Equipment Engineer – Controls & Automation

Equipment Engineer – Controls & Automation

Caelux Corporation

Baldwin Park, CA

On-site Schedule

About Us:

Caelux is a pioneering leader in the field of perovskite solar cell technology, committed to revolutionizing the renewable energy sector with cutting-edge innovations. We are at the forefront of developing full-scale, high-efficiency, cost-effective solar solutions. The size of the solar-generation market has grown 15X in the last decade and shows no signs of slowing down. The global solar power market is now over $200B/year and accounts for 50% of new electricity-generating capacity additions in the USA. Solar-generated electricity is now cheaper than that generated by coal or oil.

Job Summary:

In this role, you will be the engineer responsible for the electrical and controls scope of production tools — from control system design through commissioning and long-term support. You will design, program, and troubleshoot PLC/PAC-based control architectures for solution-deposition and other liquid-phase equipment, and you'll have the opportunity to bring automation and safety-system best practices from the semiconductor and glass industries into Caelux's unique perovskite process.

Key Responsibilities:

● Design, develop, and commission PLC/PAC-based control systems for solution-deposition and other liquid-phase production tools, including HMI/SCADA screens, I/O architecture, and network topology.

● Develop controls & automation engineering packages: control narratives, P&IDs, electrical schematics, panel layouts, I/O lists, safety circuit design, and factory/site acceptance test (FAT/SAT) protocols.

● Design, implement, and validate machine safety systems — e-stops, light curtains, interlocks, and safety-rated circuits — in compliance with NFPA 79, ANSI B11, and OSHA requirements.

● Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC/PAC platforms and integrate control systems with plant MES and data historians.

● Support installation, commissioning, and controls tuning (PID loop tuning, motion control) of new equipment; troubleshoot electrical and controls faults on lab and fab equipment.

● Establish and maintain electrical energy control (lockout/tagout) procedures in accordance with NFPA 70E.

● Manage project timelines and communicate progress, risks, and successes to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications:

● Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or another STEM field, plus 3 – 7 years' experience, or Master's degree plus 2 years' experience.

● Hands-on experience programming PLC/PAC controllers in ladder logic, function block diagram, structured text, or SFC (IEC 61131-3 languages).

● Experience with industrial communication networks (EtherCAT, Profibus, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, or Serial).

● Working knowledge of electrical safety standards (NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NEC/NFPA 79) and lockout/tagout procedures.

● Good engineering practices (safety, documentation, calibration).

● Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs. Must be able to work at bench-height lab equipment and climb short stepladders to access service access ports located approximately 6 feet off the floor.

Preferred Knowledge:

● Experience designing UL 508A-compliant industrial control panels.

● Experience implementing Category 3/4 safety-rated circuits (safety relays, safety PLCs such as Allen-Bradley GuardLogix, or Pilz systems).

● Familiarity with PLC platforms such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or Beckhoff.

● OPC-UA server/client configuration and MES/SCADA integration experience (e.g., Ignition, FactoryTalk).

● Machine vision integration (Cognex, Keyence) for inline inspection.

● Experience with servo/motion control systems (e.g., Beckhoff TwinCAT, Allen-Bradley Kinetix, Kollmorgen).

● Structured root-cause troubleshooting experience (e.g., Ishikawa/fishbone, 8D).

What We Offer:

● Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses

● Comprehensive health and wellness benefits

● Retirement plan and company match

● Stock options

● Opportunities for professional development and growth

● Collaborative and innovative work environment

Compensation:

$115,000 - $135,000

Benefits:

● 401(k)

● 401(k) matching

● Dental insurance

● Employee assistance program

● Health insurance

● Health savings account

● Life insurance

● Paid time off

● Parental leave

● Professional development assistance

● Referral program

● Tuition reimbursement

● Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Pay: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person