Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

Emvolon; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Emvolon, an innovative MIT climate-tech startup, is seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to lead the design and implementation of automation systems for its novel chemical reactor platform. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the automation strategies for groundbreaking renewable energy technologies while working in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Benefits

Health and dental insurance

Generous time off

Flexible work hours

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols like Modbus, CAN, EtherNet/IP.
• Hands-on experience with multiple PLC platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of automation and controls architecture for pilot-scale chemical plants.
• Collaborate closely with external EPC partners to guide control system design.
• Define and implement communication and data acquisition strategies across field devices.

Skills

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Automation strategies

Control systems

Industrial communication protocols

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Tools

PLC-based control systems

LabVIEW

Job description

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@Emvolon, using internal combustion engines as mini chemical plants to turn waste into renewable fuels and chemicals

General Overview

Emvolon Inc. (www.emvolon.com) is an innovative MIT climate-tech spin-off on a mission to convert greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels and chemicals like green methanol and green ammonia. Leveraging our patented technology, we transform car engines into cost-effective, modular chemical plants. This groundbreaking approach enables us to support various industries, including maritime, aviation, energy, waste management and agriculture, in powering the global economy without emissions. At Emvolon, we are proud to have attracted capital from notable VC funds and have been recognized with grants from ARPA-E, the US Department of Energy, the US Department of Agriculture, and the National Science Foundation.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to lead the design and implementation of industrial control systems for our novel chemical reactor platform. In this role, you will drive the development of automation strategies for our pilot-scale chemical plants, selecting hardware, designing control narratives, and defining communications architectures. You will work closely with both our internal engineering team and external EPC partners to ensure that control systems are robust, scalable, and aligned with process requirements. This is a unique opportunity to shape the automation approach for a first-of-a-kind technology in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment. While the primary focus will be on pilot-scale systems, you will also support lab-scale control and data acquisition efforts as needed.

Role Responsibilities & Requirements:

• Lead the development of the automation and controls architecture for pilot-scale chemical plants based on a novel reactor platform
• Translate process engineering needs into robust, scalable control strategies, including defining control narratives, interlock logic, and alarm strategies
• Select appropriate instrumentation, sensors, and control hardware (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, communication protocols) to meet system performance and reliability requirements
• Collaborate closely with external EPC partners to guide detailed control system design and ensure alignment with internal specifications and technical objectives
• Review and approve control system schematics, IO lists, loop diagrams, and related documentation from engineering contractors
• Define and implement communication and data acquisition strategies across field devices, PLCs, and SCADA/HMI systems
• Support FAT/SAT, commissioning, and startup activities to ensure system functionality and reliability
• Assist with lab-scale automation and data acquisition systems for R&D and testing purposes (secondary priority)
• Serve as the internal subject matter expert for controls and automation, bridging the gap between R&D, process engineering, and external vendors
• Develop and maintain documentation, including control philosophies, operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides
• Ensure control system designs comply with relevant codes, industry standards, and automation safety best practices
• Provide input on the integration of control systems with engine-based reactors, generator sets, or microgrid systems where applicable

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering, ideally in the chemical, energy, or process industries
• Proven experience designing and implementing control systems for complex industrial processes, including the development of control narratives and interlock logic
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, CAN, EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, or similar
• Hands-on experience with PLC-based control systems; familiarity with multiple platforms preferred
• Ability to specify and integrate sensors, instrumentation, and control hardware into a coherent automation system
• Experience working with EPC firms or external contractors to define technical specifications and review control system deliverables
• Familiarity with industry standards for control system design, electrical safety, and instrumentation
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work across disciplines to translate process requirements into practical control solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable writing documentation and communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience with control systems for internal combustion engines, diesel/gas generator sets, or microgrid electrical control systems is a strong plus
• Experience with LabVIEW and laboratory-scale data acquisition systems is a plus, but not required

Location, Travel & Work Authorization

• This is a full-time, on-site role based at our Woburn, MA facility. We are seeking candidates who can work in person as part of a highly collaborative, hands-on engineering team. While the role is primarily office and lab-based, periodic travel is expected to support commissioning and troubleshooting activities at partner and pilot plant sites.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
• Health and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous time off and unplugged time
• Flexible work hours and hybrid work opportunities
• Professional development and continuous learning

At Emvolon, our MIT roots run deep in innovation and rigorous scientific and entrepreneurial pursuits. We champion collaboration, a growth mindset, accountability, and diverse perspectives, all while prioritizing employee support and a flexible work environment.

Emvolon is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by the 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 document form upon hire

Please submit your application to [e-mail]

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Services for Renewable Energy

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