Automation & Controls Hardware Engineer

Design, build, and debug the hardware systems that make Arbor’s laser-enabled electrode processing repeatable, safe, and scalable—from benchtop to gigafactory roll-to-roll (R2R).

1) Build and harden pilot equipment (R2R fixtures metrology)

• Own electro-mechanical integration for roll-to-roll systems: motion stages/axes, encoders, web handling sensors, tension feedback, triggers, and synchronization hardware.
• Design and iterate critical tooling such as vacuum chucks, alignment features, and material handling to improve yield and repeatability.
• Implement in-line or at-line metrology where practical (cameras, photodiodes, thermal sensors) to catch issues early.

2) Controls hardware timing-critical integration

• Integrate and debug timing across scanner/laser/motion triggers (e.g., start signals, laser on/off latency, hardware delay characterization, determinism).
• Own I/O architecture: safety interlocks, E-stops, door switches, permissives, and fault handling.
• Select and wire components: PLCs (if used), industrial PCs, DAQ, servo drives, relays, power distribution, grounding/shielding, cable management.

3) Reliability, maintainability, and safety by design

• Drive robust operating procedures and hardware checks (calibration routines, preventative maintenance, “known-good” baselines).
• Improve “swap-ability” and serviceability: connectors, labeling, spares strategy, and documentation.
• Partner with the team to ensure Class 4 laser safety practices and interlock integrity are always maintained.

4) Vendor and partner technical execution

• Be the technical point-of-contact for key hardware vendors
• Work with machine shops and external facilities to fabricate/iterate hardware quickly.

5) Hands-on troubleshooting in the lab

• Diagnose and resolve dynamic laboratory issues under real production urgency.
• Create test plans that isolate root cause quickly (hardware vs optics vs firmware vs process).

• 4 years hands-on experience building and debugging automation hardware (industrial, robotics, manufacturing equipment, lasers, motion systems, or similar).
• Comfort owning the bench-to-machine reality: wiring, panel layout, schematics, bring-up, instrumentation (scope, logic analyzer, DAQ), and fault isolation.
• Experience with motion control fundamentals (encoders, servo tuning concepts, synchronization, triggers).
• Strong documentation habits (schematics, wiring diagrams, calibration procedures).
• Salary commensurate with experience and education

• Laser system integration experience (scanner timing, gating, pulse timing, safety interlocks).
• R2R / web handling experience (tension control, tracking, registration).
• Familiarity with PLCs and/or real-time control (even if not the primary focus).
• Basic CAD competency (enough to collaborate on fixtures and mounting).

Special Request

To demonstrate that you have read this job posting and possess the actual requirements for this position, instead of a cover letter please upload a paragraph description of a recent hardware-level problem that you identified, troubleshot and resolved.