AME Equipment Engineer - Controls (Automotive)

TL;DR

AME Equipment Engineer - Controls (Automotive): Designing, developing, and commissioning control systems for advanced manufacturing equipment in the EV sector with an accent on PLC, HMI, and SCADA architectures. Focus on integrating robotics, machine vision, and MES for high-volume production scaling.

Location: Onsite in Garden Grove, CA

Salary: $140,000 - $160,000 USD

Company

American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company developing a first-of-its-kind EV platform for medium-duty vehicles and hybrids.

What you will do

• Design and deploy complete control system architectures, including PLC, HMI, and SCADA for AME equipment.
• Program and integrate complex automation such as robotic welding, AGVs, and machine vision applications.
• Develop electrical control systems and detailed wiring schematics using EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Implement data acquisition methods to integrate equipment control systems with the Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
• Lead controls-related equipment projects from concept through final site acceptance testing (SAT) and production ramp-up.
• Provide expert technical support to resolve complex electrical and software issues to maximize equipment OEE.

Requirements

• Must be based in or able to work onsite in Garden Grove, CA.
• 5-8+ years of experience as a Controls or Automation Engineer in high-volume automotive EV or similar high-speed sectors.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Advanced proficiency in industrial PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff) and HMI/SCADA platforms.
• Direct experience integrating industrial robotics (FANUC, KUKA, ABB) and machine vision (Cognex, Keyence).
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet, EtherCAT).

Nice to have

• Experience working in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Knowledge of precision BIW joining processes or battery/powertrain controls.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for equipment FATs and commissioning.

Culture & Benefits

• 100% employee-covered Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Early-stage stock options.
• Retirement savings via 401k, HSA, and FSA.
• Generous PTO, parental leave, and annual vacation bonus.
• Wellness and fertility benefits, plus a cell phone stipend.
• Complimentary meals and stocked kitchens.