Controls Engineer I

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develop, program, test, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems and related automation components.
• Contribute to the development of new control systems for solar tracker products.
• Implement new algorithms and features into existing controller and PLC platforms.
• Develop and maintain control logic, industrial communications, and field device integration for tracker systems.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to deploy, validate, and test control systems, PLC programs, software, and new features at operating solar sites.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve failures involving PLCs, control-system hardware, field devices, and software components.
• Support prototype development, field testing, system commissioning, and performance evaluations.
• Create and maintain documentation including test procedures, technical reports, electrical schematics, and control-system documentation.
• Report project status, technical findings, and progress updates regularly to the hiring manager and program managers.
• Travel occasionally to support field deployments, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Physics, or other Natural Sciences required.
• Exposure to or experience with PLC programming and industrial automation systems.
• Familiarity with ladder logic programming and industrial control concepts.
• Basic understanding of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus.
• 2+ years in programming in C/C++.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming, testing, and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems.
• Familiarity with ladder logic, structured text, or other industrial control programming methods.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, RS-485, or Ethernet-based industrial networks.
• Python programming.
• Experience with HMI or SCADA systems is a plus.
• Interest in renewable energy technologies and utility-scale solar systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, smaller company environment.