Automation Engineer

Deel; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous equity

Competitive healthcare

401(k)

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Azora is seeking an Automation Engineer to build the automation backbone for autonomous optical ground stations. You will lead architecture for a growing global network, enabling autonomous passes, calibration, health monitoring, and fault recovery.

You will architect end-to-end automation, develop hardware interfaces for telescopes and sensors, and deliver robust self-test and monitoring across multiple sites with a focus on scalable software practices and team leadership.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years building automation or control software for physical systems (robotics, observatories, etc.).
• Proficient in Python and a systems language (C++, Rust, or Go).
• Experience with hardware interfaces and protocols: serial, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, CAN.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement end-to-end automation for ground station operations, including target acquisition and pass execution.
• Develop hardware control software for telescopes, gimbals, weather sensors, and optical bench instruments.
• Build automated calibration, self-test, and BIT routines for 24/7 operation without on-site staff.
• Design monitoring, alerting, and remote diagnostics across distributed sites.
• Define interfaces between site automation and network-level scheduler/orchestration layer.
• Establish CI/CD, hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulations, and release management.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

Go

Automation software

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Serial interfaces

Ethernet/IP

Modbus

CAN bus

Job description

Automation EngineerJob detailsEngineeringPhoenix , San FranciscoFull-timeOn-site**Role**Build the automation backbone that enables Azora's optical ground stations to operate independently: autonomous pass scheduling, calibration routines, health monitoring, and fault recovery. As a lead, you will define the automation architecture across a growing global network of ground sites.**Responsibilities*** Architect and implement end-to-end automation for ground station operations: target acquisition, pass execution, weather-driven decision-making, and safe-state recovery.* Develop hardware control software for telescopes, gimbals, weather sensors, and optical bench instrumentation (motion controllers, cameras, power systems).* Build automated calibration, self-test, and built-in-test (BIT) routines that keep stations operational without on-site staff.* Design monitoring, alerting, and remote diagnostics infrastructure across multiple geographically distributed sites.* Define interfaces between site-level automation and the network-level scheduler/orchestration layer.* Establish software engineering practices for the automation stack: CI/CD, hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation environments, and release management.* Build, lead and mentor a small team of automation and controls engineers as the ground network scales.**Required Qualifications*** BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering, or related field.* 5+ years building automation or control software for physical systems (robotics, observatories, test automation, industrial control, or similar).* Strong programming skills in Python and at least one systems language (C++, Rust, or Go).* Experience with hardware interfaces and protocols: serial, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, CAN, or similar.* Demonstrated experience taking automation systems from prototype to reliable 24/7 operation.**Preferred*** Experience automating telescopes, observatories, or optical ground stations (e.g., INDI/ASCOM ecosystems, custom mount control).* Familiarity with orbital mechanics and satellite pass prediction (e.g., SGP4, Skyfield).* Experience with distributed systems, message buses (MQTT, ZeroMQ, gRPC), and time synchronization (NTP/PTP).* Prior technical leadership or team lead experience in a startup environment.**Location**This is an onsite/hybrid role based in Tempe, AZ or the Bay Area, CA – hardware work that’s hard to do remotely. Some travel expected for field deployment and vendor/manufacturing visits.**Benefits:*** Generous equity* Competitive healthcare (including options for vision and dental)* 401(k)* Unlimited PTO**EEO & Reasonable Accommodations*** *Azora is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.** *If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know by contacting* *[e-mail]***Export Control**To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (iii) protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.**Salary ranges are based on the following criteria:*** Level 1 (starting from $130,000 USD): 3-5 years of experience in relevant roles.* Level 2 (starting from $160,000 USD): 5-15 years of experience in relevant roles.* Final salary is based on geographic location, experience, skills, and qualifications.