Sr Staff Engineer, Automation Controls

We are Sila a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the worlds 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. Were tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day and together were redefining whats possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world

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 teamsfrom scientists to shop-floor techniciansto build high-reliability first-of-a-kind industrial automation platforms.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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 $172000 and $218000 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 Silas 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.

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.