Divergent · Torrance, CA

Staff Automation & Controls Engineer at Divergent — Torrance, CA

Full-timeTorrance, CA$148,430–$235,740/yearPosted 2026-07-30Apply on Greenhouse

Full job description

## Purpose

The Staff Automation & Controls Engineer will develop 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 hardware, software and technical mentorship 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.

## The Role

  • Development of next generation PLC, HMI & SCADA software & controls architectures for the next generation of DAPS factories & factory modules.
  • Support the development of 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 mentorship.
  • 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
  • 7 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.

## Work Environment

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

## Compensation

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.

Required skills

  • next.js
  • electrical
  • cross-functional
  • agile
  • machine learning
  • git
  • unit testing
  • spanish
  • autocad