Automation and Controls Engineer

About this role

Vital Lyfe seeks an Automation and Controls Engineer to design and implement manufacturing automation systems, PLC controls, and test infrastructure for innovative water technology. You'll establish the company's controls strategy while developing reliable, scalable factory automation solutions for high-volume production.

What you'll do

• Design, develop, and commission automation systems for manufacturing, product testing, and end-of-line validation
• Define and standardize PLC, HMI, SCADA, and factory software systems as the company scales
• Write organized, documented PLC code suitable for high-volume manufacturing environments
• Design automated equipment incorporating pumps, motors, valves, sensors, and instrumentation
• Implement compliant safety systems for automated and electro-mechanical equipment
• Create HMI screens, electrical designs, documentation, and technical schedules

What they're looking for

• PLC programming (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Rockwell, Siemens, or similar)
• Industrial automation and factory automation design
• Electrical systems and motor/drive sizing
• Safety system design (safety PLCs, interlocks, e-stops)
• HMI, SCADA, and industrial protocols (EtherCAT, Profinet, Modbus)
• Electrical schematic and panel design
• Troubleshooting with oscilloscopes and diagnostic tools
• Electromechanical systems and automated test stands

Benefits

• Opportunity to work on high-impact water security and climate resilience problems
• Early equity ownership in a high-growth, engineering-led startup
• Tight-knit, mission-driven team environment
• Full onsite role in Torrance, CA with hands-on hardware development
• Long-term career growth as company scales