Principal Automation & Controls Engineer

Divergent Technologies · Torrance, CA

Apply on Divergent ↗

Level: Senior
Team: Controls
Base pay: $148k–$204k
Experience asked: 10+ years
Industry: Automotive
Posted: 30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A senior controls role at Divergent Technologies (automotive) in Torrance, CA.

They ask for: 10+ years
Tools it names: PLC, Robotics, Automation, AutoCAD
Base pay: $148k–$204k
Day to day: some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

How this role compares

Against 82 other live controls postings in California.

Base pay: About 17% above similar roles
Experience asked: More than usual (10+ vs 5+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Automation 60%
✓ PLC 45%
Python 40%
Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 37%
✓ Robotics 31%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 10+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone on the team first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverage

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Divergent Technologies
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Divergent Technologies in Torrance

19 other open roles at this site.

Automation & Controls Engineer (SCADA) · Controls
Staff Equipment Reliability Engineer · Reliability · Senior
Staff Manufacturing Reliability Engineer · Reliability · Senior
Staff Quality & Reliability Engineer · Quality · Senior
Staff Systems Reliability Engineer · Reliability · Senior
Manufacturing Engineer, Machines (All levels) · Manufacturing

All 20 roles at Divergent Technologies →

Full description from Divergent TechnologiesAs posted on their careers site.Show

The Role

◆Own and drive development of next generation PLC, HMI & SCADA software & controls architectures for the next generation of DAPS factories & factory modules.
◆Own and develop automation software standards, frameworks, best practices, and platform selection.
◆Collaborate with team members on both the development and deployment of these standards, raising the overall level of the team through your experience and technical leadership.
◆Architect new advanced automation systems, ultimately leading to detailed design, development and commissioning of first article factory modules.
◆Develop controls systems for new and experimental processes in an R&D environment.
◆Understand and steer production operations

requirements

for factory modules leading to increased overall factory OPE through better development of modules and factory data.

✓Work closely with cross-functional technical teams to ensure that program deliverables and milestones are defined, scheduled, and executed on time and budget.
✓Support engineering teams in achieving resolution of any gridlock, rather than merely report status. Must have the leadership ability and intelligence to drive hands-on execution of a highly motivated and intelligent team under intense time constraints.

Basic

Qualifications

✓Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
✓10 years of industrial automation controls experience in dynamic environments
✓IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming experience
✓Industrial electrical and safety experience

Preferred Qualifications

✓Strong knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, UL508A standards.
✓Advanced experience working with the Beckhoff TwinCAT & hardware ecosystem.
✓Advanced experience with industrial automation hardware, fieldbus interfaces and motion control.
✓Advanced industrial networking experience
✓Experience with industrial safety systems, risk assessments and safety over fieldbus protocols, i.e. FSoE & PROFIsafe
✓Experience developing SCADA & other factory data management platforms, industrial databases, dashboards, etc.
✓Experience with Industrial robot platforms, offline program, and virtual commissioning.
✓Experience with industrial electrical schematic tools, such as EPlan or AutoCAD electrical.
✓Experience with standard software engineering practices, object-oriented programming, SOLID, unit testing and development tools such as GIT.
✓Technical leadership experience in defining standards, methods, processes, and training.

Show full description ↓

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies.

Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.

Purpose

The Principal Automation & Controls Engineer will lead the development of flexible robotic manufacturing & automation systems, core to the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS).

The ideal candidate has a track record of successfully architecting and deploying advanced automated systems in a quick changing, start-up environment. This role will take a hands-on execution approach and use their skills in leadership, hardware, and software to create bleeding-edge industrial automation systems, support production operations, and democratize factory data to support key business decisions. Divergent is pushing the boundaries of technology and we need a passionate and agile engineer to help us create the platform for sustainable manufacturing.

Work Environment

•Office and factory environment
•100% onsite
•Minimal travel
•Work near moving mechanical parts

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels Staff - Principal as evaluated through our interview process.

•Staff Engineer / E06: $148,430 - $204,090
•Principal Engineer / E07: $171,450 - $235,740

Pay Range

$148,430 — $235,740 USD

What We Offer

•Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
•Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
•Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
•Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
•Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.