Principal Controls Engineer

Company Description

24M Technologies answers the world’s need for affordable energy storage by enabling a new, more cost-effective solution — SemiSolidTM lithium-ion technology. Our breakthrough manufacturing platform provides for low-cost, high energy density, safe and long-life storage for electric mobility, grid and other applications. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including the Volkswagen Group, Kyocera, GPSC and FREYR, 24M has built an ecosystem to rapidly scale the SemiSolidTM platform and develop a better, cleaner energy future. Founded in 2010 and led by some of the battery industry’s foremost inventors, scientists and entrepreneurs, 24M is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. and backed by top industrial partners and venture capital firms. For more information, please visit www.24-m.com.

Job Description

The Principal Controls Engineer, Machine and PLC controls, will be a member of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Team, focused on developing the next generation high-volume manufacturing processes that will connect 24M’s revolutionary product to the high growth energy storage market. This team member will define process control system needs for critical production steps and collaborate with internal and external machine design experts to identify, screen and develop process control concepts that meet these specs. 

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of industrial control, automation, and measurement systems in support of manufacturing unique products moving from development to commercialization.
• Working knowledge of common industrial process equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, compressors, robots, servo controllers, motion applications, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to understand complex and new manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience with online and offline manufacturing metrics (e.g., vision, thickness measurement, defect detection, etc.).
• Programming experience with PLC’s, HMI’s and robots, including building new control systems.
• Ability to develop process controls using standard programming languages such as Ladder, Sequential Function Chart, Structured Text and Function Block Diagram.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, as well as wiring/building/troubleshooting industrial control panels and AC/DC wiring.
• Proficiency selecting appropriate circuit protectors, wire and cable, sensors, safety hardware, PLC hardware, remote I/O, VFD and servo systems.
• Hands-on experience with industry standard automation components – VFD’s, PLC’s, HMI’s (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, Siemens, etc.).
• Current knowledge of safety standards and best practices in the field of controls engineering.
• Working knowledge of best practices in automation and control systems, manufacturing data collection systems, and operations management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to perform advanced troubleshooting of control systems, including mechanical/controls interactions, without direct supervision.
• Demonstrated adaptability to provide quality results while delivering on aggressive timelines.
• Experience working with external Automation vendors, and providing them User Requirements, Statement of Work and managing them through completion.
• Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintain them over time.

Desired

• Experience working in a startup environment
• Knowledge of ISA-88 and ISA-95
• Knowledge of Electrical Controls standards NFPA70, NFPA79, UL508A or other relevant international standards
• Vision system design and integration for inspecting, locating and positioning

Key Responsibilities

• Create, communicate, and implement the company-wide manufacturing data & controls strategy to facilitate the 24M roadmap from development to commercialization.
• Support the development of the manufacturing control system infrastructure leading to products that meet or exceed cost, quality, features, functionality & performance.
• Identify and collaborate with external service and equipment suppliers and strategic partners.
• Design and build out factory level, and line/machine level controls standards and specifications for application by external partners.
• Provide technical expertise and leadership in the area of process and equipment development, i.e. equipment / process control and monitoring.
• Provide hands-on controls support for full-scale production equipment, from initial commissioning to mass production and ramp.
• Oversee contractors during installation to ensure work is accomplished in a safe & timely manner.
• Provide design and programming support for PLC’s, motion control, vision applications, robotic systems and PC controlled equipment.
• Support the development, implementation and maintenance of new and existing processes, configuring manufacturing controls & automation systems to reduce cost, improve sustainability and develop best practices within the manufacturing process, with focus on safety, quality and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and correct PLC ladder logic/IPC SW ensuring that code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable. PLC/IPC code will interact with subsystems such as conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Execution System MES, machine vision, and 3rd party equipment.
• Multi-task and respond to technical support requests in a timely fashion, delivering solutions on time while updating a support ticket database with accurate and traceable results.
• Work closely with Process Engineers to develop and implement error-proofing systems.
• Work closely with Operations and Maintenance to troubleshoot and resolve daily production issues relating to electrical or controls systems.
• Report and recommend on manufacturing data & controls matters to Senior Management.
• Provide guidance and expert advice on manufacturing control systems to other technical and non-technical groups.

 Required Experience

• Bachelor of Science in an Engineering - preferrably Electrical Engineering 
• 20+ years of experience in data & controls engineering related positions

Areas of Independent Action

• Complex problem solving, ability to identify complex problems, review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Critical thinking; use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Additional Information

Supervisory Responsibility

• Supervise and manage coops and/or interns.

Physical and Environmental Standards

• Must be capable of up to 30% travel on a global basis.
• Must be capable of working in a clean dryroom environment.
• Capable of wearing clean room attire when working in dry room environment: face mask, hair net, safety glasses, gloves, coverall suit and shoe covers.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.