Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Approach Venture; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering clean energy startup focused on revolutionizing mobile power systems. As a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer, you will lead the development of innovative automated systems that support the production of cutting-edge microreactor technology. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on impactful hardware while collaborating with a passionate team dedicated to shaping the future of energy. The company is committed to creating a resilient and sustainable energy solution, and your contributions will be vital in achieving this mission. If you're ready to make a difference in the clean energy sector, this is the place for you.

Benefits

Strong PTO policy

Paid holidays

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan with company matching

Equity options

Hands-on engineering environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years in automation and controls design in industrial settings.
• Experience with PLC programming and compliance with safety standards.
• Hands-on experience with control panels and mechatronic assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automation solutions for microreactor systems.
• Collaborate with teams to build and deploy automated machinery.
• Program and maintain PLCs with structured code.

Skills

PLC Programming

Automation Design

Controls Development

HMI Development

Electrical Safety Compliance

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCat 3

Inductive Automation Ignition

Zuken E3

C#

.NET

Python

SQL

Job description

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Approach Venture | Advancing Frontier Tech with Top Talent

Senior Automation & Controls Engineer – Join a Clean Energy Startup Revolutionizing Mobile Power Systems!

Opportunity Summary

A rapidly growing clean energy startup is pioneering a new era in portable, zero-emission power systems designed for challenging and remote environments. We’re developing advanced microreactor technology that could radically transform how off-grid power is delivered, from disaster relief efforts to remote medical infrastructure and national defense. We're looking for a hands-on Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to lead the development of smart, reliable, and safe automated systems that will support the production and refueling of our microreactor units. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a first-of-its-kind energy hardware and be on the ground floor of a company building something truly impactful.

About Us

We’re an early-stage venture-backed company focused on developing compact, factory-built nuclear microreactors that provide clean, reliable energy anywhere on Earth. Our microreactor is designed for mobility and resilience, powering everything from remote outposts to mission-critical backup systems. With a fully integrated team of engineers, scientists, and manufacturing experts, we’re targeting a groundbreaking test campaign by 2026 and aiming to bring the first of its kind microreactor to market shortly after.

Job Duties

• Design and implement advanced automation solutions that will support scalable production and testing of microreactor systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, manufacturing, and test) to scope, build, and deploy automated machinery and process tools.
• Program, test, and maintain PLCs, emphasizing clean, structured, and modular code—preferably using Beckhoff TwinCat 3.
• Create intuitive HMI interfaces and develop SCADA tools for operational ease and troubleshooting, ideally using Inductive Automation Ignition.
• Lead system integration efforts across robotics, conveyors, gantries, and other factory automation hardware.
• Ensure all equipment designs comply with relevant electrical safety and design codes (e.g., NEC, NFPA, UL508A).
• Manage procurement and integration of components like servo motors, sensors, and controllers.
• Oversee the build and commissioning of custom electrical cabinets and control systems.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols aligned with ANSI/RIA and OSHA standards for robotic and automated systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in automation and controls design, development, and deployment in industrial or manufacturing settings.
• Strong experience in PLC programming and industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with design standards like NEC, NFPA, and UL508A.
• Demonstrated ability to work on hardware in a hands-on engineering environment.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• Experience with robotic welding systems and robotic platforms (Kuka, Fanuc, ABB).
• Simulation tools for PLCs and robotics.
• Familiarity with Zuken E3 or similar electrical CAD tools.
• Experience with C#, .NET, Python, or SQL for system integration or data pipelines.
• Prior work on SCADA and HMI systems for high-reliability applications.
• Hands-on experience assembling and troubleshooting control panels and mechatronic assemblies.
• Exposure to fieldbus systems, Ethernet, and serial communication protocols.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of energy
• Work on breakthrough hardware with real-world impact
• Collaborate with a passionate team of engineers, builders, and visionaries
• Opportunity for career growth and leadership as the team scales
• Strong PTO policy and paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Equity options and ownership in our success
• Access to a hands-on, hardware-centric engineering environment

150,000 - $180,000

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution, Engines and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing, and Electric Power Generation

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