Industrial Automation & Technology Innovation Engineer

Azbil North America Inc; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Azbil North America Inc. in Santa Clara is seeking an Industrial Automation & Technology Innovation Engineer to lead exploration, evaluation, and prototype development across advanced control, automation, software, embedded systems, and emerging technology domains.

Work with internal teams, universities, research organizations, startups, and technology partners to assess feasibility, quantify value, and recommend technologies for Azbil’s future investment and development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in Process Control, Industrial Automation, Embedded Systems, Software Development, Modeling & Simulation, Data Analytics / AI, and Proof-of-Concept Development.

Responsibilities

• Lead exploration, evaluation, and prototype development across control, automation, software, embedded systems, and AI.
• Develop control algorithms, system models, and simulation environments.
• Assess feasibility and quantify value to inform Azbil’s future technology roadmap.
• Lead proof-of-concept projects and communicate findings to management and technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to share knowledge and drive results.

Skills

Process Control

Industrial Automation

Embedded Systems

Software Development

Modeling & Simulation

Data Analytics / AI

Proof-of-Concept Development

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The Industrial Automation & Technology Innovation Engineer will lead technical exploration, evaluation, and

prototype development across advanced control, automation, software, embedded systems, and emerging

technology domains.

Working with internal teams, universities, research organizations, startups, and technology partners, the engineer

will assess feasibility, quantify value, and recommend technologies for future investment and development.

Key Responsibilities

Control & Automation Engineering

• Develop and evaluate advanced control and automation solutions for industrial and building applications.
• Develop control algorithms, system models, and simulation environments.
• Analyze system performance and optimize control strategies for reliability, efficiency, and scalability.

Software & Embedded Systems Development

• Develop software, firmware, and embedded system prototypes.
• Integrate sensors, controllers, communication systems, and data acquisition platforms.
• Support implementation, validation, and troubleshooting from early prototypes through applied R&D demonstrations.

Emerging Technology Evaluation & Innovation

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies in areas such as AI/ML, Industrial IoT, digital twins, advanced sensing, and intelligent automation.
• Conduct technical due diligence on startup solutions, research innovations, and external technologies.
• Assess feasibility, business relevance, and strategic fit for Azbil’s future technology roadmap.

Proof-of-Concept & Innovation Projects

• Lead proof-of-concept projects that convert promising technologies into validated technical evidence.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and business implications to management and technical stakeholders.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, global R&D colleagues, and external research or technology partners.
• Prepare clear technical documentation, evaluation summaries, and project reports that support decision‑making.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring when appropriate.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience in one or more of the following:

• Process Control
• Industrial Automation
• Embedded Systems
• Software Development
• Modeling and Simulation
• Data Analytics / AI
• Proof-of-Concept Development

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI/ML, Industrial IoT, digital twins, advanced sensing technologies, or smart building systems.
• Experience evaluating emerging technologies, startup solutions, or research projects.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary environments.

Travel Requirements

Occasional domestic and international travel, estimated at 10-20%, for conferences, technology evaluations, customer visits, partner meetings, and global collaboration.

Career Development Opportunities

This role provides opportunities to:

• Lead high-impact technology evaluation and innovation initiatives.
• Build expertise in next-generation industrial automation and AI technologies.
• Grow toward senior technical leadership, innovation management, or advanced R&D roles.