Staff Controls & Automation Engineer

About the role

The Staff Controls and Automation Engineer at Mainspring Energy is responsible for defining and owning the full lifecycle of control and execution systems, ensuring that innovative concepts transition reliably into scalable manufacturing. This role designs intelligent manufacturing solutions while balancing the need for deterministic control with modern software engineering disciplines. The position works closely with global energy leaders and internal cross-functional teams to translate complex requirements into robust automation architectures. A core part of the role involves challenging legacy machinery assumptions and introducing contemporary engineering practices into traditional plant environments. The engineer will serve as the primary technical authority on control logic, execution frameworks, and system integration for critical hardware programs. This position demands pragmatic optimism and excellence without ego to navigate the challenges of deploying software methods into mission-critical power generation systems. The work directly supports Mainspring's mission to deliver fuel-flexible, low-emissions local power solutions that are reliable, affordable, and sustainable.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Orchestrate the intake of requirements while aligning manufacturing goals with control architecture decisions to ensure feasibility.
• Design execution modules that interface with legacy gear using modern version repositories and strict governance to maintain integrity.
• Refine testing suites to ensure deterministic responses remain stable across varied operating conditions and hardware generations without regression.
• Coordinate with manufacturing groups to stage builds, validate hardware readiness, and lock down release parameters for predictable outcomes.
• Guide partners through integration checkpoints to verify that interfaces meet timing, safety, and performance standards under all conditions.
• Ship updates with rigorous change logs, rollback plans, and verification steps that keep production lines running safely and continuously.
• Support continuous qualification efforts by documenting configurations and preserving knowledge to satisfy future audits and reviews.
• Champion modernization initiatives that introduce better tooling while respecting established operational workflows and minimizing disruption.
• Maintain deterministic control logic in environments where timing constraints and safety-related behavior are non-negotiable.
• Collaborate with global energy leaders to ensure that automation solutions scale across diverse deployment scenarios and regulatory landscapes.
• Implement disciplined change management processes to manage software versions, code reviews, and approvals throughout the project lifecycle.
• Optimize execution frameworks to improve reliability, performance, and maintainability of control systems in high-availability settings.
• Act as the technical lead for troubleshooting complex interactions between software, firmware, and mechanical components in the field.
• Drive the adoption of industrial best practices that align with both engineering excellence and the pragmatic needs of manufacturing teams.

Requirements

Candidates must hold experience designing controls for intricate hardware over at least four years to ensure sufficient depth and judgment. A hands-on background with ladder logic and execution strategies is essential for this position and cannot be substituted. Proven ability managing version histories, running reviews, and applying disciplined change procedures is required for traceability and compliance. Understanding of deterministic networks, timing constraints, and safety-related behavior is necessary to meet the demanding standards of the role. Experience working in environments that involve Fortune 500 companies, data centers, and utility-scale projects is strongly expected. Familiarity with rigorous qualification processes and documentation standards is mandatory for supporting audit activities. The ability to work independently and make sound decisions in ambiguous situations is critical for owning the full journey from concept to production.

Nice to have

Working knowledge of Mainspring products, including Linear Generators and related generation hardware, is a plus for faster onboarding and deeper context.

Skills and Tools

Proficiency with PLC platforms, version control systems, execution frameworks, and industrial networks is required to perform effectively in this role. Experience with modern software engineering practices such as modular design, code reviews, and continuous integration is expected. Understanding of safety standards and compliance requirements relevant to energy equipment is highly relevant. Capability to work with distributed teams and global partners while maintaining clear communication and alignment. Willingness to mentor junior engineers and elevate the overall technical quality of the control automation organization.

Practical notes

This role is based in Menlo Park, California, and requires authorization to work in the United States. The engagement is structured as a salary position with an annual compensation of $185,000 USD. Travel may be required to support manufacturing sites, partner facilities, and integration checkpoints as project needs dictate. The position does not have a published deadline for applications, but early submission is encouraged due to the scope of responsibilities. Candidates must be eligible to begin work immediately and commit to the full scope of the Staff Controls and Automation Engineer role as described.