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Automation and Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA/Hybrid

Want to disrupt one of the largest industries in the world? Fortera is a Materials Technology Company headquartered in Silicon Valley focused on paving the way to zero CO2 cement. The technology is inspired by nature and directly converts CO2 into a replacement for ordinary cement, turning a problem into a product. With over 100,000 hours of R&D, 10+ years of real-world product demonstration, and Fortera’s first small commercial plant operational, Fortera is growing the team to commercialize globally. Be on the ground floor of a carbon-to-value movement that will impact millions for generations to come. We are looking for passionate thinkers, doers, and problem-solvers who share our vision that big challenges are big opportunities for change. Visit www.forteraglobal.com for more information.

COMPANY:

Want to disrupt one of the largest industries in the world? Fortera is a Materials Technology Company headquartered in Silicon Valley focused on paving the way to zero CO2 cement. The technology is inspired by nature and directly converts CO2 into a replacement for ordinary cement, turning a problem into a product. With over 100,000 hours of R&D, 10+ years of real-world product demonstration, and Fortera’s first small commercial plant operational, Fortera is growing the team to commercialize globally. Be on the ground floor of a carbon-to-value movement that will impact millions for generations to come. We are looking for passionate thinkers, doers, and problem-solvers who share our vision that big challenges are big opportunities for change. Visit www.ForteraUSA.com for more information.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Automation and Controls Engineer to enhance our manufacturing operations by designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced automation systems. The ideal candidate will have experience with Allen Bradley hardware and software and a deep understanding of industrial automation, systems integration and process control. This role plays a key part in improving production efficiency, reducing downtime, and ensuring system reliability. If you are passionate about driving automation excellence in a manufacturing setting, we encourage you to apply and become a key part of our team!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Automation System Development: Design, develop, and implement automation solutions to control and optimize batch and continuous manufacturing processes using feedback (PID) control systems.
  • Develop and implement the process control and automation systems for our commercial manufacturing facilities from FEED through detailed design, commissioning and start-up.
  • Develop process control narratives, logic diagrams, and functional specifications for the automation systems of our demonstration and commercial manufacturing facilities.
  • Develop and implement strategies for integrating third-party vendor equipment and instrumentation into plant wide data acquisition and control systems.
  • Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Diagnose and resolve issues related to automation systems and equipment, minimizing production disruptions at our demonstration plant.
  • Process Optimization: Develop and implement automation projects that improve yield and reduce energy usage.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to optimize system performance. Work with process engineers to implement control and automation solutions for new commercial plants and with plant engineers to develop commissioning and start-up plans and SOPs for plant operation.
  • PLC & HMI Programming: Configure and program Allen Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) and HMI interfaces (FactoryTalk View).
  • System Validation & Compliance: Conduct rigorous testing to ensure automation systems meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
  • Documentation & Training: Maintain up-to-date documentation (schematics, manuals, procedures) and provide training to plant personnel during start-up, commissioning and operation.
  • Technology Advancement: Stay current with emerging trends in automation, including Industry 4.0 and IoT applications.
  • Other related duties may be assigned to you by the Company as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
  • Proven track record in plant automation, control system design with a focus on hardware and software design and development.  Experience with Allen Bradley systems highly desired.
  • Expertise in Allen Bradley PLC programming (ControlLogix, CompactLogix).
  • Certifications in Allen Bradley products or similar automation technologies.
  • Experience with additional automation platforms (Siemens, Schneider Electric).
  • Familiarity with Industry 4.0 and IoT applications in manufacturing.
  • Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet).
  • Experience with SCADA systems and data acquisition.
  • Understanding of industrial safety standards and regulations.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, teamwork, and communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-priority manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in commissioning first-of-kind plant processes.

COMPENSATION:

The compensation package for this role includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience of $150,000 - $170,000, well as an annual bonus and pre-IPO incentive stock options.

PERKS AND BENEFITS:

We know that happy employees are productive employees, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

    • 100% company-funded Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability coverages for employees
    • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
    • Tax deferred & Roth 401k
    • Paid vacation days (increased with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and unlimited PTO for exempt employees

Fortera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

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