Instrumentation & Control Engineer
On-Site • Travel Required • Oakland, CA, United States • Full-Time • $95,000-$125,000 Annual Salary
Who We Are
Aepnus Technology is a pioneering U.S.-based climate tech startup, backed by top-tier climate venture capital firms, including Lowercarbon Capital and Voyager. We are at the forefront of developing technologies that enable electrified, sustainable, and domestic production of critical materials.
Our initial mission is ambitious: transforming chemical waste from the battery sector into valuable commodity chemicals. But we’re not stopping there. Our long-term vision is to expand our electrolysis platform to produce a wide range of industrial chemicals, driving a 50 million-ton annual reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
The challenges we face are significant, but so is the opportunity to create a lasting impact. We are building an exceptional team of visionaries and problem-solvers dedicated to decarbonizing the chemicals industry. If you're passionate about making a difference, join us on this exciting journey!
What You’ll Do
Are you an intrinsically motivated engineer with a passion for innovation and hands-on problem-solving? Aepnus Technology is seeking a dynamic junior-level Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer to join our team. In this role, you'll play a critical part in developing, testing, and operating the balance of plant systems that power our cutting-edge electrochemical technologies. We're looking for a multidisciplinary engineering talent with expertise in automation/controls engineering and experience with chemicals, material selection, and electrical systems.
As part of our small and agile team, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact. You'll own the control system architecture and work closely with process engineers to safely automate complex processes and manage the vital data our systems generate. This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities, from operating and troubleshooting pilot-scale electrolysis systems to directly contributing to the success and design of our innovative commercial-scale technologies.
Key Responsibilities:
Troubleshoot, update, and maintain our pilot SCADA system using Ignition.
Modify and manage pilot electrical power and data panels, including connections and configurations.
Assemble and install electrical control panels, instrumentation, and analyzers for process piping and equipment.
Troubleshoot and validate process instrumentation and analyzers to ensure optimal performance.
Assemble, test, and run diagnostics of pilot-scale electrochemical systems.
Perform pilot-scale operations, including startup/shutdown, monitoring, sampling, and data analysis.
Summarize and present findings to the research team through written reports and slide presentations.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in electrical, chemical, or mechanical engineering.
2-5 years of experience in instrumentation and control systems engineering.
Hands-on experience with plant automation or fluid handling control systems.
Proficiency with machine shop tools, ability to lift 35 pounds, and working knowledge of hardware, electrical, wiring diagrams, and piping.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with electrochemical cells, batteries, electrodes, and water treatment systems.
Background in chloralkali or water electrolysis processes is highly desirable.
Expertise in control system design, SCADA hardware and software, and process instrumentation.
Familiarity with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming or a strong desire to learn.
Experience with statistical process control (SPC), data analysis, and data historians.
Proficiency in designing and building NEMA panels in Classified Electrical Areas.
Proficiency in working with process instrumentation, including temperature, pressure, flow, and level sensors, as well as analytical instruments.
Knowledge of various communication protocols and their tradeoffs.
Proven track record with pilot-scale automated processes.
Strong skills in managing experimental data using Excel, Python, Ignition, and/or MATLAB.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Why Join Aepnus?
At Aepnus, you'll collaborate with bright, driven individuals dedicated to solving some of the most significant challenges of our time. Here’s what we offer:
A Front-Row Seat in Climate Tech Innovation: Be part of our pioneering team, working closely with our founders and scientific advisors to scale groundbreaking technologies that will shape the future. Your contributions will play a key role in bringing these innovations to market.
Rapid Growth and Advancement Opportunities: As we expand, so will your career. You'll have the chance to take on new responsibilities, grow professionally, and help us achieve our vision for a sustainable future.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits: We believe in work-life balance and supporting our team. Enjoy competitive pay, equity, flexible vacation policies, comprehensive health insurance, and other perks designed to keep you happy and motivated.
A Dynamic, Fast-Paced Work Environment: Help build Aepnus from the ground up in an exciting environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact in the energy industry.
A Culture of Passion and Possibility: Join a community of curious and motivated individuals, all driven by a shared commitment to creating positive change.
Apply for this Job
Aepnus is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. Aepnus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.