Senior Cathode Controls Engineer
We are seeking a Senior Cathode Controls Engineer to design, build, and debug best-in-class controls software for Redwood's high-throughput cathode material production facility. This engineer will play a critical role in designing, commissioning and scaling a fully integrated and highly automated chemical plant-working at the intersection of chemical process engineering, industrial automation, and software development.
This role is based in San Francisco, with up to 100% travel to Reno, NV during commissioning and early startup phases. If necessary, we will adjust the job level to suit your experience and responsibilities.
Responsibilities will include:
* Design and implement controls software for cathode production equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and distributed control systems (DCS).
* Program, test, and debug automation sequences and interlocks to ensure safe and efficient operation of chemical process units.
* Collaborate with process, mechanical, and electrical engineers to develop instrumentation and control strategies for new equipment and systems.
* Lead commissioning and bring-up efforts on-site in Reno, NV, including IO checks, logic validation, and process tuning.
* Develop robust diagnostics, alarms, and fault recovery strategies to ensure high system uptime and maintainability.
* Optimize control loops and automation performance to support continuous improvement and operational excellence.
* Document control logic, operating procedures, and system architecture for future maintenance and knowledge transfer.
* Support integration with data systems for monitoring, reporting, and advanced analytics.
* Ensure all systems comply with process safety and regulatory standards.
Desired Qualifications:
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
* 5+ years of experience in industrial controls or automation engineering, ideally in a chemical, pharmaceutical, or large-scale process manufacturing environment.
* Hands-on experience programming PLCs and HMIs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, or similar).
* Familiarity with SCADA/DCS systems and real-time process control strategies.
* Strong understanding of industrial sensors, instrumentation, and control loop tuning.
* Experience supporting system commissioning and startup in a live production environment.
* Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
* Experience with chemical or materials manufacturing processes is a strong plus.
Physical Requirements:
* Wear proper PPE when necessary.
Working Conditions:
* Environment: office, machine shop, wet laboratory, chemical plant, outdoor test sites.
* Willingness and ability to travel up to 100% to Reno, NV during plant commissioning (typical duration: M-F during Commissioning).
* Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% to Reno, NV during other periods.