Equipment Control Engineer

T1 Energy is bringing solar manufacturing back to the U.S. by building a domestic solar supply chain. Our mission is to invigorate America with scalable, reliable, and low-cost energy. Our fully operational 5GW solar module facility in Wilmer, Texas, can manufacture more than 20,000 modules every 24 hours. By the time you finish reading this paragraph, we will have produced two solar panels that will power American homes and fuel domestic AI. We're focused on building advanced American manufacturing and we're passionate about engineering a better future filled with abundant energy.

Position Overview

The Equipment Control Engineer will play a critical role in designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing automation and control systems across T1 Energy’s manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for ensuring equipment reliability, improving process stability, supporting new equipment integration, and driving automation initiatives to enhance production efficiency and safety.

The ideal candidate has strong experience with industrial robotics (ABB, Stäubli, or similar), hands-on commissioning experience, and expertise in PLC/HMI systems within high-volume automated manufacturing environments. AGVs programming and maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

• PLC Programming & Automation Development

• Design, develop, and maintain PLC programs using:

• Siemens PLCs (S7-1200, S7-1500, TIA Portal)

• Mitsubishi PLCs (MELSEC series – GX Works2 / GX Works3)

• Develop structured, scalable code for new equipment and improve existing automation systems.

HMI & SCADA Systems

• Configure and maintain HMI systems (Siemens WinCC, Mitsubishi GOT, or similar). Support SCADA and MES integration for real-time production monitoring and data acquisition.

• Industrial Robotics Integration:

• Program, integrate, and troubleshoot industrial robots including:

• ABB (RobotStudio)

• Stäubli (VAL3) or similar platforms

• Support robotic applications such as pick-and-place, palletizing, assembly automation, material handling, and vision-guided positioning.

Robotic Cell & Line Commissioning

• Lead installation, startup, testing, and validation of automated production lines and robotic workcells. Coordinate with OEMs, contractors, and internal teams to ensure systems meet operational and safety requirements.

• AGVs startup, testing, and validation.

Motion Control & Servo Systems

• Configure and troubleshoot servo drives, motion controllers, VFDs, and coordinated motion systems integrated with Siemens and Mitsubishi PLCs.

Industrial Networking

Configure and maintain communication networks including:

• Profinet

• Ethernet/IP

• Modbus TCP/IP

• CC-Link

• OPC-UA

• Ensure seamless integration between PLCs, robots, vision systems, and MES platforms.

Troubleshooting & Downtime Reduction

• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for PLC logic, robotics, electrical systems, and automation equipment. Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) to eliminate recurring failures and improve OEE.

Safety Systems & Compliance

• Implement and validate safety-rated controls including safety PLCs, emergency stop circuits, interlocks, light curtains, and area scanners in compliance with OSHA, NFPA, ISO, and NEC standards.

Continuous Improvement & Optimization

• Analyze production data to improve cycle times, repeatability, throughput, and reliability. Drive automation upgrades that reduce manual intervention and increase efficiency.

Documentation & Training

• Maintain updated PLC backups, robot programs, electrical schematics, and technical documentation. Provide training to maintenance and production teams on troubleshooting and system operation.

Qualifications & Certifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering within a manufacturing environment

• Strong hands-on experience with:

• Siemens PLCs (TIA Portal, S7-1200/1500)

• Mitsubishi PLCs (MELSEC, GX Works)

• Experience with robotic programming (ABB, Stäubli preferred)

• Experience commissioning automated production lines

• Strong knowledge of industrial networking and motion control systems

• Experience in high-volume or continuous manufacturing environments preferred

Certifications:

• Siemens or Mitsubishi PLC Certification

• ABB or Stäubli Robotics Certification

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

• Key Skills & Competencies

• Siemens PLC Programming (TIA Portal)

• Mitsubishi PLC Programming (GX Works)

• Industrial Robotics Integration

• Servo & Motion Control Systems

• HMI/SCADA Configuration

• Industrial Networking (Profinet, CC-Link, Ethernet/IP)

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

• Equipment Commissioning

• Safety System Integration

• OEE & Process Optimization

• Strong Analytical & Troubleshooting Skills

The T1 Way

We move fast, expect accountability, and treat people with respect. We also have a no-jerks policy: we don't tolerate big egos, bad behavior or "that's not my job attitude". Be sharp, be honest, be human. If you can hold the line and have a sense of humor, you'll fit right in.

T1 Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristics.