Sr. Controls Engineer- Terafab R&D

Terabase Energy; Woodland (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off and holiday policy

Remote flexibility

Career progression

401k match

Stock options

Home office set up allowance

Job summary

Terabase Energy is seeking an experienced automation controls engineer to join our Northern California team. You will work with factory design teams on new designs, prototyping, commissioning, and supporting existing systems to accelerate decarbonization via digital automation.

The role requires strong problem solving, communication, and a proactive work ethic, with travel up to 30% and a focus on safe, reliable robot and machinery control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience programming industrial robots (Kuka preferred).
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.
• Preferred experience in industrial manufacturing industry.
• Self-starter and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Program and debug PLC controller platforms (TwinCAT, TwinSAFE, Allen Bradley, Siemens, B&R).
• Develop organized, maintainable, and reusable code.
• Create robust sequences for multi-station manufacturing processes.
• Use Python and SQL to interface with MES and production databases.
• Create intuitive HMIs using Ignition.
• Set up servo drives and VFDs for high-performance operation.
• Design and implement safe, compliant industrial systems.

Skills

Robotics programming

Industrial automation

Willing to travel

MS Office

Python

SQL

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Kuka KRL

TwinCAT

Allen Bradley

Siemens

B&R

Ignition

Python

SQL

Job description

What We Do

At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next wave of innovation and cost reduction in large scale solar. To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform. We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a blend of solar-industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world. If all this piques your interest, we’d love to hear from you!

Position Summary

Terabase is looking for an experienced automation controls engineer. This position reports directly to our Controls and Electrical Engineering manager and will work very closely with the factory design teams. Daily activities include everything from contributing to new designs, building and programming prototypes, and commissioning and supporting existing factory systems.

Successful candidates will exhibit strong resourcefulness, analytical thinking/problem solving, excellent communication skills, and adaptability all coupled together by a superlative work ethic. Most importantly, you, like us, will be dedicated to accelerating the decarbonization of the global economy using digital and automation technology to further reduce the cost of utility‑scale solar.

Responsibilities

• Program and debug primarily on multiple PLC controller platforms (TwinCAT, TwinSAFE, Allan Bradley, Siemens, B&R)
• Develop code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable
• Proficiency in object‑oriented programming and Structured Text
• Create robust programs and sequences to control complex, multi‑station machinery to perform processes such as material pick and place, dispense, fastening, welding, testing, and conveyance.
• Use Python scripting and SQL to interface equipment with Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and to collect data into production databases
• Create intuitive HMI’s using Ignition
• Familiarity with industrial protocols including EtherCAT, TCP, Ethernet/IP, CAN
• Set up and tune servo drives and VFDs for fast and smooth operation (Festo, SEW, Nord)
• Design and implement reliable safety systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high‑volume manufacturing equipment as per codes and standards (ISO/ANSI/RIA)
• Assist in electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatics, and general equipment troubleshooting
• Manage suppliers during specification, design, buyoff and installation of automated manufacturing equipment
• Write robot programs from scratch for new designed cells using Kuka KRL and Inline Forms
• Implement Interference Zones for SafeOperation, DCS, Workspaces/Protected spaces
• Commission robots including Mastering, TCP, User Frames, Collision Detection, and Payload calibration
• Use robotic simulation software (e.g., KukaSim, Roboguide, VC, etc.) for robot reach studies and offline programming
• Design, document, and conduct comprehensive machine and system testing
• Assist purchasing during component selection and vendor approval process
• Assist in risk assessment of newly designed machines

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Minimum 5 years of experience programming industrial robots (Kuka preferred)
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30%
• Preferred experience in industrial manufacturing industry
• Self‑starter, able to thrive in a fast‑paced and continually changing environment.
• Strong communication, customer relationship skills, and ability to communicate effectively and interact within a team environment.
• Proven skill in MS Suite of software (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Compensation And Benefits

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.

The salary for this role will range between $130,000 - $170,000 annually.

Within each posted range, individual pay is determined (and may be higher) depending on work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Terabase offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous time off and holiday policy
• Remote flexibility
• Flexible time off
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Career progression
• 401k match
• Stock options
• Home office set up allowance
• And much more!

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job‑related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.

Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates, and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third‑party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at [e-mail] with any staffing‑related inquiries.