Automation & Controls Engineer

About the role

This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to contribute directly to complex R&D initiatives safeguarding national defense and enhancing chemical/biological safety. Your primary focus will be leading the electrical architecture and automation software for a novel, clinical-grade sample preparation device. Additionally, you will serve as a core engineering resource across the company, applying your skills to a diverse portfolio of broader systems engineering and hardware integration projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control architectures and electrical systems for prototype microfluidic and automated fluid-handling instruments, working closely with mechanical engineers.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and other specialized equipment into both bespoke and pre-existing industrial or laboratory control architectures.
• Design, procure, and assemble custom PCBs to support the transition of R&D prototypes into robust, production-ready systems.
• Support broader company-wide systems engineering efforts, providing electrical, software, and hardware integration expertise across various cross-functional project teams.
• Develop rigorous testing procedures, system verification protocols, and quality control methods to ensure consistent device performance.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) and systems engineering documentation.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and solve complex electro-mechanical issues, utilizing industry best practices to analyze performance data.
• Identify novel research directions, contribute to technical proposal efforts, and explore potential funding opportunities.
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records and project documentation.
• Present research findings and engineering updates at internal technical reviews and external client meetings.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and advancements in automation and systems engineering.
• Prepare technical reports, client deliverables, and publications.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience designing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting control strategies for prototype hardware, preferably related to microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, or precision automation systems.
• Demonstrated experience using microcontrollers and single-board computers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar) to control and automate physical systems.
• Experience establishing and debugging serial communication protocols for interfacing and data transfer.
• Familiarity with systems engineering principles, including the translation of P&ID documentation, functional requirements, and flow diagrams into robust control algorithms.
• Proficiency with circuit design, schematic capture, PCB layout, and hands-on soldering and assembly skills.
• Familiarity with sensors and actuators relevant to fluid handling and automation, including pressure sensors, flow sensors, valves, pumps, and temperature controllers.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, chemists, molecular biologists, and software developers.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and detailed documentation skills for iterative prototyping, validation, and transfer to production.
• Experience transitioning prototypes into small-scale production, including component selection for manufacturability, process optimization, and documentation for repeatability.
• Experience using emerging AI tools or agentic AI systems to achieve specific objectives in an engineering or laboratory environment.
• Experience or willingness to participate in grant writing and technical report preparation.

Qualifications

Minimum Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.

Skills

• Microcontrollers and single-board computers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar)
• Serial communication protocols
• Circuit design, schematic capture, PCB layout, and hands-on soldering and assembly skills
• Sensors and actuators relevant to fluid handling and automation
• Systems engineering principles
• Emerging AI tools or agentic AI systems
• Grant writing and technical report preparation