Sr. Controls Engineer (Battery Technology)

Volkswagen Group of America; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a Sr. Controls Engineer to drive the automation of innovative battery manufacturing. This exciting role involves designing and optimizing systems for solid-state lithium-metal batteries, leading multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in PLC programming and automation systems, coupled with a passion for sustainable energy solutions. Join this forward-thinking company and help shape the future of electric mobility while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Annual Performance Bonus

401(k) with Company Match

Defined Contribution Retirement Program

Company Lease Car Program

Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• 10+ years in automation systems for manufacturing.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical or related field required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of automation systems.
• Provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams.
• Program and debug complex control systems.

Skills

PLC Programming

Analytical Thinking

Project Management

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Autodesk

SCADA Systems

Allen-Bradley

Siemens TIA Portal

6-axis Robotics (FANUC)

Job description

Job Description - Sr. Controls Engineer - Battery Manufacturing (OPE000002)

Primary Location

United States-California-San Jose

VW. Two letters. Endless opportunities. A bright future.

Innovation. Sophistication. Optimization. This is our Passion.

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises diverse brands in several European countries: e.g. Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Scania or MAN. Here in the US, we are blending German engineering with American ingenuity.

With our battery activities, we are ready to challenge the status quo. Our mission is to power the transformation towards electric mobility and renewable energy by building a local battery industry. And we believe that it is time for a new generation of batteries: Safer, more sustainable, and more resilient. Batteries with positive power. Batteries for generations to come. We are shaping the battery's future. And just as it needs a lot of different expertise to scale big projects, the battery future will be built by people with a wide range of skills and experience. We are chemists, project managers, battery experts, procurement specialists, IT professionals, sustainability experts, and more. Regardless of your background, if you are up for the challenge, join our mission and be part of the change.

Sr. Controls Engineer, salary grade 9, reports to Head of Operations, Battery Accessories, and is located in San Jose, California, with a role classification of Fully On-Site.

Role Summary:

To achieve our ambitious goals, we are seeking a dedicated Sr. Controls Engineer. This is a senior-level Member of Technical Staff to our Operations Department. This individual will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing systems to automate and enable scale manufacturing of our solid-state lithium-metal batteries. Experience working with electrochemical energy storage devices such as lithium-based batteries, fuel cells, or similar technologies is highly desired.

Role Responsibilities:

1. Lead the design and development of complex, multidisciplinary automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, machine vision, and advanced control systems across different production lines.
2. Provide hands-on technical leadership to cross-functional teams, guiding engineers through the entire automation project lifecycle from concept through commissioning.
3. Develop and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control enclosure layouts, and interlock schematics using CAD tools (e.g., Autodesk), ensuring regulatory compliance and maintainability.
4. Program and debug complex control systems, including multiple PLC platforms, ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance optimization in alignment with project KPIs. Conduct thorough risk assessments, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as SEMI, NFPA 79, UL, and local safety regulations.
5. Validate and test safety circuits, I/O systems, and industrial communication interfaces (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, OPCUA) to ensure compliance with stringent safety and performance criteria.
6. Develop detailed equipment specifications in collaboration with procurement, engineering, and QA teams, leading quality assurance efforts throughout design and implementation.
7. Collaborate with mechanical design engineers, assembly teams, and external engineering teams to ensure end-to-end system integration and optimal performance across hardware, software, and controls.
8. Lead the installation, commissioning, and OEE-focused continuous improvement of automation systems in manufacturing environments, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime.
9. Communicate effectively with suppliers and external vendors to source automation equipment, components, and systems, ensuring that specifications, timelines, and quality standards are met.
10. Manage supplier relationships, driving technical discussions and resolving any issues that may arise during procurement, testing, and integration stages.
11. Support the evaluation of new technologies and suppliers to enhance automation capabilities and maintain competitiveness in the manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• 10 years in designing, developing, and integrating automation systems for manufacturing, including R&D, prototyping, and production environments.

Education:

Required: Bachelor’s degree in electrical, automation, or mechatronics engineering, or similar field.

Desired: Master’s or higher in electrical, automation, or mechatronics engineering, or similar field.

Required Skills:

1. Shares a real passion for our mission and vision of a carbonless future.
2. Analytical and conceptual thinking capable of creative and strategic problem-solving for complex control and automation challenges.
3. Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects (defining goals, timeline, budget, and team roles) and drive them to successful completion.
4. Communication skills – interpersonal, ability to manage relationships internally (within team, with other teams) and externally (suppliers, teams of partnering companies).
5. Organized, meticulous, and has clear written and verbal communication.
6. Computer savvy—proficient in PLC programming, CAD/CAE tools, SCADA interfaces, and standard project management software. Ability to successfully manage projects and meet deadlines amidst changing requirements and priorities.
7. Proven capability in integrating cross-functional teams, processes, and systems for seamless automation solutions.
8. Embrace new challenges, learn new techniques, and surpass internal goals.
9. Demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness allowing smooth adaptation to a constantly evolving environment and work priorities.

Specialized Skills

Required:

1. Advanced proficiency in PLC programming, with deep expertise in Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000), Siemens (TIA Portal), and experience with other platforms (Beckhoff, Schneider, etc.) is a plus.
2. Experience with 6-axis robotics (FANUC (preferred) or KUKA) and their integration into automation systems.
3. In-depth knowledge of motion control systems, industrial communication protocols, and safety standards, with proven experience in applying these to manufacturing environments.
4. Expertise in SCADA systems, including configuration, monitoring, and integration with production systems.
5. Strong experience with CAD software (Autodesk) for electrical and mechanical design, including the creation of detailed schematics, BOMs, and interlock systems in alignment with regulatory standards.
6. Proven track of record in leading complex projects, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement in automation systems.
7. Proven experience in manufacturing scale-up, preferably in the battery or energy storage industry.
8. Knowledge and experience with machine vision systems (Cogex, Keyence) and their application in advanced automation.

Flexibility:

1. Work is performed in a dry room, fume hood, lab area, or glovebox requiring the use of fine motor skills.
2. Sitting or standing for extended periods.
3. Reaching and twisting motions with hands.
4. Lifting up to 25 lbs.

In San Jose, California, the salary range for this role is $132,300 – $202,000, depending on education and experience.

Benefits

1. Eligibility for annual performance bonus.
2. 401(k), with company match.
3. Defined contribution retirement program.
4. Company lease car program.
5. Paid time off.

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.