Controls Engineer II

Forge Nano, Inc.; Thornton (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Paid parental leave

Flexible Spending Account options

Job summary

Forge Nano, Inc. is looking for a Controls Engineer II to join their dynamic Engineering Design and Manufacturing Team. In this on-site position, you will be responsible for developing automation logic and safety schemes for Semiconductor ALD Production Equipment.

The ideal candidate will have experience in technical controls programming and a strong background in equipment design. The role includes programming PLC logic, designing intuitive user interfaces, and working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team to deliver high-quality automation solutions.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in technical controls programming.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming.
• Familiarity with industrial standards like SEMI S2 and ISA-101.

Responsibilities

• Develop and debug PLC logic using IEC 61131-3 approved languages.
• Design GUIs and HMIs within relevant standards.
• Program controls safety logic to HAZOP Specification.

Skills

Technical controls programming

Equipment design

Beckhoff TwinCAT programming

Python

Tools

PLC programming tools

Ignition

Allen Bradley Studio 5000

Job description

Controls Engineer II

Forge Nano Inc. is a fast‑growing materials company with a focus on manufacturing nano‑scale coatings across a wide range of markets. Forge Nano is seeking a Controls Engineer II to join their Engineering Design and Manufacturing Team, reporting to the Principal Engineer. This position will focus on developing the automation, logic, and safety schemes for their Semiconductor ALD Production Equipment.

Key responsibilities include working in several different programming paradigms including user displays, database management, and control logic. This role requires a detailed oriented individual who is comfortable working with an interdisciplinary engineering team. Experience with control panels, low‑voltage instrumentation, and electrical distribution is also desirable.

Responsibilities

• Developing and debugging PLC logic using IEC 61131-3 approved languages, primarily rooted in Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming
• Designing intuitive GUIs and HMIs within relevant standards such as ISA-101 or SEMI E-95
• Generating control narrative documentation for interlocks, control loops, alarms, etc.
• Contributing technical writing for the software sections of user manuals and SOP’s
• Executing on design requirements for new software features
• Working in cross‑functional teams and participating in design review meetings to solicit user feedback on control schemes and software features
• Specifying, configuring and troubleshooting industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link, etc.
• Programming controls safety logic to HAZOP Specification
• Commissioning and start‑up of automated systems at Forge Nano’s HQ and at customer facilities throughout the world
• Providing remote software support and troubleshooting assistance to tool service teams
• Following best practices for version control and release of software/controls packages
• Working with internal R&D experts on process development and improving ease‑of‑use
• Tailoring and tuning controls to optimize the performance of new processes and modules

Required Experience and Qualifications

• 2‑4 years of experience in technical controls programming
• 2‑4 years of experience in equipment design and manufacturing
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming
• Experience with Ignition, Allen Bradley Studio 5000, Python a plus
• Develops PLC logic and HMI’s in multiple platforms and/or across multiple product lines
• Plans and creates complete software features, modules, and utilities with limited oversight
• Revises software design requirements and leads design reviews
• Collaborates on the design of industrial control panels and specification of controls hardware
• Independently manages multiple encapsulated projects and solves moderate engineering challenges
• Programs Safety Controls Logic to HAZOP Specification
• Incorporates simple motion control, including VFD’s, motors, and actuators
• Configures Servers, Network Protocols, and Communication Architectures for external database management (e Historians, OPC-UA, SQL, ...)
• Expands control system architecture and contributes to UML codebase documentation
• Leads commissioning of automated systems internally and in the field
• Familiarity with industrial standards: SEMI S2, SEMI E-95, ISA-101, ISA-88 and/or IEC 61131-3

Work Environment

This is an on‑site role. The employee will be required to wear all appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, gloves, steel toe shoes, lab coat, and in the plant, a hard hat. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. Forge Nano follows all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols and accepted candidates must be willing to adhere to these policies.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Travel

Occasional travel up to 15% to client locations for system start‑up and maintenance may be required.

Compensation / Benefits

• Salary: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year, DOE, with eligibility for an annual bonus
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k) with matching, PTO, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) options

About Forge Nano

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.