Engineer, Automation and Controls

Brightpath Associates LLC; San Leandro (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightpath Associates LLC in San Leandro, CA is seeking an Automation Systems Engineer to maintain, troubleshoot, and improve PLC and SCADA environments critical to our manufacturing operations.

You will report to the Principal Automation & Controls Engineer and work with Production, Maintenance, and Quality to keep systems stable, well-documented, and scalable. This role supports both day-to-day reliability and strategic automation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in automation/controls engineering (7+ preferred).
• 2+ years embedded in a manufacturing environment supporting live production systems.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms and SCADA systems.
• Experience leading automation/electrical scopes for small-to-medium projects.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve PLC and SCADA environments.
• Lead automation/electrical scopes for small-to-medium projects.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance and Quality to keep systems stable and well-documented.
• Support commissioning, validation, and startup activities.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance in automation projects.

Skills

Automation/controls engineering

PLC/SCADA troubleshooting

System integration

Project leadership

Live production support

Electrical safety knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix)

SCADA systems (FactoryTalk View SE, Ignition)

ThinManager / AssetCentre / Niagara BMS

OT/IT integration (SQL, Active Directory, virtual environments)

GMP / ISA88 / ISA95

Job description

Work Location: San Leandro, Hybrid, 3 days on site and 2 days work from home.

Job Description

We’re entering an exciting phase of hypergrowth and transformation as we build the systems that will support our journey toward a $1 Billion business. We’re introducing new manufacturing technologies, modernizing legacy platforms, and expanding automation across our operations. To support this work, we’re looking for an Automation Systems Engineer to serve as a key technical anchor for our automation systems.

Reporting to the Principal Automation & Controls Engineer, you’ll maintain, troubleshoot, and improve PLC and SCADA environments that keep our plant running safely and efficiently. You’ll bring strong internal customer service, technical ownership, and a calm, solutions-first approach while you work side-by-side with Production, Maintenance, and Quality to keep systems stable, well-documented, and continuously improving. From project execution to day-to-day reliability support, you’ll help strengthen the automation foundation that enables consistent performance, smart decision-making, and long-term scalability.

You’ll join a people‑first, purpose-driven team and help build foundational data capabilities that will shape how the company makes decisions for years to come. If you’re excited to build something meaningful, visible, and lasting, you’ll thrive here.

You’ll have Fun!

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in automation/controls engineering (7+ preferred)
• 2+ years embedded in a manufacturing environment supporting live production systems
• Experience working with or alongside system integrators delivering automation solutions (preferred)
• Proven experience leading automation/electrical scopes for small-to-medium projects
• Hands‑on experience with Rockwell Automation platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix)
• Experience troubleshooting instrumentation with multimeters and analog/digital signals
• Experience supporting SCADA systems (FactoryTalk View SE or Ignition)
• Familiarity with industrial networks/protocols (EtherNet/IP, AS‑i)
• Experience integrating OT systems with IT infrastructure (SQL, Active Directory, managed networks, virtual environments)
• Familiarity with ThinManager, AssetCentre, and Niagara-based BMS systems (preferred)
• Familiarity with food manufacturing standards and automation frameworks (GMP, ISA88, ISA95 preferred)
• Experience supporting commissioning, validation, and startup activities
• Safety‑first mindset with experience supporting compliance and risk awareness.