Senior Test Equipment Design Engineer, Controls & Automation - Form Energy

Are you ready to build America’s clean energy future with the team that will deliver? Form Energy is an American energy technology and manufacturing company. We are pioneering a new class of iron-air batteries to enable our electric grid to run on renewable, reliable, and affordable energy, every day of the year. 

Form Energy has been recognized by TIME as “One of the Best Inventions of 2023” for its battery technology and by MIT Technology Review as a “Top Climate Tech Company to Watch”. We are making rapid progress on our mission of delivering energy storage for a better world, and are growing just as rapidly to meet demand. Our team has more than doubled in size in the past year, and continues to expand every day. We have signed contracts with leading electric utilities across the United States. Pilot production of our iron-air batteries has already begun, and later this year, production will take off to high volumes at our new factory in West Virginia. 

Working for Form Energy is more than just a job, it’s a chance to be part of something extraordinary. And right now might be the most exciting moment in the company’s history to join. We are assembling a team of some of the most talented and motivated individuals across the country. Driven by our core values of humanity, excellence, and creativity, our team is determined to deliver on our mission and transform the energy landscape for the better.

Feeling energized to make a meaningful impact on the world? Then keep reading - you’ve come to the right place.

Role Description

The Development Test team is part of the Engineering team within the Technology organization at Form Energy. This team is instrumental in providing battery testing platforms and services across all of Form Energy’s facilities and is invaluable in delivering and scaling our technology.

Form Energy is hiring a Sr. Test Equipment Design Engineer (Controls & Automation) for our Test Infrastructure team in Somerville, MA. Reporting to the Manager of Test Infrastructure (MA), this role works collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team while leading complex efforts supporting our fleet of battery test systems utilized by Form Energy’s technology teams. You will interface with partner teams across the organization to understand complex problems and deliver robust solutions, contributing to the development and sustainment of our rapidly expanding test capabilities.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the scaling of our battery technology and be part of the growth of a fast-moving company with breakthrough technology and an incredible mission!

What you'll do:

• Lead the design and development of advanced controls and automation systems for battery test infrastructure, focusing on product-intent cell and module testing. 

• Create and implement PLC and HMI solutions using CODESYS, WebVisu and Ignition to optimize testing processes and ensure high-quality results.

• Develop and refine control systems by integrating safety controllers, designing electrical panels to UL508A standards, and working with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). Utilize your expertise in PID control systems to enhance system performance and accuracy.

• Oversee the integration of control systems with test equipment, ensuring seamless communication and functionality between PLCs, HMIs, and other automation components. Troubleshoot and resolve issues to maintain system reliability and efficiency.

• Formulate and implement automation strategies to streamline battery testing procedures, improve data acquisition, and enhance overall system performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align automation solutions with project goals.

• Prepare detailed documentation for control systems, including design specifications, wiring diagrams, and user manuals. Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements, including safety and quality assurance protocols.

• Stay abreast of industry trends and technological advancements. Propose and drive improvements in control system design and automation processes to maintain cutting-edge performance and reliability.

• Work closely with engineers, technicians, and project managers to support the deployment and maintenance of test systems. Provide technical support and training to ensure effective use of control systems and automation technologies.

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience in designing and developing control systems and automation solutions, with a strong focus on PLC and HMI development.

• Hands-on expertise with safety controllers, electrical panel design to UL508A standards, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and PID control systems.

• Proficiency in mCAD packages such as SolidWorks or NX, and eCAD packages like AutoCAD Electrical or RapidHarness, demonstrating the ability to create and manage complex electrical and mechanical designs.

• Experience designing test equipment for use in medium- to high-volume design validation and/or manufacturing environments.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address and resolve issues related to control systems and automation components.

• Experience in developing and implementing automation strategies that enhance testing processes, improve data acquisition, and optimize system performance.

• Ability to prepare detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, wiring diagrams, and user manuals, while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Excellent collaboration skills, with a track record of working effectively with cross-functional teams, engineers, technicians, and project managers to support system deployment and maintenance.

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Humanity is a cornerstone of Form Energy’s culture, and we make sure our compensation and benefits reflect that. Form Energy offers competitive salaries, stock options, and a holistic benefits package to ensure all employees have what they need to thrive while working here. 

When it comes to you and your family’s health, we cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees - and 80% of healthcare premiums for dependents. This starts from day one. We also offer at least 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents (up to 20 weeks for birthing parents), and generous vacation policies to give employees time to recharge when needed. 

To build a clean and equitable energy future, we need everyone at the table. We strive to form a team as diverse as the communities we will serve with our technology, and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply to our open jobs.