Sr. Controls Hardware Engineer

Wilder Systems Robots; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

PTO

401(k)

401(k) matching

Job summary

Wilder Systems in Austin, TX seeks a seasoned Controls Engineer to design and deploy robotic control systems. You will architect hardware, select components, and program across deployment stages.

The role requires a strong background in electrical design and PLC/HMI programming, with safety system and UL/CE compliance experience, collaborating with mechanical and applications engineers to deliver production-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional experience in electrical engineering or a related field
• Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings
• Strong knowledge in Control Theory
• Highly Proficient in PLC and HMI programming
• Knowledge of industrial hardware and software
• Strong familiarity with network communication
• Expert proficiency in AutoCAD

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirements and statements of work to clearly define objectives
• Provide feedback with practical solutions through real world applications and examples
• Generate matrices and schematics to support design decisions: one-line diagrams, power schedules, system block diagrams, and trade studies of decisions
• Collaborate with Mechanical and Applications Engineers to design and develop products and tools for deployment in production or research environments
• Design all aspects of a robotic automation system and its sub-assemblies for manufacturing applications

Skills

PLC programming

AutoCAD

Electrical design

HMI programming

Network communication

Safety systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Wilder Systems is seeking a seasoned Controls Engineer to be responsible for the layout and functionality of all system hardware. This position requires both a strong programming and electrical background. The Controls Engineer must be able conduct hardware selection, architect systems, and program at all stages of the deployment lifecycle of Wilder Systems’ projects.

The ideal candidate has strong fundamentals in electrical design, enjoys challenging problems, and brings experience in PLC programming.

Responsibilities

Design and Product Development

• Analyze requirements and statements of work to clearly define objectives
• Provide feedback with practical solutions through real world applications and examples
• Generate matrices and schematics to support design decisions: one-line diagrams, power schedules, system block diagrams, and trade studies of decisions
• Generate request for proposals and statement of work for suppliers: outsource panel builds, cable harness, and/or programming
• Collaborate with Mechanical and Applications Engineers to design and develop products and tools up to a suitable technical readiness level (TRL) to deploy in a production or research environment
• Design all aspects of a robotic automation system and its sub-assemblies for manufacturing applications

System Design

• Cabinet Design
  • UL and CE rated panel design
  • 480VAC Power distribution
  • Thermal management techniques
  • Environmental IP ratings
• Safety Systems
  • ANSI RIA 15.06/08 safety standards
  • SIL and PL determinization
  • E-stop circuit design
  • Safety scanners, light curtains, safety interlocks
• Standards and Best Practices
  • Implement drawing standards and best practices
  • Create system build instructions to guide technicians
  • Implement relevant standards to cabinet and system design
  • Mentor other engineers on best engineering practices

Program and Testing

• Programmable Logic Controller
  • Communication set up
  • Programming main and individual sequences
  • Program Input/Outputs: Analog and digital
  • Program motion sequences with field device feedbacks
  • Configure safety
• Motor and VFD’s
  • Configure onboard Input/Outputs and Networking
  • Motion Axis set up
  • Program sequences
• Field Devices
  • Cable management
  • Configure part at device and PLC
  • Program device
• Robot and Automation Systems
  • Communication Set Up
  • Design data handshake
  • Configure safety features
• Human Machine Interface
  • Alarms and fault handling
  • Security and user privileges - operator vs maintenance
  • Screen development and tag management

Documentation

• Generate bills of material, mechanical and electrical schematics, and cable lists
• Document standard operating procedures and reports for power up of new systems and devices
• Provide diagrams and information to support design reviews and product proposals

Required Experience

6 or more years of professional experience in electrical engineering or a related field

Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings and have a solid understanding of basic electrical and mechanical control systems

Excellent knowledge in Control Theory

Highly Proficient in PLC and HMI programming

Knowledge of industrial hardware and software available on the market

Strong familiarity with Network communication

Expert proficiency in AutoCAD

Preferred Experience

3+ years experience working directly with aerospace automation

3+ years experience designing for low volume manufacturing

Experience assembling mechanical and electrical components

Design for UL and CE certification

Manufacturing knowledge - drilling, welding, pick and place automation, and fastening

Ability to perform programming in robot languages (Fanuc/Yaskawa)

Experience creating engineering standards documents and best practices for electrical drawings and plc code

About Wilder Systems

Wilder Systems designs, manufactures, and installs robotic systems for industrial manufacturing applications in the aerospace industry. Our tools are used in direct manufacturing and maintenance of aerospace structures, operating as a growing global fleet on factory floors and flight lines worldwide. We have a dynamic, talented, and collaborative engineering team and want those who are energized by solving our customers' toughest problems.

Compensation

$115,000-$150,000 Base

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Vision insurance

PTO

General Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or similar field

Strong communication, organizational, time management, and decision-making skills

Both self‑motivated and work well under general supervision

Works well in high pressure situations, during tight deadlines, and with customers