Controls Engineer

San Diego, CA

Job Title: Controls Engineer
Location: San Diego, CA – Bay Park area
Position Type: Full-time
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, and paid vacation

Job Summary

Support development of controls & automation for R&D and production equipment, scaling Liquified Gas Electrolyte battery technology for pilot manufacturing. The role interfaces with R&D, Mechanical, Process, and Manufacturing engineering teams. Hands on and ability to work with team and third-party vendors is critical. Creative problem solving, good attention to detail, and excellent working knowledge of systems development are required.

Description

Become a critical member of our fast-growing team working to develop a breakthrough battery technology to change the way batteries are made and used worldwide to enable a greener future. In this position, you will be a key part of our core team, at the forefront of taking next-generation chemistries and packaging them into advanced battery cells.

We are looking for a passionate Controls Engineer with great collaborative skills to support our multi-disciplinary team in the Bay Park area of San Diego, CA. This role will actively support designing and implementing processes, engineering, and controls (electrical, thermal, pneumatic) that support electrolyte and cell manufacturing. The ideal candidate would be familiar with LabVIEW programing, Python, C++ and/or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC); a track record of successful component and hardware selection for various electrical, thermal, and pressure processes; and an eagerness for hands-on rapid development, testing, process optimization, validation, and troubleshooting. Experience with fluid delivery systems, reactor systems, distillation systems, high pressure systems, gas flow instrumentation, and measurement devices is highly desired. Impeccable attention to detail, and a focus on safety are critical.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of controls automation solutions and systems to meet internal customer process requirements.
Interface with internal program managers and technical experts to define requirements and updates on project timelines.
Develop and release control system, data acquisition, and/or data analysis software internally.
Rapidly research, design, prototype, and validate automation & controls technology.
Scripting and LabVIEW programming to automate pilot production systems for various thermal, pneumatic, and electrical controls using both digital and analog architectures.
Read and build P&IDs and process flows to construct fully automated system architectures.
Actively participate and/or lead in FMEAs for various engineering projects.
Actively participate and/or lead in software development reviews for various projects.
Electrical, thermal, and pressure component and hardware selection and specification.
Investigate and eliminate defects or errors in the system via system debugging and troubleshooting.
Identify areas for improvement to increase process efficiency and establish monitoring and Quality Assurance validation processes.
Document all software changes and updates using version control software.
Develop necessary documentation, training, and technical support to ensure successful user operation, maintenance strategies, and calibration procedures.
Other tasks deemed necessary by the company.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or equivalent field with 3+ years of relevant experience.
Proven experience developing control systems from concept to successful release.
Proven experience with LabVIEW or PLC programming
Experience with software application development and deployment.
Demonstrated knowledge of control systems related to automated pneumatic controls, component handling, thermal management, and linear and rotary actuator systems.
Solid understanding of digital and analog input sensor integration and data acquisition.
Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and succeed in an environment with competing demands.
An aptitude for learning new things and a keen eye for improving processes.
Ability to lift 35 lbs.

Preferred Experience

Experience working with National Instruments hardware and drivers (compactDAQ, DAQmx), Watlow EZ-Zone RM controllers, Beckhoff hardware, and/or Arduino Opta hardware is a plus.
Experience with Object Oriented Programming (OOP).
Experience with software version control, preferably utilizing GitHub.
Python, and/or C++; MATLAB, and/or Simulink experience is also highly valued.
Familiar with microcontroller hardware and associated embedded software
Knowledge of fluid control and measurement components (tubing, valves, flow controllers, pressure measurement, temperature measurement).

At the time of posting, the expected starting salary range for this role is $115,000 – $140,000 annually. The actual pay depends on multiple individualized factors, including education, job-related knowledge, experience, and skills, which will be assessed during the interview process. The comprehensive compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as health benefits, 401k, and company stock options. The base pay range and package is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

About South 8 Technologies

South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a fast-growing and well-funded group backed by leading global organizations. We have developed a breakthrough new Liquefied Gas Electrolyte chemistry for next-generation lithium batteries. Our patented technology enables a substantial increase in energy, improved safety, and an exceptionally wide operating temperature. Leveraging conventional materials and manufacturing, South 8 Technologies offers a unique solution for a variety of e-mobility, energy storage, and industrial applications.

South 8 Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2015 and spun out of UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering. We are a diverse team, which values integrity and hard work in an environment that encourages creative thinking, collaboration, and honest feedback. Become a critical member of our team and grow alongside us as we transform the energy landscape.

Job Application

Please send resume to careers@south8technologies.com or click APPLY NOW below to submit your resume via LinkedIn
Candidates only – we will not respond to inquiries from third-party recruiters.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.