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Assistant Mechatronics Engineering Jobs in Inwood, WV

Assistant Mechatronics Engineering information

What is an assistant mechatronics engineer?

Assistant Mechatronics Engineers are entry-level professionals who support senior engineers in designing, developing, and maintaining systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Their tasks often include assisting with prototyping, testing equipment, troubleshooting issues, and preparing technical documentation. They work in various industries, such as manufacturing, robotics, and automotive, to help ensure that mechatronic systems function efficiently. Typically, they work under the supervision of more experienced engineers while gaining practical experience and developing specialized skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant mechatronics engineer?

To thrive as an Assistant Mechatronics Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC programming, robotics platforms, and simulation tools is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative and fast-evolving project environments. These competencies are crucial for developing, maintaining, and optimizing integrated mechatronic systems in modern engineering settings.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant mechatronics engineers in their day-to-day work?

Assistant Mechatronics Engineers often encounter challenges related to troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems, integrating new technologies, and managing multiple project tasks simultaneously. They work closely with cross-functional teams, such as mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, which requires strong communication and collaboration skills. Adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and learning industry-specific tools or software are also typical hurdles, but these experiences provide valuable learning opportunities and foster professional growth.

What is the difference between Assistant Mechatronics Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering Technician?

AspectAssistant Mechatronics EngineeringMechanical Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or diploma in mechatronics or related fieldDiploma or associate's degree in mechanical technology
Work EnvironmentElectronics labs, manufacturing plants, automation settingsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, maintenance departments
Employer & Industry UsageAutomation, robotics, electronics companiesManufacturing, mechanical maintenance, product testing

Assistant Mechatronics Engineering roles focus on integrating electronics, mechanics, and software, often working with automation systems. Mechanical Engineering Technicians primarily support mechanical systems and machinery. Both roles require technical education but differ in specialization and work environment, with Assistant Mechatronics Engineering emphasizing electronics and automation, while Mechanical Engineering Technicians focus on mechanical systems.

Are assistant mechatronics engineers in high demand?

Assistant mechatronics engineers are in growing demand due to the increasing integration of automation, robotics, and control systems across industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. Strong skills in programming, sensors, and CAD are valuable, and employment opportunities are expected to expand as technology advances.

Electronics & Programming Engineer

Winchester, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Title: Electronics & Programming Engineer
Department: Hydrogen
Location: Winchester, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time 

About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people—we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.

We believe great teams are built on individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart—those who put team success first, take initiative to continuously improve, and demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact as you grow through hands-on experience and collaboration across the team.

Role Summary
As the Electronics & Programming Engineer, you will own the controls and electronics stack across our hydrogen generation and fueling product line starting with the Expeditionary Hydrogen Refueling Station and extending to future hydrogen fueling, storage, and dispensing equipment. You will design and program PLC/HMI logic, integrate sensors and safety systems, and lay out the electrical architecture inside compact, ruggedized enclosures. You will work closely with the mechanical design engineers on enclosure and panel layout, with the test engineer on validation and troubleshooting, and with hydrogen team engineers as we integrate controls across the full hydrogen system.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, program, and commission PLC and HMI logic controlling hydrogen generation, storage, compression, and dispensing subsystems.
  • Own electrical schematic development and enclosure electrical layout, including power distribution, breaker/fuse sizing, DIN rail layout, and wire/connector selection for compact, ruggedized packaging.
  • Integrate sensors and actuators - pressure transducers, gas sensors, conductivity sensors, float switches, VFDs - and specify signal conditioning, fusing, and protection circuitry.
  • Design and validate safety-critical logic, including E-stop circuits, safety relays, and interlocks for hydrogen leak, pressure, and fault conditions.
  • Work directly with the mechanical design engineer to co-develop enclosure layouts, cable routing, and component placement across new product designs.
  • Partner with the test engineer to define electrical test procedures, build test fixtures, and support environmental and integration testing.
  • Support integration of fuel cells and balance-of-plant equipment - compressors, valves, sensors, thermal management - into the broader controls architecture.
  • Assist in troubleshoot of systems during bench integration, factory acceptance testing, and field deployment, and perform root-cause analysis on electrical/controls issues.
  • Maintain accurate bills of materials, wiring diagrams, and as-built documentation, and support supplier evaluation and component sourcing decisions.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls/Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical discipline, and equivalent hands-on experience.
  • 3-6+ years of experience in industrial controls, electronics, or embedded systems design.
  • Hands-on experience programming PLCs (ladder logic and/or structured text) and developing HMI applications for industrial or embedded systems.
  • Solid understanding of industrial electrical design, including AC/DC power distribution, overcurrent protection, relay logic, and safety circuits (E-stops, safety relays, interlocks).
  • Experience reading and working from engineering drawings, electrical diagrams, and component specifications.
  • Working knowledge of relevant electrical and safety codes and standards (e.g., NFPA, NEC, UL, CE, as applicable).
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort working hands-on with hardware in a lab or production environment.
  • Clear, disciplined documentation habits, including wiring diagrams, bills of materials, and design records that others can rely on and build from.
  • Safety-first mindset, particularly around hydrogen and high-pressure systems.
  • Hands-on problem solver comfortable working directly with hardware on the bench, in the enclosure, and in the field.
  • Clear communicator, able to translate technical data into written reports and actionable findings.
  • Collaborative team player comfortable working across mechanical design, testing, fuel cell, and production functions.
  • Professional working proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required to perform the responsibilities of this role.
  • This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.
  • If this role requires access to information controlled under U.S. export control laws (ITAR/EAR), applicants must also qualify as a "U.S. person" under 22 CFR §120.62 (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual such as an asylee or refugee)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience with hydrogen, industrial gas, or high-pressure fluid systems (electrolyzers, compressors, gas sensing, leak detection).
  • Background in UAV, aerospace, or defense hardware development programs.
  • Familiarity with NFPA 2, NFPA 55, and hydrogen-specific safety requirements for design, lab, and field environments.
  • Experience supporting field commissioning, customer training, or service of deployed industrial or energy equipment.
  • Familiarity with defense procurement and export control considerations (ITAR/EAR, MTCR) as they relate to technical data, design work, and travel.
  • Safety-first mindset, particularly around hydrogen and high-pressure systems.
  • Hands-on problem solver comfortable working directly with hardware on the bench, in the enclosure, and in the field.
  • Clear communicator, able to translate technical data into written reports and actionable findings.
  • Collaborative team player comfortable working across mechanical design, testing, fuel cell, and production functions.

Work Environment
This role will be based at Heven AeroTech's Winchester, Virginia facility, with regular time split between the electronics/controls lab and the production floor, working alongside mechanical design, test, and fuel cell engineering. The successful candidate must be comfortable working around high-pressure systems, compressed gases, and hydrogen fuel cell hardware. Travel to customer or field sites to support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting should be expected on a periodic basis. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in applicable work areas.

Benefits Overview: 
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Budgeted Salary Range:
$118,000—$138,000 USD