project Leadership

• Mentor junior engineers and support technical development
• Contribute to project documentation, planning, scheduling and risk management
• Ensure compliance with ISO, IEC, NFPA and CE standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Mechatronics or related discipline
• Fifteen or more years of experience in industrial control system design and PLC programming
• Strong experience programming robotic automation and motion control systems
• Proven ability to create electrical drawings and design or oversee control panel builds
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Profinet and Modbus TCP
• Familiarity with machine safety and functional safety systems
• Proficiency in IEC 61131 programming languages
• Experience with HMI or SCADA platforms including FactoryTalk View, WinCC or Ignition
• Ability to design and read electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN
• Excellent troubleshooting skills across electrical and software systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Ability to independently manage multiple automation projects
• Commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement
• Advanced PLC Programmer certifications such as Advanced Logix 5000 Programmer