Controls Engineer

About Redwood MaterialsRedwood Materials was founded in 2017 by JB Straubel, co-founder and former CTO of Tesla, on a simple but radical idea: the critical minerals powering the energy transition already exist. They just need to come back. Today Redwood is the largest lithium-ion battery recycler in North America — recovering, refining, and redeploying critical minerals from end-of-life batteries back into the supply chain. On the energy side, Redwood has deployed the largest second-life battery project in the world, delivering power to AI data centers in months rather than years using proprietary energy architecture engineered entirely in-house. The company is profitable, the market it operates in is projected to grow 20 to 50 times over the next decade, and Redwood is the only company with the supply chain, the technology, and the operational scale to lead it. Controls EngineerWe are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer who is passionate about pushing beyond the cutting edge of the industry to design, build, and debug best-in-class controls systems for Redwood’s battery recycling operations. This engineer will play a critical role in designing, commissioning, scaling, and supporting all of Redwood’s recycling facilities working at the intersection of chemical process engineering, industrial automation, and software development.Responsibilities will include:Designing and implementing real‑time control software in C++ for embedded and industrial systemsDeveloping automation tools, diagnostics, and orchestration scripts in PythonWriting, optimizing, and troubleshooting Structured Text (IEC 61131‑3) for PLCs and industrial controllersBuilding deterministic control loops, state machines, and safety‑critical routinesIntegrating software with sensors, actuators, drives, and industrial communication networksDebugging complex issues involving timing, concurrency, hardware interfaces, and industrial protocolsLeading system architecture decisions for control platforms and distributed automation systemsConducting root‑cause analysis for field issues and implementing long‑term fixesCollaborating with controls, electrical, and product teams to translate requirements into robust software designsMentoring engineers in real‑time programming, PLC development, and industrial best practicesQualifications:2–5 years of hands-on experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, or system integration within a high-volume manufacturing environmentProficiency in modern C++ for real‑time or embedded systemsSolid experience with Python for automation, tooling, or data processingHands‑on experience writing Structured Text for PLCs or industrial controllersDeep understanding of deterministic execution, concurrency, and hardware‑software interactionExperience with industrial protocols such as Modbus, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, or PROFINETProven ability to lead complex engineering efforts while contributing significant hands‑on codeStrong debugging skills across software, hardware, and network layersExcellent communication and collaboration skillsPreferred Qualifications:Experience with motion control, robotics, or process automationFamiliarity with embedded Linux, RTOS environments, or microcontroller developmentKnowledge of industrial cybersecurity standards or best practicesExperience with simulation tools, digital twins, or hardware‑in‑the‑loop testingBackground integrating C++ runtimes with PLC or SCADA systems The position is full-time. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. We collect personal information (PI) from you in connection with your application for employment with Redwood Materials, including the following categories of PI: identifiers, personal records, professional or employment information, and inferences drawn from your PI. We collect your PI for our purposes, including performing services and operations related to your potential employment. If you have additional privacy-related questions, please contact us at [email protected].