Job Title: Principal Controls Engineer
Location: Petaluma, CA
Work Type: Fulltime/Onsite
Work Authorization: Only US Citizens/Green Card Holders
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Principal Controls Engineer to help develop, improve, and support advanced industrial process systems. This role involves designing and programming control systems, supporting field operations, troubleshooting equipment, and helping scale products from development to manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
•   Design, program, test, and troubleshoot control systems and controls hardware.Â
•   Support pilot projects and field operations.Â
•   Provide electrical and controls support for laboratory equipment.Â
•   Assist with manufacturing and product development efforts.Â
•   Improve system performance, reliability, and cost efficiency.Â
•   Work with pumps, heaters, motors, instrumentation, and process equipment.Â
•   Design control panels, wiring systems, and automation solutions.Â
•   Support system startup, commissioning, and field troubleshooting.Â
•   Develop and maintain PLC and SCADA programs.Â
•   Implement safety systems and controls best practices.
Required Qualifications
•   Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.Â
•   Extensive experience in process control, power generation, combustion, manufacturing, multiphase fluid systems, or related industries.Â
•   Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial process equipment.Â
•   Experience with safety system design and implementation.Â
•   Experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, AVEVA, or similar SCADA and controls platforms.Â
•   Strong PLC programming skills using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and/or Function Blocks.Â
•   Experience with MODBUS, Profinet, and industrial communication protocols.Â
•   Experience working with PLCs, HMIs, drives, I/O modules, and controls hardware.Â
•   Experience with control panel and wiring design.Â
•   Experience supporting field pilot operations.Â
•   Experience working in industrial R&D environments, preferably with hardware-based products or startups.Â
Preferred Qualifications
•   Experience with process and controls simulation.Â
•   Leadership or team management experience.Â
•   Experience with high-pressure and/or high-temperature systems such as SCWO, oil & gas, nuclear, or aerospace systems.Â
•   Experience using Autodesk, SolidWorks, Ansys, Python, or similar engineering software.Â
Ideal Candidate
•   Hands-on problem solver with strong troubleshooting skills.Â
•   Detail-oriented and focused on quality and safety.Â
•   Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.Â
•   Able to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.Â
•   Self-driven, innovative, and capable of solving complex technical challenges.Â
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Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- Equity/stock option opportunity
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and company holidays