Senior Automation Engineer

Summary
Join Therma's dynamic team as a Senior Automation Engineer and play a key role in the design, implementation, and commissioning of advanced industrial automation solutions. This is a hands-on technical leadership position for an engineer who enjoys solving complex challenges, partnering directly with customers, and delivering projects from concept through startup.
You'll have the opportunity to work on diverse greenfield and retrofit projects, leverage industry-leading automation technologies, mentor junior engineers, and help deliver innovative solutions that improve efficiency, reliability, and performance. If you're passionate about automation and thrive in a fast-paced, project-driven environment, we'd love to hear from you.

What This Role Is

A senior-level engineering role with significant ownership of automation system design, programming, and commissioning.
A hands-on position that combines technical execution, problem solving, customer interaction, and project leadership.
An opportunity to lead complex industrial automation projects from concept through startup while mentoring junior engineers.

What This Role Is Not

A maintenance, controls technician, or production support role.
A project management position removed from the technical work.
A role focused solely on PLC programming, HMI development, or commissioning.
An entry-level engineering position.

Core Responsibilities

Lead the design and implementation for greenfield and automation retrofit projects.
Develop Functional Design Specifications and Sequence of Operations (SOO).
Program and script PLC/DCS systems.
Create and configure HMI/SCADA graphics.
Define and design electrical and controls schematics.
Oversee the development and execution of test protocols and managing commissioning activities.
Prepare close-out documentation and ensure compliance.
Manage automation project budgets and timelines.
Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance.
Serve as the primary customer interface for the automation and controls scopes.

Technical Expertise
PLC/DCS Programming: Rockwell RSLogix5000/500, Siemens Step 7/TIA Portal, DeltaV, ABB, Foxboro.
HMI/SCADA Development: Ignition Inductive Automation, GE Cimplicity/iFIX, Wonderware, Rockwell FactoryTalk View Studio, Siemens.
Networking & Drives: Practical knowledge of networked VFDs and communication protocols (i.e. Modbus, BACnet).
Data Acquisition Systems: OSI PI, Wonderware Historian, or similar.
Control Panel Design: Experience with AutoCAD; knowledge of UL 508A (UL698A is a plus).
Instrumentation: Specifying and implementing instrumentation solutions.
Programming Skills: Structured text (C++, Java, Visual Basic) is a plus.
Qualifications & Requirements

BS or higher in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in industrial automation and controls.
Experience designing, programming, testing, and commissioning industrial control systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for specifications, technical documentation, and client interactions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
Ability to travel locally and occasionally outside California.

Base salary: $155k-$195k per year.
Notes: Actual compensation will be based on skills, experience, and work location, and may vary from the posted range. This posting reflects compensation at the time of posting and may be updated. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
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