Staff Automation & Controls Engineer (Industrial Automation)

TL;DR

Staff Automation & Controls Engineer (Industrial Automation): Developing flexible robotic manufacturing and automation systems for the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) with an accent on PLC, HMI, and SCADA architectures. Focus on architecting advanced automated systems, defining software standards, and optimizing factory OPE through data-driven decisions.

Location: 100% onsite in Torrance, California, United States

Salary: $148,430 – $235,740 USD

Company

Divergent is a technology company creating an AI-driven end-to-end factory system (DAPS) for the automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors.

What you will do

• Develop next-generation PLC, HMI, and SCADA software and controls architectures for factory modules.
• Establish automation software standards, frameworks, and best practices.
• Architect, design, and commission first-article factory modules and advanced automation systems.
• Design control systems for experimental processes within an R&D environment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and execute program milestones on time and budget.
• Drive technical mentorship to raise the overall skill level of the automation team.

Requirements

• Ability to lawfully access information subject to US export controls.
• 7+ years of industrial automation controls experience in dynamic environments.
• Proficiency in IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming.
• Experience with industrial electrical and safety standards.
• Must be based in Torrance, CA for 100% onsite work.

Nice to have

• Advanced experience with the Beckhoff TwinCAT and hardware ecosystem.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, and UL508A standards.
• Experience with SCADA, industrial databases, and data management platforms.
• Proficiency in industrial electrical schematic tools like EPlan or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Familiarity with OOP, SOLID principles, unit testing, and Git.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness package (HMO and Premium PPO options).
• Paid vacation, sick time, and a year-end company shutdown.
• Reimbursement for professional learning and development initiatives.
• Paid parental leave and company-sponsored life/disability insurance.