Sr Staff Engineer, Automation Controls

Socket.dev; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 172,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

Sila, a next-generation battery materials company in Alameda, CA, seeks a Senior Staff Automation Controls Engineer to architect and deploy robust machine control software and electrical subsystems for production-scale equipment.

You will bridge scientists to shop-floor technicians, define engineering standards, and lead cross-functional teams to build high-reliability automation platforms that power next-generation batteries.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience deploying mission-critical automation systems.
• B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with complex materials processing involves high technical risk (extreme temperatures/pressures, unforgiving chemistry, uptime requirements).

Responsibilities

• Architect strategy, software architecture, and electrical design for modular, deterministic control systems.
• Develop HMI software and PLC code; implement Fieldbus protocols.
• Design electrical schematics, power distribution, and network architectures.
• Drive end-to-end project execution with system integration, validation, and documentation.
• Mentor mid- and junior-level controls engineers to promote engineering rigor.

Skills

Control systems

HMI design

PLC programming

Fieldbus protocols

System architecture

Education

B.S. in Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical Eng

Tools

Structured Text

IEC 61131-3

Job description

About Us

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we're redefining what's possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world?

Who You Are

As a Senior Staff Automation Controls Engineer at Sila, you will architect, design, and deploy robust, deterministic machine control software and electrical subsystems for complex, production-scale materials processing equipment. You will bridge cross-functional teams—from scientists to shop-floor technicians—to build high-reliability, first-of-a-kind industrial automation platforms.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Architecture & System Design: Lead the strategy, software architecture, and electrical design for modular, deterministic, and scalable control systems. Define engineering standards and specifications for novel capital equipment.
• Software & Automation Engineering: Architect HMI software and write robust PLC code primarily in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3). Implement industrial Fieldbus protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus) and batch/safety standards (ISA-88, IEC 61151, SIS).
• Electrical & Hardware Design: Design electrical schematics, power distribution, control panels, and network architectures. Apply deep knowledge of AC/DC power, analog signals, control wiring, and functional safety systems.
• Execution, Validation & Quality: Drive projects end-to-end through system integration, advanced troubleshooting, and formal validation (FAT/SAT). Generate comprehensive, high-quality technical documentation for both software and hardware.
• Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment: Drive technical engagements with strategic vendors and collaborate with research scientists, engineers, and technicians. Mentor mid- and junior-level controls engineers to promote engineering rigor and best practices.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Experience: 10+ years of industry experience deploying mission-critical industrial automation systems and capital equipment.
• Education: B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Preferred Domain Exposure: Experience with complex materials processing involving high technical risk (e.g., extreme temperatures/pressures, unforgiving chemistry, or strict uptime requirements).

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes
• Move items up to 50 lbs with the assistance of lift equipment and carts
• Move long distances (such as from building to building) and be stationary for extended periods of time
• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location

The starting base pay for this role is between $172,000 and $218,000 at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, equity, and bonuses. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

#LI-PL1 #LI-Onsite

Working at Sila

We believe that building a diverse team at Sila helps us amplify our individual talents. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment where good ideas are free to come from anyone. We are proud to celebrate diversity and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, national origin, or any other status protected by law.