Senior Automation Engineer — Beckhoff PLCs, HMI & Robotics

Mainspring Energy

Menlo Park (CA)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 170,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Mainspring Energy in Menlo Park, CA is seeking a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to design and deliver industrial automation systems using Beckhoff platforms. You will lead system design, programming, and deployment across the full lifecycle, collaborating with manufacturing, electrical, mechanical, and software teams to ensure safe, reliable operations.

This role emphasizes modular design, version control, code reviews, and disciplined change management, with 20–25% time on upgrading

Qualifications

5–10 years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
Hands-on experience with PLC platforms such as Beckhoff TwinCAT (TwinCAT 3), Allen-Bradley.
Strong proficiency in IEC 61131-3 with emphasis on Structured Text.
Proven experience delivering industrial automation projects in manufacturing or production environments.
Solid understanding of: Industrial sensors and actuators | Electrical control systems and panel design | Industrial networking and fieldbus protocol.
Experience using Git or similar version control systems in a professional environment.

Responsibilities

System Design & Architecture: Lead the design of complex automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.
Programming & Implementation: Program and debug control systems using Beckhoff and other platforms; develop closed-loop control systems.
Project Execution: Own engineering projects from conception to completion within timelines and budgets.
Continuous Improvement: Analyze processes to identify inefficiencies and drive improvements.
Safety & Compliance: Design and deploy safety interlocks; ensure compliance with NFPA 79, SEMI, UL508A.
Collaboration & Mentorship: Work with mechanical, hardware, and software teams; mentor junior staff.