Automation & Controls Engineer

SQ4D; Calverton (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Potential for Equity

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Job summary

SQ4D, a construction technology company, is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to develop, integrate, and improve electrical, software, motion control, and automation systems for autonomous robotic construction printers.

The role intersects hardware and software, supporting PLC programming, seystem integration, and Duet-based control development to enhance reliability, with collaboration across products, engineering, and operations. On-site work at SQ4D facilities is typical.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Experience with PLC programming and industrial automation is required.
• Experience with motion control systems (motors, drives, encoders, homing).
• Proficiency with Ethernet, Profinet, and Modbus Fieldbus protocols.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and technical docs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop system architectures meeting performance requirements.
• Integrate hardware and software components into cohesive systems.
• Troubleshoot PLC programs and system issues.
• Collaborate with products, engineering, and operations for solutions.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, motors, drives, valves, and other equipment.
• Configure and troubleshoot motion-control hardware and encoders.
• Develop Duet firmware configurations and machine control logic.
• Troubleshoot communications between Duet controllers, PLCs, and sensors.
• Analyze machine failures and improve reliability and uptime.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Motion control

Fieldbus Ethernet

Profinet

Modbus

Electrical schematics reading

Safety standards

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering

Tools

Duet firmware

Firmware configurations

Job description

Benefits:

• Potential for Equity
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off

SQ4D is a construction technology company developing and deploying advanced robotic systems for concrete 3D printing. Our Autonomous Robotic Construction System (ARCS) combines large-scale robotics, automation, software, motion control, and material delivery systems with the goal of Changing the Way the World is Built .

We are seeking a highly motivated and hands‑on Automation & Controls Engineer to help develop, integrate, and improve the electrical, software, motion control, and automation and control systems used throughout SQ4D's construction 3D printing technology.

This role will work at the intersection of hardware and software, supporting everything from PLC programming and industrial automation to Duet development, motion control, machine communications, sensor integration, and software architecture.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop system architectures that meet functional and performance requirements.
• Integrate hardware and software components to create cohesive and efficient systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve system issues, including PLC programs.
• Collaborate with products, engineering, and operations to implement systematic solutions.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, motors, drives, valves, pumps, and other automated equipment into the overall machine control system.
• Configure and troubleshoot motors, drives, encoders, and other motion‑control hardware.
• Work with machine kinematics, coordinate systems, homing routines, limit switches, and motion calibration.
• Develop, test, and maintain Duet firmware configurations, macros, machine control logic, and related software tools.
• Troubleshoot communication and integration issues between Duet controllers, PLCs, motor controllers, sensors, and other hardware.
• Analyze machine failures and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and uptime.

Must Have

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Strong understanding of hardware and software integration.
• Experience with PLC programming and industrial automation.
• Experience with motion control systems, including motors, drives, encoders, homing systems, and multi‑axis machines.
• Proficiency in Fieldbus protocols: Ethernet, Profinet, Modbus
• Knowledge of safety standards and compliance requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills to address challenges during the printing process.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.

Nice to have

• 3–5 years in systems engineering, focusing on integration and optimization
• Experience with Duet 3D printer electronics, RepRap Firmware, or similar embedded motion-control platforms.
• Programming or scripting experience (C, C++, and Python)
• Familiarity with construction jobsites or automation equipment
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Experience with RepRap / Duet 3D systems
• G-Code & Machine Kinematics knowledge
• Extensive GitHub portfolio
• Experience operating 3D printers or robotic equipment.

Develop Software Architecture for the Autonomous Robotic Construction System

The printer is only as good as the software that supports it. As an Automation & Controls Engineer at SQ4D, you will help develop the systems that allow a large-scale robotic construction printer to move, think, communicate, and operate autonomously. Your work may include developing new motion-control capabilities, improving Duet-based printer systems, integrating PLC-controlled equipment, building diagnostic tools, improving machine reliability, and developing the next generation of SQ4D's Autonomous Robotic Construction System.

What's great about this role?

• The opportunity to operate some of the largest 3D Printers in the world.
• Great team of smart people, in a friendly and open culture
• Real responsibilities and challenges in a fast evolving company
• Exposure to multiple engineering disciplines and workflows
• Direct mentorship and feedback from experienced Automation and Controls team members