Senior Controls Engineer

Durin Mining Technologies, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Healthcare coverage

Meals at HQ

Housing assistance

Job summary

Durin Mining Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to own the brains of next‑generation drill rigs. You will design and implement PLC logic, safety interlocks, and motion control, using IEC 61131‑3 languages and state machines. Travel to field sites for commissioning is required.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to specify sensors, actuators, and HMI interfaces, while ensuring robust performance in rugged mining environments.

Qualifications

• 5+ years programming and commissioning industrial PLCs.
• Strong knowledge of IEC 61131-3 languages (ST/Ladder).
• Experience with hydraulics, servos, and safety interlocks.
• Proficient with fieldbuses (EtherCAT, CAN, Profibus, Modbus).

Responsibilities

• Architect and program PLC logic for drill cycles, safety interlocks, and material handling.
• Implement state machines and PID loops in IEC 61131-3 languages.
• Commission control systems on rigs, including wiring and tuning.
• Collaborate with mechanical/electrical/software teams on integration.
• Design alarms, recovery routines, and HMI interfaces for drillers.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards (STO, SIL, lockout/tagout).
• Support networking/fieldbus integration (EtherCAT, CANopen, OPC UA).
• Mentor embedded/software teammates on PLC fundamentals.
• Travel to test sites for commissioning and field support (20–50%).

Skills

Industrial PLCs

IEC 61131-3 languages

Structured Text

Ladder

Fieldbus experience

PID control

System commissioning

Troubleshooting I/O

Robust field environments

Tools

Beckhoff

Siemens

Allen-Bradley

Job description

Durin was founded under the belief that raw materials should not be a constraint on civilization's progress. We are actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of becoming the foundation of the global supply chain.

We’re looking for a Senior Controls Engineer who wants toown the brains of our next-generation drill rigs, building the PLC logic that makes heavy equipment safe, reliable, and ready for autonomy.

Durin builds and operates automated drill rigs to accelerate mineral discovery.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Architect and program PLC logic for drill cycle sequencing, safety interlocks, mud mixing, spindle/feed coordination, and rod handling.
• Implementstate machines, PID loops, and interlock matricesin IEC 61131-3 languages (Structured Text, Ladder, FBD).
• Commission control systems on physical rigs: wiring checkout, I/O validation, drive tuning, field debugging.
• Collaboratemechanical, electrical, and software engineersto define sensor/actuator requirements and ensure reliable integration.
• Design alarm handling, recovery routines, and HMI interfaces for drillers.
• Ensure compliance with industrial safety standards (STO, SIL, lockout/tagout).
• Support networking and fieldbus integration (EtherCAT, CANopen, OPC UA).
• Mentor embedded/software teammates on PLC fundamentals and best practices.
• Travel to test sites for commissioning and field support (~20–50%).

WHO YOU ARE

• 5+ years of experience programming and commissioningindustrial PLCs(Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar).
• Deep familiarity withIEC 61131-3 languages, especially Structured Text and Ladder.
• Hands‑on experience commissioning machinery with hydraulics, servos, and safety interlocks.
• Strong knowledge offieldbuses(EtherCAT, CAN, Profibus, Modbus) and industrial networking.
• Experience tuning closed-loop systems (PID, torque/force control).
• Comfort working inrugged field environmentswith heavy equipment.
• Strong debugging instincts and ability to rapidly troubleshoot I/O, sensors, and motion issues.
• “Get it working, get it safe, then get it elegant” mindset.

Bonus Points For:

• Experience with drilling rigs, mining equipment, robotics, or other heavy machinery.
• Knowledge of safety PLCs, SIL/PL standards, and functional safety certification.
• Background in bothPLC controls + embedded/robotics software.
• Prior work on automation systems that integrate with edge/cloud telemetry.

$150,000 - $180,000 a year

COMPENSATION

This role will pay$150,000–$180,000, plusequity, so you have a real stake in Durin's success. Everyone is an owner, so as the company grows, your equity grows too.

Aside from base compensation, we invest heavily in our team. You'll have the freedom and resources to try new things and iterate quickly. We're a high-growth company without middle management, which means fast decision making and the ability for you to own major initiatives from day one.

We also offer 100% healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision), all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are paid for when you're at headquarters, and we can help you find housing nearby.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work from our headquarters in El Segundo
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed