Automation & Controls Engineer

Signature Science, LLC; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Signature Science, LLC is seeking a Systems Integration & Controls Engineer to enhance public health and national security. This pivotal role focuses on the electrical architecture for a clinical-grade device and cross-functional engineering projects.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and minimum 3 years of relevant experience. The position requires hands-on lab work and involves collaboration with mechanical engineers and researchers. Full-time, on-site work is required in Austin, Texas.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in control strategies for hardware.
• Familiar with systems engineering principles and fluid handling.
• Experience transitioning prototypes into production.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control architectures for automated systems.
• Integrate sensors and actuators into control systems.
• Conduct rigorous testing and maintain documentation.

Skills

Microcontrollers and single-board computers

Control strategies for hardware

Circuit design and PCB layout

Troubleshooting and analytical skills

Collaboration in cross-functional teams

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

PCB design software

Job description

Position Purpose:

Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in public health and national security? Signature Science is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Systems Integration & Controls Engineer to join our dedicated team. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to contribute directly to complex R&D initiatives safeguarding national defense and enhancing chemical/biological safety. Your primary focus will be leading the electrical architecture and automation software for a novel, clinical-grade sample preparation device. Additionally, you will serve as a core engineering resource across the company, applying your skills to a diverse portfolio of broader systems engineering and hardware integration projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and implement control architectures and electrical systems for prototype microfluidic and automated fluid-handling instruments, working closely with mechanical engineers.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and other specialized equipment into both bespoke and pre-existing industrial or laboratory control architectures.
• Design, procure, and assemble custom PCBs to support the transition of R&D prototypes into robust, production-ready systems.
• Support broader company-wide systems engineering efforts, providing electrical, software, and hardware integration expertise across various cross-functional project teams.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to develop rigorous testing procedures, system verification protocols, and quality control methods to ensure consistent device performance.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) and systems engineering documentation.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and solve complex electro-mechanical issues, utilizing industry best practices to analyze performance data.
• Identify novel research directions, contribute to technical proposal efforts, and explore potential funding opportunities.
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records and project documentation.
• Present research findings and engineering updates at internal technical reviews and external client meetings.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and advancements in automation and systems engineering.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, client deliverables, and publications.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Minimum 3 years of experience designing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting control strategies for prototype hardware, preferably related to microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, or precision automation systems.
• Demonstrated experience using microcontrollers and single-board computers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar) to control and automate physical systems.
• Experience establishing and debugging serial communication protocols for interfacing and data transfer.
• Familiarity with systems engineering principles, including the translation of P&ID documentation, functional requirements, and flow diagrams into robust control algorithms.
• Proficiency with circuit design, schematic capture, PCB layout, and hands‑on soldering and assembly skills.
• Familiarity with sensors and actuators relevant to fluid handling and automation, including pressure sensors, flow sensors, valves, pumps, and temperature controllers.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, chemists, molecular biologists, and software developers.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and detailed documentation skills for iterative prototyping, validation, and transfer to production.
• Experience transitioning prototypes into small‑scale production, including component selection for manufacturability, process optimization, and documentation for repeatability.
• Experience using emerging AI tools or agentic AI systems to achieve specific objectives in an engineering or laboratory environment.
• Experience or willingness to participate in grant writing and technical report preparation.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.

Certificates/Licenses:

• None required

Clearance:

This position requires that the candidate be willing and able to complete a successful background screening for a security clearance. Candidates with an active security clearance will receive preference.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Working Conditions/ Equipment:

This is a full‑time, fully on‑site position. This position primarily operates during standard business hours, with occasional needs for extended workdays or weekend work to meet project timelines. A significant portion of this role (approximately 50%) involves hands‑on laboratory work and benchtop engineering. You should be comfortable spending extended periods of time conducting hardware experiments and working at a computer. The role may also require occasional domestic travel for conferences, client meetings, or research‑related travel. The ability to lift and carry light loads (under 25 lbs) without assistance is necessary.

The above job description is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.