Senior Controls Engineer, Cathode

Cathode Controls Engineer 

We are seeking a Cathode Controls Engineer to design, build, and debug best-in-class controls software for Redwood’s high-throughput cathode material production facility. This engineer will play a critical role in designing, commissioning and scaling a fully integrated and highly automated chemical plant—working at the intersection of chemical process engineering, industrial automation, and software development.

This role is based in San Francisco, with up to 100% travel to Reno, NV during commissioning and early startup phases. If necessary, we will adjust the job level to suit your experience and responsibilities. 

Responsibilities will include: 

• Design and implement controls software for cathode production equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and distributed control systems (DCS).
• Program, test, and debug automation sequences and interlocks to ensure safe and efficient operation of chemical process units.
• Collaborate with process, mechanical, and electrical engineers to develop instrumentation and control strategies for new equipment and systems.
• Lead commissioning and bring-up efforts on-site in Reno, NV, including IO checks, logic validation, and process tuning.
• Develop robust diagnostics, alarms, and fault recovery strategies to ensure high system uptime and maintainability.
• Optimize control loops and automation performance to support continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Document control logic, operating procedures, and system architecture for future maintenance and knowledge transfer.
• Support integration with data systems for monitoring, reporting, and advanced analytics.
• Ensure all systems comply with process safety and regulatory standards. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial controls or automation engineering, ideally in a chemical, pharmaceutical, or large-scale process manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience programming PLCs and HMIs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, or similar).
• Familiarity with SCADA/DCS systems and real-time process control strategies.
• Strong understanding of industrial sensors, instrumentation, and control loop tuning.
• Experience supporting system commissioning and startup in a live production environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with chemical or materials manufacturing processes is a strong plus. 

Physical Requirements:

• Wear proper PPE when necessary.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: office, machine shop, wet laboratory, chemical plant, outdoor test sites.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 100% to Reno, NV during plant commissioning (typical duration: M-F during Commissioning).
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% to Reno, NV during other periods.