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

Job summary

Forge Nano Inc. is seeking a Controls Engineer II in Thornton, Colorado to develop automation logic for Semiconductor ALD Production Equipment. This role involves creating PLC programs, designing user interfaces, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have 2-4 years of experience in controls programming and manufacturing.

Forge Nano offers a competitive salary range of $90,000 to $105,000 per year, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of technical controls programming experience.
• Experience with equipment design and manufacturing.
• Familiarity with industrial standards like SEMI S2 and ISA-101.

Responsibilities

• Develop and debug PLC logic for automation systems.
• Design intuitive GUIs and HMIs based on industry standards.
• Commission and start-up automated systems at client locations.

Skills

Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming

PLC logic development

Industrial communication protocols

User manual writing

HMI design

Tools

Ignition

Allen Bradley Studio 5000

Python

Job description

Controls Engineer II

Forge Nano Inc. is a fast‑growing materials company focused on manufacturing nano‑scale coatings. We are seeking a Controls Engineer II to join our Engineering Design and Manufacturing Team, reporting to the Principal Engineer. The role focuses on developing the automation, logic, and safety schemes for our Semiconductor ALD Production Equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and debug PLC logic using IEC 61131-3 languages, primarily Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming.
• Design intuitive GUIs and HMIs within standards such as ISA-101 or SEMI E-95.
• Generate control narrative documentation for interlocks, control loops, alarms, etc.
• Write technical sections for user manuals and SOPs.
• Implement new software features based on design requirements.
• Participate in cross‑functional design review meetings to gather user feedback.
• Specify, configure and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link.
• Program safety logic to HAZOP specification.
• Commission and start‑up automated systems at Forge Nano headquarters and customer sites worldwide.
• Provide remote software support and troubleshooting to tool service teams.
• Follow best practices for version control and release of software/controls packages.
• Work with R&D experts on process development and improve usability.
• Optimize controls to enhance performance of new processes and modules.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• 2-4 years of technical controls programming experience.
• 2-4 years of equipment design and manufacturing experience.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text programming.
• Experience with Ignition, Allen Bradley Studio 5000, and Python is a plus.
• Develop PLC logic and HMIs across multiple platforms or product lines.
• Plan and create complete software features, modules, and utilities independently.
• Lead design reviews and revise design requirements.
• Collaborate on industrial control panel design and hardware specification.
• Manage multiple encapsulated projects and solve moderate engineering challenges.
• Program safety controls logic to HAZOP specification.
• Incorporate motion control such as VFDs, motors, and actuators.
• Configure servers, network protocols, and communication architectures for external database management (e.g. Historians, OPC-UA, SQL).
• Extend control system architecture and contribute to UML codebase documentation.
• Lead 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 must wear appropriate safety equipment, including eye protection, gloves, steel-toe shoes, lab coat, and a hard hat in the plant. Strict adherence to corporate and plant policies is required. Forge Nano follows recommended COVID‑19 safety protocols. The employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts and in moderate noise environments. Standing, walking, reaching with hands, and speaking are common requirements.

Travel

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

Compensation / Benefits

• Salary: $90,000 – $105,000 per year, DOE, with eligibility for an annual bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k) with matching, PTO, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and FSA or HSA options.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.