Equipment Control / Automation Engineer

Franklin Whole Home; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Retirement Plan

Medical/dental/life/disability program

PTO, and sick days

Life insurance and long-term disability

Job summary

A leading energy solutions company in San Francisco seeks a skilled Controls / Automation Engineer to optimize manufacturing automation systems. The role requires strong technical skills, including PLC programming and problem-solving in a collaborative environment. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and significant experience in industrial automation. This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct controls engineering experience in a manufacturing automation environment.
• Demonstrated expertise with Siemens PLCs.
• Experience configuring and debugging Cognex Vision Pro systems.
• Hands-on experience with industrial communication protocols.
• Strong knowledge of safety system logic and electrical design.

Responsibilities

• Resolve daily software issues and implement system optimizations.
• Collaborate with the equipment vendor for knowledge transfer.
• Participate in equipment commissioning and development of the production line.

Skills

Industrial automation experience

Problem-solving skills

Siemens PLCs (S7 series, TIA Portal)

Cognex Vision Pro systems

Industrial communication protocols (Profinet, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA)

Motion control / servo drive / VFD

KUKA/ABB robot operation

Excellent documentation skills

Fluency in English and Chinese

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Control Systems, Mechatronics, or related engineering field

Tools

TIA Portal

Siemens S7

OPC UA

Job description

FranklinWH is a rapidly expanding company determined to become the leader in the global energy home storage system (ESS) industry. FranklinWH offers whole home energy solutions typically coupled with solar PV systems, bringing households into the modern all-electric future. Though founded by experts in power electronics, BMS and EMS, FranklinWH is equally focused on energy management software while also providing top level service to our partners and customers. FranklinWH is expanding its global footprint, relying on an industry leading supply chain. This is an exciting time to be at a fast-growing company in a fast-accelerating industry.

We are seeking a skilled Controls / Automation Engineer to support and optimize our manufacturing automation systems. This role involves PLC and HMI/SCADA programming, system commissioning, troubleshooting, and collaboration with cross-functional teams and vendors. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in industrial automation, strong problem‑solving skills, and the ability to support the rapid ramp‑up of our production lines.

Responsibilities

• Resolve daily software issues and implement continuous system optimizations and upgrades to enhance production line performance and reduce dependence on the equipment manufacturer.
• Collaborate with the equipment vendor to ensure a thorough handover and knowledge transfer for seamless operations.
• Participate in equipment commissioning and familiarize with systems for the development of the second production line, supporting a smooth and rapid ramp‑up.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Control Systems, Mechatronics, or related engineering field.
• 5+ years of direct controls engineering experience in a manufacturing automation environment.
• Demonstrated expertise with Siemens PLCs (S7 series, TIA Portal, Safety Integrated).
• Experience configuring and debugging Cognex Vision Pro systems.
• Hands‑on experience with industrial communication protocols (Profinet, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA).
• Motion control / servo drive / VFD experience and integration.
• Experience in KUKA/ABB robot operation and debugging.
• Strong knowledge of safety system logic, interlocks, electrical design, and best practices.
• Proven track record of commissioning, field debug, and production troubleshooting.
• Excellent documentation skills and ability to produce functional specifications, wiring diagrams, etc.
• Fluency in English and Chinese (both written and oral).
• Strong interpersonal skills to coordinate across engineering, operations, and supplier groups.
• Experience working with Chinese automation vendors.

FranklinWH offers a competitive salary plus fully comprehensive benefits and a performance bonus package based on an annual objective achievement. This is a full-time position. Our generous benefits package includes:

Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Medical/dental/life/disability program.
• PTO, and sick days.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.

FranklinWH is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.