Senior Automation Engineer

Posted 3 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Oakland, CA
100K-140K Annually
Senior level
Food
The Role
The Senior Automation Engineer will lead the design, development, and maintenance of automated systems in a food manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include PLC programming, SCADA systems work, collaborating on functional specifications, and mentoring junior engineers while ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
Summary Generated by Built In

Impossible Foods was founded to transform the global food system and reduce the impact of climate change by making the world’s most delicious, nutritious, and sustainable meat, fish, and dairy — from plants. We’re building a rockstar team of brilliant, collaborative, mission-driven individuals who take pride in using their diverse skills to contribute to saving our planet. 


Want to join the movement? You can help us solve the most urgent, important challenge facing the world today (and have fun doing it).


Job Summary:

This role requires a strong understanding of industrial automation principles, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and a deep knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices. You will collaborate on the creation of functional specifications for new and existing systems. Lead projects, implement automation changes, and help facilitate upgrades. Work with internal and external Engineering teams to ensure complete and accurate information is being provided. You will work with Manufacturing and Engineering teams to develop and improve processes at all levels of the organization. This position will report directly to the Senior Manager, Engineering.


Essential Job Functions:

  • Responsible for design, development, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems and equipment within a food manufacturing environment
  • Develop Functional Specifications & PLC code
  • Perform PLC configuration and validation
  • Work with SQL, SCADA, Historian and related databases
  • Update plant schematics and diagrams using AutoCad
  • Create HMIs with design to optimize data exchange and general system usability
  • Develop User Requirement Specifications in regards to automation and data collection
  • Define project electrical and controls technical requirements, employing standards & engaging cross -functionally with internal technical teams
  • Understand PIDs, BFDs, and Mass Balance studies
  • Create or expand internal control standards; exploiting existing solutions and established industrial standards
  • Champion controls safety design and assess systems to PLC / SIL 2 safety levels; crafting comprehensive safe systems from hardware selection, installation and safety programs
  • Help develop RFPs and RFQs for equipment and materials
  • Collaborate with manufacturing plants across the organization
  • Champion a collaborative learning environment and mentor junior engineers
  • Travel up to 15% for FATs and plant trials

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field
  • 8+ years of experience in industrial automation engineering within a food manufacturing environment
  • Strong proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell Automation, Siemens) and SCADA systems (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition)
  • Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus)
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
  • Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 8+ years of experience as a hands-on Controls Engineer or Applications Engineer working on automation and/or electromechanical systems
  • Advanced proficiency in programming industrial processes and manufacturing equipment
  • Experience leading projects from concept through validation: schedule development, equipment specification, installation, commissioning, qualification, and verification

Impossible Foods Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other trait protected by law. 


Impossible Foods offers opportunities to all job seekers including job seekers with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your application for employment or interview process, please contact us by sending an email to [email protected] or call 855-877-6365. Resumes or CVs submitted to this email inbox will not be accepted.


If the ability to work remotely is indicated, this role can be performed from any US state except for Alaska, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.


This role is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Top Skills

Plc
The Company
HQ: Redwood City, CA
890 Employees
On-site Workplace
Year Founded: 2011

What We Do

We're transforming the global food system by creating better ways to make meat, dairy and fish without using animals -- delicious, good for people, and good for the planet. Our approach: understand what people love about meat, dairy, and fish, and then explore the plant world for specific ingredients that recreate those experiences. In 2016, we launched the Impossible™ Burger: meat made from plants, for people who love to eat meat.

Founded in 2011 by Pat Brown MD, PhD (Stanford Professor Emeritus) and backed by top-tier VCs and visionaries, we’re looking for the very best scientists, engineers, food developers, and business professionals in the world to join our creative, diverse, multi-talented and mission-driven team. We’re here to secure a sustainable future (and have fun while doing it). Come work with us to change the course of history.

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