Reno, NV, United StatesManufacturing Engineering
Company Overview:
Amperesand is disrupting industrial power with the first commercialized Solid State Transformer systems. Solid State Transformers systems are much more than a transformer replacement, enabling numerous advanced features to unlock solutions for data centers, EV charging, renewables, microgrids, and industrial installations. We are looking for mission driven team members passionate about making amazing products for worldwide electrification at maximum acceleration. Amperesand is building a global company and looking for talent across our geographies.
We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Senior Staff Automation Controls Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced automation equipment and assembly lines as we scale our hardware product portfolio. In this role, you will drive cross-functional initiatives to bring innovative hardware solutions from concept through to full-scale production. Collaborating closely with manufacturing and mechanical design teams, you will define and implement robust machine and process architecture. Responsibilities include developing comprehensive electrical and pneumatic schematics, leading the programming and integration of control systems—including PLCs, safety systems, HMIs, servo drives, process instrumentation, and robotics—from initial power-up through debugging, optimization, and final validation.
This role presents a unique opportunity to influence product design from its earliest stages and champion design for automation as a foundational principle. It is a rare and valuable learning experience for controls engineer to be embedded so deeply in both product and manufacturing development.
Responsibilities
Lead the conceptual development of new equipment, balancing product specifications, process control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality, and lead-time constraints.
Design and implement control-reliable safety systems in compliance with ANSI/RIA 15.06 and OSHA standards for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high-throughput manufacturing systems.
Develop, structure, and debug PLC logic with a strong emphasis on code architecture, documentation, maintainability, and long-term reusability.
Design and debug software for subsystems including robotics, vision systems, test equipment, and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
Contribute to the creation of specifications and internal standards, manage technical documentation for vendor release, and perform detailed quote evaluations.
Select and size electrical and electromechanical components for optimal system integration and performance.
Design intuitive and visually clean HMI interfaces for complex machinery, ensuring effective operator feedback and streamlined troubleshooting.
Mentor junior engineers and technicians, manage engineering teams as needed
Design industrial electrical control panels in accordance with NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A standards, and generate comprehensive electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
Oversee electrical cabinet fabrication, field wiring, and the installation of pneumatic and fluid systems.
Lead the introduction of automated processes into production environments, and train maintenance and operations teams to ensure long-term support and sustainability.
Build and test internally built equipment to be deployed at contract manufacturers.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Computer Engineering (or related field)
8+ years of experience in Controls engineering, with a strong background in DFA, process development, and high-mix or high-volume production
Hands-on experience with a variety of manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, die casting, machining, potting, Power electronics assembly and automation)
Experience leading large-scale capital equipment design projects.
Expert in data collection and analysis, statistical analysis, data visualization tools
Demonstrated expertise in both standard and safety PLC programming, with experience in Allen Bradley Studio 5000 and Beckhoff TwinCAT 3; preference given to proficiency in Siemens TIA Portal.
Skilled in script-based programming languages including Python, Go, and SQL, with the ability to develop and integrate custom logic for automation systems.
Proficient in industrial robot programming, with hands-on experience using Kuka and ABB platforms; Fanuc experience is especially desirable.
Experienced in commissioning servo systems using Rockwell Kinetix and Beckhoff Drive Manager 2; Siemens SIMATIC is strongly preferred.
Adept at developing and deploying 2D/3D vision systems, with experience using Cognex Insight and LMI Gocator; familiarity with Keyence XGX is highly valued.
Deep understanding of industrial safety and electrical standards, including ANSI/RIA 15.06, OSHA regulations, NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and vendor engagements
Expert in motion control, pneumatics, hydraulics, and sensors.
Experience working in Agile development environments, including task management and sprint planning using Scrum methodologies and tools like Jira.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% - 25% including internationally
Excellent written and verbal communications in English
Preferred Qualifications:
Functional Safety Expert or Professional (ISO 13849)
Strong proficiency in CAD software (3DEXPERIENCE (3DX), CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, Creo etc.) for designing mechanical assemblies.
Power Electronics Assembly experience is highly valued from energy storage and conversion, automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, or consumer electronics manufacturing.
Experience in assembly line simulation software (FlexSim, Rockwell Arena, Dassault DELMIA, Siemens Process Simulate
Experience designing NFPA 79 compliant Electrical Cabinets and Industrial Machines