Staff Engineer, Controls and Software

InvestedintheMission; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Latent AI seeks a Staff Engineer, Controls and Software based in Milpitas, California. The candidate will develop machine and operational concepts, ensuring all control components function reliably. This role involves working closely with the R&D team and cross-functional partners across the equipment lifecycle.

Applicants should have a degree in engineering and 10+ years of related experience, including proficiency in PLC programming and industrial control systems. A competitive salary of $160,000 - $220,000 per year is offered, along with equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience as a controls engineer on complex mechanical systems.
• Hands-on experience with industrial control panel implementation.
• Experience with 480VAC power systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop system architectures for controls components.
• Work with R&D to outline interfaces for equipment control.
• Design and approve electrical schematics for compliance.

Skills

Controls engineering experience

Industrial control systems

AutoCAD Electrical

Structured text programming

PLC programming in IEC 61131-3

HMI design

Proficiency in Python

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

PLCs

SCADA systems

GitHub

TwinCAT IDE

Job description

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy. Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. We’re working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. Since 2018, we’ve raised nearly $3 billion in capital, making us the largest and leading private fusion company in the world. We’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us.

Join the power movement as Staff Engineer, Controls and Software

As a Staff Controls and Software Engineer, you will be responsible for developing machine and operational concepts in collaboration with R&D staff and engineering peers. You will create a robust system architecture to support all controls components such as PLCs, safety devices, HMIs, servo drives, and more. For each project you will work from initial design through commissioning, operational fine-tuning, and validation to ensure that all systems function reliably and meet their design goals. You will work closely with cross-functional teams throughout the entire life cycle of the equipment and its operation. You will work with simulation and test engineers to integrate your designs into software testbeds, hardware testbeds, and the tools.

What you’ll do:

• Work closely with R&D team to outline interfaces and requirements for equipment and software operation for equipment control
• Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and balance product specifications, operational control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality, and lead time limits
• Design, modify, and approve electrical schematics for industrial and test equipment (compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards)
• Create machine interactions with plant-wide SCADA to communicate product acceptability, machine status, and operational variables
• Write, and debug PLC structured text with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems and 3rd party equipment
• Implement control reliable safety systems for safeguarding industrial equipment (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant)
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting
• Debug and optimize automated operations to maximize cycle time, improve availability, and yield
• Work with external software contractors to develop the control systems for internal tools (Define requirements, manage priorities, drive testing and implementation plans)

What we’re looking for:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field (e.g., EE, mechatronics, software)
• 10+ years of experience as a controls engineer on complex mechanical systems — for example: design, construction, and operation of controls for industrial, large-scale equipment
• Hands-on experience with industrial control system implementation, including specifying, building, and commissioning industrial control panels, experience with 480VAC power systems, configuring industrial fieldbus and components
• Proficient in AutoCAD Electrical, for schematic and cable designs
• Familiar with structured text programming and the TwinCAT IDE
• Familiar with TwinSAFE safety PLC programming
• PLC programming experience in IEC 61131-3 languages
• Familiar with modern tools like GitHub and CI/CD release management
• Familiarity with Python
• HMI design, implementation and maintenance
• Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform

Bonus points for:

• Experience with Semiconductor Capital Equipment manufacturing
• Experience with enclosure design compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards
• Experience developing and tuning control loops

Must-have requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, sitting for extended periods of time
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics

The role is onsite in the specified locations and follows the company’s policies, including export control compliance. This description does not guarantee a job offer or continued employment.

Salary range: 160000 - 220000 USD per year + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer matching; generous paid time off; and professional growth opportunities.