Automation Controls Engineer

Lyten; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tier-based bonus

Equity opportunities

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

Lyten is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer in San Jose, California. This role involves maintaining and optimizing automated manufacturing equipment for advanced battery cell production. Key responsibilities include troubleshooting PLC systems and supporting operational improvements.

The ideal candidate will have a technical degree and at least 2 years of experience in manufacturing automation, with knowledge of electrical safety practices and PLC troubleshooting. Competitive compensation with bonuses and benefits is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in automation or electrical control systems.
• Ability to modify and develop PLC programs.
• Strong experience applying NFPA 79 and NFPA 70E safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC systems.
• Diagnose issues related to automation equipment and electrical systems.
• Support continuous improvement efforts in manufacturing processes.

Skills

Troubleshooting PLCs

Electrical safety practices

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Education

BS/BA in a technical field

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Mitsubishi GX Works

Allen‑Bradley Studio 5000

Ignition SCADA

Job description

The Automation Controls Engineer supports the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment used in advanced battery cell production. The role involves troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing electrical control systems, PLCs, robotics, motion control systems, and safety systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production operations.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC systems using platforms such as Siemens TIA Portal, Allen‑Bradley Studio 5000, and Mitsubishi GX Works.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to automation equipment, electrical systems, robotics, motion controls, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and industrial communication networks.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and mechanical drawings to support troubleshooting and equipment modifications.
• Assist with startup, validation, and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment and process improvements.
• Partner with external system integrators to deliver equipment that meets Lyten standards and specifications.
• Provide machine design feedback from an electrical, controls, and machine/operator safety perspective; drive implementation with cross‑functional teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards and equipment specifications.
• Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment and tooling alongside system integrators.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve quality, increase throughput and reduce cost.
• Write clean, scalable, and maintainable control code for long‑term flexibility and reuse.
• Set up industrial robots, including programming, safety zoning, and cycle optimization.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities.

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA in a technical field and equivalent hands‑on experience in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting industrial automation or electrical control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, and automated production equipment. Mitsubishi PLC experience preferred.
• Ability to modify existing PLC programs and/or develop logic from scratch.
• Knowledge of electrical safety practices and industrial control system standards.
• Basic understanding of industrial networking concepts such as IP addressing, subnetting, and gateways.
• Ignition experience is a plus; exposure to SQL databases for logging, recipes, or data exchange between PLCs and higher‑level systems.
• Strong understanding and hands‑on experience applying NFPA 79, NFPA 70E, and Cal‑OSHA safety standards.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and a proactive sense of urgency.
• Flexibility to support off‑shift, weekend, and rotating on‑call coverage as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, CS or a closely related field (or equivalent hands‑on experience).
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal, Mitsubishi GX Works, and Allen‑Bradley Studio 5000.
• Experience in high‑volume manufacturing, battery manufacturing, semiconductor, or automated production environments.
• Experience with Ignition SCADA or other industrial SCADA platforms.
• Knowledge of industrial robotics.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, RS232, OPC, and OPC‑UA.
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting machine vision systems such as Cognex or Keyence.
• Experience working with and managing vendors, from writing RFPs or SOWs to managing their execution and taking part in system acceptance tests.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work around industrial manufacturing equipment for extended periods.

Compensation

The expected base salary range for this position is between $106,000.00 - $159,000.00. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job‑related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. In addition to base pay this position is eligible for tier‑based bonus and equity, healthcare, dental, vision, corporate discounts, paid holidays, PTO and sick time, 401(k), and an employee relocation plan (if applicable).

Equality & Diversity

Lyten is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled.