Senior Engineer, Automation & Controls

Danfoss; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13th salary

Annual bonus

Paid vacation

Pension plans

Personal insurance

Job summary

Danfoss in Mountain View, CA, seeks a Senior Engineer, Automation and Controls to design, develop, and implement electrical control systems for hydraulic hose manufacturing machinery. Strong PLC/HMI and servo motion background required, with hands-on troubleshooting and cross-functional collaboration.

You’ll lead panel design, sensor integration, schematics, and BOM creation, while mentoring junior staff. 70% desk work, 30% plant-floor testing, in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 5+ years with Allen-Bradley, Rexroth, Siemens PLCs, HMI and AutoCAD.
• Experience with machine automation and electrical schematic design.

Responsibilities

• Design and layout electrical control panels to UL508A and NEC standards.
• Integrate sensors, pneumatics, and automation products per specs.
• Develop, modify, and debug PLC, HMI, and servo motion programs.
• Create electrical schematics, BOMs, and project documentation.
• Manage budgeting, time, and cost considerations while maintaining quality.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to integrate components.
• Troubleshoot control systems on-site and remotely with customers.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in Electrical Controls.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Servo motion control

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks Electrical

Ignition MES

Job description

The Impact You'll Make

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Engineer, Automation and Controls to design, develop, and implement electrical control systems for our hydraulic hose manufacturing machinery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, HMI development, servo motion control, and electrical schematic design. This role requires a hands-on approach to machine automation, troubleshooting, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient, high-quality control systems.

They will focus on the development of robust manufacturing processes with an emphasis on automation and implementing engineering controls to ensure that product Critical to Quality Characteristics are achieved. We require an individual that can develop engineering controls to replace the administrative controls currently used in the facility.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design and layout electrical control panels, ensuring compliance with UL508A and NEC standards.
• Select and integrate sensors, pneumatic control components, and commercial automation products (e.g., photo sensors, vision systems, bar code readers, extruder systems) based on company standards and customer specifications.
• Develop, modify, and debug PLC, HMI, and servo motion control programs.
• Create electrical schematics, documentation and bills of materials based on project requirements and customer specifications
• Be proficient in every aspect from budgeting time, cost control, choosing quality and reliable product
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering teams to integrate electrical and mechanical components.
• Troubleshoot control systems over the phone and on-site with customers.
• Train and mentor entry-level Electrical Controls Engineers/Maintenance Technicians.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Allen-Bradley/Rexroth/Siemens PLCs, HMI development, and AutoCAD.
• Strong background in machine automation, electrical schematic design, and motion control systems.
• Proficient in AutoCAD for electrical design; experience with SolidWorks Electrical is a plus.
• Proficient in commercial automation products such as photo sensors, pneumatics, and vision systems.
• Proven experience in PLC programming, HMI development, and multi-axis coordinated motion control.
• Solid understanding of machine timing and industrial wiring concepts.
• Strong electro‑mechanical skills with a hands‑on approach to system troubleshooting.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team, self-driven and project goal-oriented individual
• Comfortable with 70% behind the desk work and 30% on the floor testing when in the plant

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with electrical schematic software such as AutoCAD Light or SolidWorks Electrical.
• Prior exposure to industrial automation and machine design.
• Experience with Inductive Automation’s Ignition MES platform

What You'll Get from Us

1. We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
2. You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
3. We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
4. You’ll receive benefits like 13th salary, annual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information.

The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Please visit our FAQ Page.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.