Associate Controls Engineer

About the role

Redwood Materials is actively seeking an Associate Controls Engineer to advance the sophistication and reliability of our battery recycling operations. In this capacity, you will own the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of advanced control systems that are integral to our manufacturing infrastructure. The role requires a hands-on contributor who will develop real-time software solutions that directly impact the efficiency and safety of our processes. You will be responsible for ensuring that control logic performs deterministically and without fault in a demanding industrial environment. This position is critical for translating high-level operational requirements into robust software architectures. Furthermore, you will act as a key technical resource in troubleshooting and resolving complex system-level issues as they arise on the production floor. Your work will support the company's overarching mission to establish a fully sustainable battery supply chain through technological innovation. By partnering with cross-functional teams, you will help drive the continuous improvement of our control strategies and system performance.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and implement real-time control software using C++ for embedded and industrial systems, ensuring high performance and stability.
• Create automation tools, diagnostics, and orchestration scripts using Python to streamline testing, deployment, and operational monitoring.
• Write and optimize Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) for PLCs and industrial controllers to meet precise functional and safety requirements.
• Build deterministic control loops, state machines, and safety-critical routines that respond reliably to dynamic production conditions.
• Integrate software with sensors, actuators, drives, and industrial communication networks to form cohesive and responsive control systems.
• Troubleshoot complex issues related to timing, concurrency, hardware interfaces, and industrial protocols in manufacturing systems to minimize downtime.
• Conduct root cause analysis for field issues and implement long-term solutions that prevent recurrence and improve system integrity.
• Collaborate with controls, electrical, and process teams to translate requirements into effective software designs that align with project goals.
• Participate in the complete software development lifecycle, including design, coding, unit testing, integration, and maintenance activities.
• Support the qualification and validation of control systems to ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory expectations.
• Document software architectures, algorithms, and interfaces to facilitate knowledge transfer and future system enhancements.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and standards for control engineering across the Redwood Materials organization.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff on control system principles, code quality, and debugging methodologies.
• Continuously explore emerging technologies and methodologies to improve the scalability and maintainability of control solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in software, electrical, automation, or a related engineering field from an accredited institution.
• Proficiency in modern C++ for real-time or embedded systems, with a strong understanding of memory management and concurrency.
• Experience with Python for automation, tooling, or data processing to support development and operational tasks.
• Hands-on experience with Structured Text for PLCs or industrial controllers, including writing and debugging complex logic.
• Understanding of deterministic execution, concurrency, and hardware-software interaction in embedded environments.
• Familiarity with industrial protocols such as Modbus, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, or PROFINET to enable system integration.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment to resolve challenging technical issues.
• Excellent debugging skills across software, hardware, and network layers to identify and correct system-level faults.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities to effectively interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where adaptability and attention to detail are essential.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, schematics, and control specifications with minimal guidance.
• Commitment to following established safety procedures and quality standards in all aspects of system development and maintenance.
• Openness to receiving feedback and using it to improve code quality, processes, and professional interactions.

Nice to have

• Experience in motion control, robotics, or process automation that demonstrates an understanding of advanced control strategies.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS environments, or microcontroller development to support diverse platform requirements.
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity standards or best practices to help secure control systems against potential threats.
• Experience with simulation tools, digital twins, or hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate control logic before deployment.
• Background in integrating C++ runtimes with PLC or SCADA systems to facilitate seamless data exchange and control.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position with compensation based on experience. If you have any privacy-related questions regarding your application, please reach out to us at privacy@redwoodmaterials.com.