Automation & Controls Engineer

On-site • Oakland, CA, United States • Full time • $75,000 - $85,000 annually

About Us

Aepnus is a leading U.S.-based climate tech startup. We’re fortunate to be backed by some of the biggest names in climate venture capital (Lowercarbon Capital, Voyager). We are developing technologies to enable electrified, sustainable, domestic production of critical materials. Our first goal? Regenerating chemical waste produced by the battery sector into valuable commodity chemicals. Our long-term goal is to expand our electrolysis platform to produce all kinds of industrial chemicals driving a 50Mt annual reduction in global greenhouse emissions by 2030.

About the Role

Aepnus Technology is looking for an intrinsically motivated junior-level, automation and controls engineer to support developing, testing, and operating balance of plant systems for our pilot and lab-scale electrochemical technologies. Strong candidates will have a multidisciplinary engineering background spanning chemical/materials, mechanical, electrical, and automation/controls engineering. This candidate will support systems and process engineers in reducing operator burden and increasing data collection streams from existing and future test equipment. As a member of a small team, they will also have responsibilities in operating pilot-scale electrolysis systems.

Automation/Controls

• Troubleshoot and update pilot SCADA systems in Ignition
• Maintain and modify pilot electrical power and data panels, connections, etc.
• Assemble new automated fluid system components including actuated valves, in-line instruments, and associated pipes, fittings, etc. as we scale

Pilot Operation

• Prepare reagents and handle chemical products at large-scale (barrels and totes)
• Assemble, test, and run diagnostics of pilot-scale electrochemical systems
• Perform pilot-scale operation including startup/shutdown, monitoring, sampling, and data analysis
• Summarize and share findings with the research team in written reports and slide presentations
• Order chemicals, consumables, and replacement parts for the maintenance of the pilot-system

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in electrical, chemical, or other relevant engineering disciplines
• Proven experience with hands-on projects involving automations and controls systems
• Handy with tools commonly used in the machine shop, able to lift 35 pounds comfortably, and working knowledge of hardware, electrical, piping, etc.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• 2-5 years experience in industry
• Familiarity with SCADA systems
• 1-2 years of independent research in a wet lab and understanding of general safety in a chemical lab environment
• Demonstrated experience with electrochemical technologies such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis, and water treatment. Completion of a basic electrochemistry course is a plus!
• Proven experience with pilot or small-scale fluid systems and electronics
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals in the fields of transport and thermodynamics
• Proficient at handling large volumes of experimental data in Excel, Python, and/or MATLAB
• Ability to work independently under dynamic environments and be a self-starter

Why Aepnus?

At Aepnus, you'll be surrounded by smart, driven people tackling the biggest challenges. We offer:

A front-row seat at the forefront of climate tech. Work alongside our founding team and scientific advisors to scale up new technologies that will change the world and bring them to market.

Rapid growth and opportunity. We're expanding fast, and you'll have a chance to advance quickly whilst learning along the way. Help us achieve our vision for a sustainable future and you'll be rewarded with new responsibilities and career development.

Competitive pay and benefits. We value balance and know that happy, supported employees do their best work. Enjoy perks like equity, flexible vacation, health insurance, and more.

An exciting, fast-paced environment. Join our team and help build Aepnus from the ground up. Every day brings new challenges and rewards as we work to revolutionize the energy industry.

A culture of passion and possibility. Surround yourself with curious people motivated to create positive change.

Aepnus is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. Aepnus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.