Automation Engineer
Location: Burlingame, CA (some remote work acceptable)
Reports to: Head of Automation
About the Company
Peak Energy is an American venture setting the standard in low-cost, giga-scale storage for the new era of clean, affordable, and reliable energy. Our leadership team is powered by decades of expertise in scaling giga-watt-level innovation at world-class companies such as Tesla, Northvolt, SunPower, Fluence, and Enovix. We are backed by strategic investment and product partners TDK, ATL, Eclipse Ventures, and Doral Energy.
Pioneering US-based vertical integration of Sodium-Ion Battery Energy Storage in partnership with leading Independent Power Producers and utilities. We are a team of engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, and partners driven by a shared ambition to set the performance standard for renewable energy and grid resilience.
About the Job
Peak Energy is looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to help build and run the automation behind a new generation of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) manufacturing. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of control systems and automation solutions that ensure the efficiency, safety, and quality of our BESS products, and will use AI as a force multiplier to do it.
This is a rare opportunity to shape how a modern factory is automated. Peak is embracing AI and large language models (LLMs) to automate automation: generating and updating PLC and HMI code, eliminating mundane programming, and assessing faults and stops through smart machine monitoring. You will help Peak push AI enablement well beyond Controls Engineering into adjacent disciplines such as electrical panel design, and you will bring the experience to know when AI is implementing correctly and when it needs monitoring.
Responsibilities:
- Drive AI-assisted controls development: Apply AI and LLM-based tools to generate, refactor, document, and update PLC (IEC 61131-3 / Beckhoff TwinCAT) and HMI code, and automate repetitive, mundane programming tasks to shorten development and commissioning cycles.
- Connect AI to the control layer: Integrate AI agents and LLM tooling with PLC and HMI environments, enabling them to read from and make controlled changes to PLC programs and HMI projects through secure, version-controlled, auditable workflows (source control, code review, and staged deployment).
- Enable smart machine monitoring and troubleshooting: Troubleshoot control system issues and perform routine maintenance, using AI-driven analysis of PLC, HMI, and machine data to detect faults, assess problems and stops, and identify root causes faster, reducing downtime and driving continuous improvement.
- Extend AI beyond controls: Push AI enablement into adjacent spaces such as electrical panel design, schematics and I/O list generation, test scripts, commissioning documentation, and operator and maintenance training materials.
- Validate and govern AI output: Review AI-generated work for correctness, safety, and compliance; define testing, simulation, and approval practices; and ensure AI-driven changes never bypass safety-rated functions or change-management controls.
- Share best practices: Establish and communicate guardrails, templates, and effective prompting practices for AI-assisted engineering, and coach peers across Controls, Equipment, and Maintenance in using them well.
- Acquire manufacturing equipment for BESS. Responsibilities include developing equipment specifications, issuing purchase orders, providing critical input during design reviews, participating in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs), and overseeing equipment commissioning.
- Design and develop control systems for BESS manufacturing processes, including PLCs, SCADA, HMI, and other automation technologies, to optimize production and ensure quality.
- Analyze production processes and identify opportunities for automation and control improvements to enhance efficiency and product quality.
- Implement data acquisition systems to collect and analyze data from various stages of BESS production, using this information to make informed decisions and drive process improvements.
- Develop and maintain safety systems, such as emergency shutdown procedures and safety interlocks, and ensure control systems adhere to industry, safety, and regulatory standards applicable to BESS manufacturing, to provide a secure working environment.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Process Engineers, Equipment Engineers, and Maintenance, to integrate automation solutions into manufacturing equipment, ensuring efficient and precise control of the production process, alignment with production needs, and support for the scaling of new BESS technologies.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience using AI and LLM tools (such as AI coding assistants and agents) in an engineering workflow, with demonstrated judgment to recognize when AI is implementing correctly and when it needs monitoring and correction.
- Enthusiasm for pioneering new ways of working with AI, and the curiosity and initiative to apply it across engineering disciplines while adapting to new technologies and industry trends.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Control Systems, or a related field). A Master's degree is a plus.
- Proven experience in controls and automation engineering within BESS manufacturing or a related industry, with strong knowledge of BESS manufacturing processes and control systems.
- Proficiency in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and HMI design, with functional safety fundamentals sufficient to critically review, test, and validate AI-generated code before it reaches production equipment.
- Experience using Beckhoff PLCs (TwinCAT v3) and Ignition by Inductive Automation for data acquisition.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, communication, and teamwork abilities.
- Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations related to control systems and automation in BESS manufacturing.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with version control (e.g., Git) and scripting (e.g., Python) for automating engineering workflows.
- Familiarity with industrial data and communication interfaces (e.g., OPC UA, ADS, MQTT) used to connect AI and analytics tools to controls systems.
The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $190,000, with actual pay varying based on work location, experience, and skills. At Peak Energy, we value our employees and promote work-life balance. Our competitive benefits package includes unlimited PTO, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a strong 401(k) plan, and equity opportunities. Join us to thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact in the energy sector!
At Peak Energy Technologies Inc., we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us a more capable, innovative, and competitive company. We welcome people who represent diversity in their backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. Peak Energy Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, aiming to reach our company's full potential by cultivating an inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Peak Energy Core Values
Speed Through Focus: Prioritize what matters most and execute quickly without distractions.
Mission Over Self: Put the company's mission and team success ahead of individual interests.
Face the Brutal Truth: Embrace honesty, even when it's uncomfortable, to make informed decisions.
Be a Good Person: Treat everyone with respect and integrity, fostering a positive and ethical work environment.