Automation & Controls Engineer

Automation & Controls Engineer Job Description

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now and in the future. The company does not offer visa sponsorship or transfer of visas for this position now or in the future.

About Us:

At Hithium Tech USA, we're not just building batteries; we're building a cleaner, more sustainable future. We're a global leader in advanced energy storage solutions, and we're thrilled to be establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility right here in North Texas. This expansion marks a pivotal moment in our mission to localize the market and make reliable, cutting-edge Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) accessible to more people than ever before.

The Automation and Controls Engineer will serve as the local subject matter expert for automation and control systems within our Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) production facility. This role involves leading the design, development, commissioning, and optimization of complex automated systems, including robotics, PLCs, vision systems, and AGVs. The Automation and Controls Engineer will ensure safe and efficient production, conduct risk assessments, provide technical support, maintain compliance with industry standards, and collaborate with both local and international teams to drive continuous improvement. The Automation & Controls Engineer will play a crucial role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our energy storage solutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, commissioning, and performance of different technology solutions supporting BESS production.
• Work collaboratively as the equipment expert to ensure production lines operate in a safe and efficient manner.
• Develop FMEA and Risk Assessment to prioritize process and equipment improvements
• Act as the local responsibility and also mentor others on robotic/plc programming, vision system analysis, and other various controls systems.
• Provide on-site technical support.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations (ISO, ANSI, RIA).
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including control system design specifications, wiring diagrams, and operational procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of control system configurations and revisions.
• Work closely with vendors and suppliers to select and procure control system components.
• Aid in the creation and maintenance of North American Controls Standards.
• Collaboratively coordinate on future projects with the Overseas HQ team to ensure optimized controls systems and drive continuous improvement.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) of automation and controls systems.
• Automation and Controls Engineer will be the local subject matter expert (SME) over the below technologies:
  • Semi and Fully Automated automation equipment
  • Siemens PLC & Controls Devices
  • Kuka and Fanuc 6 Axis and Scara Robotics

• Vision Guided Robotics
• Various Electrical and Leak Testing Setups
• 2D & 3D Vision Systems – Cognex and Keyence
• Fleet of approximately 200 AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle) of various types/functions
• SCADA, MES, QMS, WMS, EAM, TPM and EMS systems integrations
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Manufacturing, Controls Systems Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in automation and controls working within a manufacturing facility.
• Provide experience working with PLC systems (Siemens), SCADA systems, and HMI Interfaces.
• Experience in battery industry or similar industries (Power Generation, High Volume, Low Mix Automotive, Medical).
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in reading and creating electrical schematics and control wiring diagrams.
• Ability to Travel up to 30%

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Control Systems Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with power system analysis software is a plus.
• Experience with battery management systems (BMS).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for industrial control systems.