Senior / Staff Controls Engineer

Bay Area, California | Full-time Onsite
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing / Automation / Aerospace

Are you passionate about building automation systems that bring complex hardware to life?
We’re looking for a Senior or Staff Controls Engineer to design and implement control systems for high-performance test and production environments. You’ll work across electrical, software, and systems disciplines to develop safe, reliable, and scalable automation that powers next-generation manufacturing.

What You’ll Do

• Design and commission automation systems for manufacturing and test setups – including vacuum chambers, welding stations, and robotic assemblies.

• Develop Python-based control logic to interface with hardware via Modbus, EtherCAT, CAN, and TCP/IP.

• Program and support PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, Bosch Rexroth).

• Build state machines and control sequences for precision and safety.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to gather requirements and translate them into scalable control architectures.

• Troubleshoot and optimize live hardware systems, improving uptime and data quality.

• Document electrical schematics, I/O mapping, and software structure.

• Mentor junior engineers and foster best practices in automation and safety.

What You’ll Bring

• 5-8+ years of experience designing and commissioning automated control systems.

• Strong skills in Python and PLC programming.

• Hands-on experience with industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, Modbus, CAN, TCP/IP).

• Understanding of electrical cabinet design, safety interlocks, and industrial safety standards (NFPA 79, UL 508A).

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.

Bonus Points For

• Experience with vacuum systems, robotic integration, or environmental test chambers.

• Background in aerospace, semiconductor, or medical device automation.

• Familiarity with SQL, InfluxDB, or LabVIEW.

• Knowledge of motion control, vision systems, or robotic welding.

Why Join

You’ll help build the automation backbone behind manufacturing and testing operations – from robotic welders to environmental systems.
If you love hands-on engineering, solving complex control challenges, and seeing your systems in action, this role is for you.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Sebastian Prins