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PLC Controls Engineer

Garden Grove, CA

About Harbinger

Harbinger Motors Inc. is a Southern California-based electric vehicle manufacturer on a mission to transform the automotive and transportation industries, bringing to market EVs developed from the ground up to address the needs of the Medium Duty vehicle industry. This broad, and to date poorly addressed, market segment includes class 4 to 7 commercial delivery vehicles, RVs and utility vehicles, among others. Leveraging a foundation of proprietary, in-house developed vehicle technologies, Harbinger's first-of-its-kind EV platform will bring enhancements in vehicle performance, durability and operator comfort. And importantly, Harbinger's vehicles will be priced for zero acquisition premium relative to traditional gas- and diesel-based competitors, removing one of the most tenacious barriers to EV adoption.

Harbinger's team, with operations in Southern California and Michigan, includes industry veterans with expertise in powertrain, battery, chassis and software development, along with leaders in advanced manufacturing, corporate development, operations and finance. Our team members come from leading innovators, both in and out of the automotive industry, including Tesla, Rivian, Canoo, Ford, Anduril, and SpaceX.

Founded in 2021, Harbinger is a venture-backed startup on a rapid growth trajectory, looking for candidates that thrive on tackling complex challenges and who share in our passion to bring clean transportation alternatives to a segment of the market starving for innovation.

 

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Controls Engineer to join our team in the automotive industry. The ideal candidate will design, develop, and implement control systems for automotive manufacturing processes, ensuring efficient, reliable, and safe operations. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize production processes and integrate advanced automation technologies.

What You’ll Do:

  • Control System Design and Development:
    • Develop, program, and test PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), HMI (Human-Machine Interface), and SCADA systems.
    • Design electrical control systems, including wiring diagrams, control panels, and system layouts.
  • Automation and Process Improvement:
    • Implement and optimize automation solutions for manufacturing processes.
    • Analyze existing processes to identify and resolve inefficiencies.
    • Integrate robotics, sensors, and vision systems into production lines.
  • Project Management:
    • Lead and execute projects related to new equipment installation, upgrades, and retrofits.
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, software, quality, etc.) to meet project milestones.
    • Prepare technical documentation, including project plans, specifications, and test procedures.
  • Troubleshooting and Maintenance:
    • Diagnose and resolve issues with electrical systems, control software, and machinery.
    • Provide technical support and training to maintenance and production teams.
  • Compliance and Safety:
    • Ensure that all control systems comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
    • Conduct risk assessments and implement safety interlocks where necessary.

Who You Are:

  • Education:
    • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
    • Advanced degrees or certifications in controls/automation are a plus.
  • Experience:
    • 3–5 years of experience in control system design, preferably in the automotive or manufacturing sector.
    • Proficiency in programming PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi).
    • Experience with robotics integration (e.g., ABB, FANUC, KUKA).
  • Skills:
    • Strong understanding of industrial automation, networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus), and control theory.
    • Familiarity with CAD software for electrical design (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
    • Knowledge of safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849, OSHA).
    • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
    • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
    • Willingness to travel to support installations and commissioning.

 

Rev up your career with our electrifying compensation and benefits package! At Harbinger Motors, we understand that your skills, experience, and expertise are as unique as our cutting-edge electric vehicles. That's why we tailor our offers to suit your individual profile, considering your years of experience, specialized knowledge, and market demands.

In addition to a competitive base salary, our perks charge ahead of the competition:

  • 100% Comprehensive Health Coverage: You are covered with top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Accelerate Your Wealth: As an early stage employee, you'll have the opportunity to rev up your financial future with early-stage stock options.
  • Unleash Your Time: Take control of your work-life balance. Salaried teammates receive flexible PTO and the freedom to celebrate holidays and wellness days as you see fit.
  • Cruise into Vacations: Enjoy an exciting annual vacation stipend to help you recharge your batteries.
  • Fuel Your Day: Forget brown bag lunches; we've got you covered with paid lunches and dinners to keep you energized.

These are just a few of our benefits and perks, as we're constantly adjusting and adding more benefits to best serve our teammates. At Harbinger Motors, we don't just offer jobs; we provide the fuel for your career journey. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable transportation, where your hard work and dedication are always rewarded.

Get ready to drive your career forward with us!

California Pay Range

$130,000 - $160,000 USD

Equal Opportunity
Harbinger is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 
Harbinger is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at info@harbingermotors.com.
 
Candidate Data Privacy
Harbinger may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Harbinger may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
 
Harbinger may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our HR, legal, and finance teams, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Harbinger affiliates; and (iii) Harbinger’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
 
Harbinger may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
 
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services. Any unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles submitted in response to our job posting shall be considered the property of Harbinger and are not subject to payment of referral or placement fees if any such candidate is later hired by Harbinger unless you have a signed written agreement in place with us which covers the applicable job posting.

 

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