Remote Distributed Systems Engineer Jobs in California

From concept to design to execution, be part of the team that gets everyday products to people.

Do you want to have an impact on creating products from today's top brands? Does having a company care about your career today and into the future motivate you? Does an environment where your opinions matter excite you? Are you a natural born tinkerer? If so, you have found your next calling!

Grantek is a recognized leading provider of integrated automation, smart manufacturing and industrial information solutions in the global marketplace. Our clients are some of the worlds most respected Fortune 100 companies and recognized consumer brands: Mondelez, Brita, Molson Coors, Coca-Cola, Kraft-Heinz, to name a few.

We offer an atmosphere where you can express your creative ideas and talents by working on a variety of projects and technologies. Using today's leading edge technology, you will partner with clients to solve their most complex manufacturing and industrial information problems.

At Grantek, we provide a competitive and all-encompassing compensation package, emphasising our commitment to our employees' well-being. Our benefits, including top-notch medical, dental, vision coverage, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, and flexible work schedules, reflect our dedication to fostering a supportive work environment. The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $140,000 per year, complemented by benefits, bonuses and additional extra hours payments.  For more information on what Grantek offers, visit:  https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/1366407  

We are committed to providing a positive and healthy corporate culture, one that empowers employees, promotes knowledge-sharing, and encourages strong friendships and social connections amongst all team members. We are a team of dedicated Engineers and Designers with an average of 7 years' tenure at Grantek. The vast majority of our employees have started off their careers at Grantek and have grown into successful senior team members who are integral to our client's manufacturing processes.

As a key member of Grantek's Engineering team, you will be developing real-time automation solutions from the manufacturing plant floor to the enterprise level, using a variety of programming, configuration, and design tools: PLC and PAC Programming, Operator Interface and HMI application design, SCADA design, Network design, Database design, Vision system design, Machine Safety system design, Servo motion control, Information Solution design, MES design, ERP connector development, High-level software solution design (involving C#, HTML5, .NET, SQL, VB, VBA, and more). All junior team members will enter our mentoring program, where they will work directly beside our Senior Engineer professionals.

Key-skills and interests: machine and process control, high-level programming, information solutions, database development, operational efficiency, mechatronics. 

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Engineering and implementing real-time automation controls and information solutions.

• Architecting full-system solutions (control logic, SCADA/HMI, networking, MES, data flow, safety systems).

• System programming, debugging, troubleshooting, and testing across multi-vendor platforms.

• Performing hands-on PLC/PAC development, SCADA and HMI design, and integration.

• Creating methodologies and performing advanced problem-solving on complex automation issues.

• Learning and adapting to new technologies, frameworks, and platforms.

Design & Documentation

• Conceptualizing technical solutions during the design phase of the project life cycle.

• Creating documentation including engineering notes, proposals, specifications, design traceability, FAT/SAT procedures, change-control documents, and case studies.

• Reviewing technical documentation and translating requirements into actionable engineering tasks.

Commissioning & Client Support

• Commissioning new solutions at client sites and identifying opportunities for improvements.

• Troubleshooting real-time issues during deployment and operation.

• Reviewing SCADA screens, PLC logic, and design deliverables produced by remote team members.

• Representing Grantek professionally in enterprise client environments.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Meeting with stakeholders to gather requirements and clarify objectives.

• Communicating technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Coordinating work with remote teams across multiple time zones.

• Mentoring colleagues and contributing expertise to the broader engineering team.

• Managing task prioritization across 5-10 active projects simultaneously.

Technologies Used

PLC / PAC Platforms:
Rockwell / Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, ControlLogix, CompactLogix), Siemens, Omron, Modicon, GE, Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 (Structured Text, Function Blocks).

SCADA / HMI Platforms:
Ignition (Vision & Perspective - required), Rockwell / Allen-Bradley, Wonderware, GE, Schneider Electric, Siemens.

System Networking & Protocols:
Ethernet, Routing & Switching, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, DH+, Remote I/O, OPC-UA.

Motion, Vision & Safety:
Servo Motion Control (Rockwell/AB, Emerson, Omron), Vision Systems (Cognex, Datalogic, Keyence), Machine Safety design and risk assessments.

High-Level Programming & Databases:
C#, .NET, HTML5, SQL, VB/VBA, Python/JavaScript (preferred); Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle.

Operating Systems & Documentation:
Microsoft (current and legacy), Unix, Linux; Microsoft Office for project documentation.

• Successful or upcoming completion of a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or related Engineering Technology discipline.

• 6-8+ years of practical experience with PLCs, SCADA/HMI, networking, databases, motion, safety, or high-level programming (as outlined in the Technologies Used section).

• Academic or industry experience with Ignition (Vision & Perspective), Allen-Bradley, and/or Beckhoff TwinCAT strongly preferred.

• Meticulous, conscientious, analytical, focused, and able to learn complex systems quickly.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to interface with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Strong organizational ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in fast-paced environments.

• Valid Driver's License and full-time access to a personal vehicle.

• Willingness to travel 30-50% as needed for client and commissioning work.

*Flexibility for local travel with occasional day trips, and the opportunity for additional travel throughout North America based on individual preferences and project requirements.

We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to provide Grantekians with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

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