SkyNano · 1 day ago
Electrical Engineer - Process Controls and Automation
Knoxville, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expSkyNano is a fast-growing startup transforming carbon emissions into value. They are seeking a mid-career Electrical Engineer specializing in Process Controls and Automation to design, implement, and optimize the electrical and controls architecture for their advanced manufacturing operations.
Energy Management
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain PLC-based control systems, often integrating motion control
Develop, test, and deploy HMI/SCADA interfaces for process monitoring and operator use
Design, write, test, and deploy LabVIEW software programs to drive operation of electrochemical and mechanical systems
Write, review, and debug PLC ladder logic, function block, and structured text code
Define control strategies for high-temperature, high-current, and safety-critical processes
Conduct controls architecture reviews ensuring system reliability, maintainability, and safety
Specify, size, and integrate major electrical components including motors, VFDs, MCCs, transformers, switchgear, high-current rectifiers, and power distribution panels
Evaluate system loads and design for power quality, redundancy, and thermal performance
Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using industry-standard tools
Lead vendor engagement for electrical and controls components, ensuring technical compliance and cost-effectiveness
Support scale-up from pilot systems to full manufacturing lines, including commissioning of new equipment and fine-tuning of control logic
Coordinates high power installations with electrical contractors, including specification and communication of power distribution requirements including mains 3-phase circuit ampacities and branch circuit details
Develop instrumentation strategies, including sensor selection, calibration, and signal processing
Solve complex problems that cross electrical, mechanical, and software boundaries in an evolving FOAK environment
Serve as internal subject matter expert on electrical safety protocols and procedures, developing policy and mentoring junior and adjacent-discipline staff on relevant safety guidelines
Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLCs, instrumentation, power electronics, and industrial communication networks
Collaborate with R&D, mechanical and chemical engineering, and operations teams to implement process improvements and enhance system reliability
Participate in FMEAs, HAZOPs, and safety reviews for equipment and process modifications
Work with process engineer and technicians to standardize equipment and instrumentation through creation of specifications
Qualification
Required
US citizenship is required (due to federal contract work)
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in industrial automation, electrical design, or process controls
Hands-on experience programming PLCs and developing HMI interfaces and data acquisition systems
Strong foundation in industrial communications networking (Ethernet/IP, TCP, RS232/485, Modbus, Profibus, OPC)
Experience selecting, sizing, and integrating major electrical components (motors, drives, MCCs, instrumentation)
Proficiency reading and generating electrical schematics and 3D/2D layout drawings
Strong communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally in dynamic settings
Experience with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
Preferred
Experience with high-power electrical systems (≥ 100 kW loads, rectification, electromechanical integration)
Prior startup or FOAK technology experience
Familiarity with chemical or advanced materials manufacturing environments
Experience developing safety-instrumented systems or designing around NFPA/NEC compliance
Strong expertise in writing and editing LabVIEW software
Demonstrated success commissioning and troubleshooting automated or high-power systems
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision
401(k) with company match
Generous PTO + 2 annual company-wide shutdowns
Relocation support
Paid family leave
Optional 9–80 schedule with every other Friday off
Flexible M–F hours (no regular nights/weekends/on-call; travel not required)
Company
SkyNano
SkyNano is a science-based technology company focused on commercializing a free-market solution to carbon pollution.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$4.87MKey Investors
US Department of EnergyNational Science FoundationLaunch Tennessee
2024-08-26Grant· $1.65M
2022-06-13Grant· $2M
2022-01-05Grant· $0.99M
Leadership Team
A
Anna Douglas
Co-Founder and CEO
Cary Pint
Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
altenergymag.com
2025-06-06
Google Patent
2025-02-12
2024-04-25
Company data provided by crunchbase