Senior Maintenance Automation Engineer: Scale Critical

Skeleton Technologies GmbH; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

An extra day of holiday for your生日

Job summary

Skeleton Technologies is seeking a Senior Maintenance Automation Engineer in California to lead automation and controls efforts on high‑volume manufacturing lines. You will define standards, mentor technicians and collaborate with suppliers to ensure reliable plant operations.

The role requires 8+ years in maintenance/automation, a related engineering degree, and hands-on PLC/SCADA experience. Expect exposure to OT networks, cybersecurity, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in maintenance, automation or controls engineering in high-volume manufacturing.
• At least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation/mechatronics, controls engineering or a related field.
• Certifications such as Siemens/Rockwell PLC certification are a plus.
• Hands-on experience with commissioning or ramp-up of a new production line or plant.

Responsibilities

• Review automation and controls designs for the D33 line for maintainability and spare-parts strategy.
• Define site automation standards (PLC, HMI/SCADA, drives, networks) with engineering and suppliers.
• Support equipment installation, I/O checks, FAT/SAT and commissioning, and track open points to closure.
• Ensure suppliers hand over complete technical documentation, backups and training.
• Build the maintenance concept for automation and controls (preventive, predictive, condition-based).
• Set up the CMMS (e.g. SAP PM, Maximo), including asset hierarchy, maintenance plans and spare-parts lists.
• Define critical spare parts and stock levels with procurement.
• Help recruit, train and mentor maintenance technicians and junior engineers.
• Act as technical lead for troubleshooting PLC, robotics, motion control, vision systems and field instrumentation.
• Manage software versions, backups and change control for all control systems.
• Support OT networks and cybersecurity together with IT, in line with IEC 62443.
• Provide on-call escalation support for critical breakdowns.
• Analyze downtime and failure data and lead root cause analysis (RCA, 5-Why, FMEA).
• Drive improvements that raise OEE and equipment availability and reduce MTTR.
• Implement retrofits, upgrades and data-driven maintenance (IIoT, condition monitoring).
• Ensure machine safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO) and safe work practices in line with Cal/OSHA and NFPA 70E.
• Maintain safety-related control systems and keep validation records current.
• Support internal and external audits on maintenance and EHS topics.

Skills

Fluent English

Hands-on problem solver

Structured and documentation-minded

Coaching technicians

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation/mechatronics, controls engineering or a related field

Tools

Siemens/Rockwell PLC certification

SAP PM

Maximo

Job description

Skeleton Technologies is seeking a Senior Maintenance Automation Engineer in California to lead automation and controls efforts on high‑volume manufacturing lines. You will define standards, mentor technicians and collaborate with suppliers to ensure reliable plant operations.

The role requires 8+ years in maintenance/automation, a related engineering degree, and hands-on PLC/SCADA experience. Expect exposure to OT networks, cybersecurity, and continuous improvement initiatives.