Design, program, and commission industrial machinery and control systems. Create electrical and fluid schematics in EPlan, write/debug PLC software in TwinCAT/Structured Text, develop HMIs, select control hardware (VFDs, motor starters, motion systems), ensure safety standard compliance, troubleshoot systems, and collaborate with end users and vendors.
As an Automation & Controls Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for the design and commissioning of industrial machinery and systems for R&D, test, and production while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team.
Responsibilities
- Own all aspects of equipment design from concept, requirements, and commissioning
- Generate necessary schematics and for electrical and fluid systems in EPlan to required standards
- Write and debug software for PLCs in TwinCAT that is maintainable and scalable
- Programming of various industrial controls hardware (VFDs, motor starters, PLCs, etc.)
- Selecting of application specific hardware (circuit protection, VFDs, motion systems, robots, etc.)
- Development of HMIs that are easy to use, functional, and can be used for diagnostics & troubleshooting
- Work with end users for end users to ensure equipment meets design intent
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field
- 2+ years of work in a relevant field (manufacturing/test/R&D)
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Familiarity of PLC systems
- Object oriented programming in structured text per IEC 61131-3
- Industrial Safety
- Schematic design with EPlan
- 3D Control panel design with EPlan ProPanel
- Troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems
- Understanding of ISO 13849, ANSI B11, or IEC 61508 safety standards
- Knowledge of UL508A, NFPA 70, NFPA 79 standards
- Familiarity with industrial protocols such as EtherCAT, Profinet, IO-Link, etc.
- Work with external vendors and manufacturers for sourcing hardware and solutions
- Experience with hazard risk assessments and mitigation plans
Additional Requirements:
- Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
About
Impulse Space, the in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, is opening access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with its fleet of in-space transportation vehicles. The high-energy Helios vehicle unlocks orbits beyond LEO with its powerful Deneb engine, dropping off payloads in MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits. The flight-proven Mira vehicle uses a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to offer orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry services to customers throughout LEO. Led by a team that delivered the most reliable rockets in history, Impulse provides economical and efficient in-space transportation by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go.
Impulse Space El Segundo, California, USA Office
El Segundo, CA, United States, 90245
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