AirJoule · 22 hours ago
Controls Engineer
Newark, DE
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expAirJoule, LLC is a leader in the global sustainability transition, focusing on innovative water harvesting technology. They are seeking a Controls Engineer to design, develop, and maintain automation software primarily using Python, supporting machine automation and instrumentation integration.
Clean EnergyCleanTechRenewable Energy
No H1B
Hiring Manager
Natalie Robichaud, SHRM- CP
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain Python-based automation software supporting system operation, commissioning, and diagnostics
Build modular, maintainable Python code for:
Control sequencing / automation workflows
System interlocks, permissives, and fault handling
Command and control interfaces for hardware subsystems
Create reusable libraries for interacting with instrumentation and controls hardware
Integrate sensors, actuators, valves, motors, pumps, and power electronics into software workflows
Implement and maintain communication interfaces using Python, such as:
Modbus TCP/RTU
OPC UA
EtherNet/IP (where applicable via gateways/APIs)
Serial protocols (RS-232/RS-485)
TCP/IP sockets and vendor APIs
Develop software interfaces to PLCs, PCBA, industrial PCs, DAQs, and embedded controllers
Create Python test automation frameworks for validation of controls logic and hardware behavior
Develop automated tools for:
I/O checkout
Calibration workflows
Fault injection testing
Regression testing of system sequences
Support lab bring-up and commissioning with rapid debugging and iterative software improvement
Build Python pipelines for:
Real-time data acquisition from sensors and control systems
Structured logging and event/alarm recording
Performance monitoring and anomaly detection
Implement clean data interfaces for engineering review and operational optimization
Support integration with databases, historians, or cloud systems (as needed)
Improve automation reliability through:
Robust error handling and safe recovery routines
Watchdogs, heartbeat monitoring, and state validation
Improved diagnostic visibility (logs, traces, dashboards)
Reduce downtime by improving fault detection and troubleshooting workflows
Write clear technical documentation for Python tools, APIs, and control workflows
Use best practices including:
Version control (Git)
Unit/integration testing
Packaging and dependency management
CI practices where applicable
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience
3+ years professional experience writing Python in production, automation, or controls environments
Strong understanding of software fundamentals: modular architecture, code maintainability, debugging, logging, testing, performance and reliability considerations
Hands-on experience integrating software with hardware systems
Strong Python engineering discipline: readable, testable, reliable code
Ability to work across software + hardware boundaries
Ownership mindset: from concept → prototype → commissioning → continuous improvement
Strong troubleshooting ability in real-world environments (imperfect sensors, noisy signals, intermittent faults)
Proficiency with Microsoft office
Strong organizational, analytical, detail-oriented and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong attention to detail and disciplined approach to change management
Clear, effective communicator across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams
Self-driven, organized, and capable of managing multiple ECRs in parallel
Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and product excellence
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. AirJoule is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time
Preferred
MQTT broker architecture and topic design
AWS IoT or similar cloud telemetry platform experience
Deployment experience in cellular bandwidth-constrained, or air-gapped environments
Understanding of security fundamentals: certificate / key management, MQTT authentication, ACLs, and firewalls
Familiarity with PLC programming (ladder logic and / or Structured Text)
Familiarity with embedded systems and hardware-software integration testing
Experience with controls/automation systems (industrial, lab automation, robotics, or process systems)
Familiarity with PLC systems and industrial automation (Rockwell / Siemens / Beckhoff / Codesys)
Experience with Python async systems, multiprocessing, threading
GUI development for engineering/operator tools (PyQt, Dash, Streamlit)
Experience with time-series databases (InfluxDB, TimescaleDB) and/or SQL
Experience with MQTT / REST APIs / gRPC
Experience with Linux & Windows-based systems and deployment on industrial PCs
Understanding of PID loops, state machine, and control theory fundamentals
Company
AirJoule
AirJoule is a leader in the global sustainability transition.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$47MKey Investors
GE Vernova
2026-01-14Post Ipo Equity· $20M
2025-04-24Post Ipo Equity· $15M
2024-06-11Post Ipo Equity· $12M
Recent News
legacy.thefly.com
2026-02-02
2026-01-16
Company data provided by crunchbase