Entry Level Process Engineer Jobs in Oakland, CA

Job Title: Controls and Automation Engineer

Location: Burlingame, CA

Department: Manufacturing Engineering

Position Type: Full Time

Compensation:

About the Company

Peak Energy is the first American venture to advance globally proven Sodium-Ion battery systems as the storage standard for the new era of renewable energy on a resilient grid. Sodium-Ion is cheap, readily available and safe, making it the leading contender in a rapidly evolving market.

Our leadership team is powered by decades of expertise in scaling gigawatt-level innovation at world-class companies such as Tesla, Northvolt, SunPower, Fluence, and Enovix. We are backed by strategic investment and product partners such as TDK Ventures and Eclipse Ventures.

We are a team of engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and partners driven by a shared ambition to set the new performance standard for renewable energy and grid resilience.

About the Job

Peak Energy is looking for a Controls and Automation Engineer to join our Manufacturing Engineering team supporting Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) manufacturing automation. This is an entry-level to junior-level, individual-contributor role focused on supporting the implementation, and maintenance of control systems and automation solutions that ensure the efficiency, safety, and quality of our battery products.

You will work closely with senior Controls Engineers, Equipment Engineers, and Process Engineers to build hands-on experience with PLCs, SCADA, and HMI systems, developing into a more independent contributor as you grow with the team and Peak Energy scales production.

Responsibilities:

• Support the programming and commissioning of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for BESS manufacturing equipment, under the guidance of senior Controls Engineers.

• Partner with Equipment Engineers to help integrate automation solutions into new and existing manufacturing equipment.

• Help analyze production processes and identify opportunities for automation and control improvements.

• Support the implementation and upkeep of data acquisition systems, helping collect and organize production data for Process and Automation Engineers to analyze.

• Assist in maintaining safety systems, such as emergency shutdown procedures and safety interlocks.

• Troubleshoot control system issues on the manufacturing floor and perform routine maintenance to keep automation systems running reliably.

• Collaborate with Process Engineers, Equipment Engineers, and Maintenance to ensure control systems support production needs.

• Help maintain documentation of control system designs, revisions, and updates, and contribute to operator and maintenance training materials.

• Support efforts to keep control systems compliant with applicable industry, safety, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls/Automation, or a related field), or equivalent practical experience.

• 0–2 years of experience in controls, automation, or a related engineering field; relevant internships, co-ops, or capstone projects are valued.

• Foundational knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems, and HMI design principles.

• Exposure to industrial automation platforms (e.g., Beckhoff TwinCAT, Allen-Bradley, or Siemens) through coursework or hands-on projects is a plus.

• Familiarity with data acquisition or historian platforms, such as Ignition by Inductive Automation, is a plus.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a willingness to learn and take direction from senior engineers.

• Clear communicator who works well in cross-functional teams.

• Eagerness to adapt to new technologies and grow technical skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Basic understanding of environmental and safety regulations relevant to controls and automation in manufacturing.

Peak Energy Core Values

Speed Through Focus: Prioritize what matters most and execute quickly without distractions.

Mission Over Self: Put the company's mission and team success ahead of individual interests.

Face the Brutal Truth: Embrace honesty, even when it's uncomfortable, to make informed decisions.

Be a Good Person: Treat everyone with respect and integrity, fostering a positive and ethical work environment.

The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $180,000, with actual pay varying based on work location, experience, and skills. At Peak Energy, we value our employees and promote work-life balance. Our competitive benefits package includes unlimited PTO, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a strong 401(k) plan, and equity opportunities. Join us to thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact in the energy sector!

At Peak Energy Technologies Inc., we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us a more capable, innovative, and competitive company. We welcome people who represent diversity in their backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. Peak Energy Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, aiming to reach our company's full potential by cultivating an inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.