Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

About the job

A fast-growing cleantech company in Watertown, MA is seeking an Instrumentation & Control Systems Engineer to help scale an innovative critical minerals extraction technology. The company is developing a patented silicon-based filtration and extraction platform that replaces traditional, resource-intensive chemical and thermal separation processes with a more energy-efficient, electrified approach. This is a full-time, onsite opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology supporting a more sustainable supply chain for critical materials.

This is an opportunity to join a highly technical team of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs bringing breakthrough technology from R&D to real-world industrial applications. You will take ownership of designing, building, and commissioning first-of-a-kind electrified systems, with hands-on involvement in PLC programming, HMI development, electrical cabinet design, and industrial automation. If you enjoy solving challenging engineering problems, working across disciplines, and seeing your designs move from concept to pilot and commercial-scale deployment, this role offers significant technical ownership, opportunities to build engineering capabilities from the ground up, and the chance to make a meaningful environmental impact.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of relevant engineering experience with a B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experience with industrial automation hardware, PLCs, analog/digital I/O, and industrial communication protocols.
• Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting using IEC 61131-3 languages, particularly ladder logic.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLC platforms.
• Experience with low-voltage electrical wiring, control panels, and electrical equipment troubleshooting.
• Ability to develop electrical documentation, including wiring diagrams, network diagrams, and control-system layouts.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting industrial control systems in operational environments.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience with Ignition SCADA systems and HMI development.
• Familiarity with UL 508A, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and NFPA 79.
• Experience with P&ID development, control cabinet design, and electrical system documentation.
• Knowledge of safety and hazard analysis methodologies, such as HAZOP or SWIFT.
• Experience coordinating with external vendors for equipment design, fabrication, and procurement.
• Project management experience and a background supporting pilot-scale or commercial industrial systems.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% for onsite commissioning and provide on-call troubleshooting support during pilot campaigns.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

What You Will Be Doing Tech Breakdown

• Industrial automation and control systems (PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA)
• Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms
• IEC 61131-3 programming, including ladder logic
• Low-voltage electrical systems and control cabinet design
• Analog/digital I/O and industrial networking protocols
• Electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs
• Electrified critical minerals extraction and filtration systems

Daily Responsibilities

• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to define system requirements and develop effective control strategies.
• Lead the design, fabrication, and deployment of innovative electrified systems from prototype through pilot and commercial-scale applications.
• Design and build low-voltage control cabinets, select components, and coordinate procurement.
• Program and maintain PLCs and HMIs to monitor and control industrial processes.
• Develop and maintain electrical drawings, network diagrams, wiring documentation, and technical files.
• Conduct design reviews and ensure compliance with electrical safety requirements.
• Build internal engineering capabilities, including processes, equipment, and technical resources.
• Coordinate with external vendors and support onsite system commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver safe, reliable, and scalable control systems.

The Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Equity compensation, allowing employees to share in the company's success.
• Opportunity to work on breakthrough cleantech and materials innovation.
• Significant technical ownership and opportunities for career growth.
• Collaborative, mission-driven engineering environment.
• Full-time, onsite position in Watertown, MA.

You will receive the following benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Vacation time.
• Stock options/equity compensation.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis now and in the future.