Sr. AM Automation Engineer

Divergent is on a mission to democratize the design and manufacture of vehicles. We want to enable a future where small entrepreneurial teams across the globe will bring increasingly material and energy efficient transportation solutions to market with a fraction of the capital and time. 
Divergent has invented a complete manufacturing solution to address system level challenges.  The Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) is a complete software hardware solution designed to replace traditional vehicle manufacturing.  To make the complex simple, it is a complete modular digital factory for complex structures. Given a set of digital requirements as input, the machine automatically computationally engineers, additively manufactures, and assembles any complex structure.  The system is able to move seamlessly between manufacturing different vehicle models.
 Purpose of Job: 
Team members in this role will develop next generation Additive Manufacturing (AM) equipment with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and ancillaries to produce metal components. Working at the intersection of hardware, software, electro-optic and mechatronics systems, unlocking the next level of productivity and material quality with 3D manufacturing. Continuous improvement of current and next generation Additive Manufacturing equipment is the main goal. Divergent is seeking a forward-looking and innovative senior team member who will help shape the future of manufacturing and its automation. Lead additive manufacturing related automation integration for control and closed loop feedback such as mechanical, thermal and optical controls. Driving implementation of new Machine Control Software (MCS), automation with PLC tools comprising the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) Factory Management Module. 
 
Essential Job Functions and Performance Standards: 
Responsible for seamless integration of the process control codebase to the custom developed Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) subsystems  
Support building machine control software-hardware on a high level and lead the low-level implementation to get functionality desired from the AM machine.  
Support development, implementation, and validation of machine controls sub-systems to integrate MCS for advance Additive AM machine by:  
Working with cross functional teams to determine machine specifications and requirements. 
Support machine communication requirements by evaluating machine modifications needed for developing new PLC code and implementation of new sets of sensors and actuators. 
Evaluate pre-existing machine PLC codes, implementing the machine pre-existing or new sensors and actuators. 
Full development of PLC & HMI programs for AM machine and interface with machine ancillaries such as powder handling and conditioning systems, depowering stations etc.   
Support in process monitoring system and, on the fly, feedback and control. 
Architect and implement flexible modern automation system controls will include but not limited to PLC’s /microcontrollers/ vision systems/ servo systems/ electric motors & drives, tooling/ wire & cabling/ Control cabinets/ Cable management/ machine safety/ operator safety/ lift systems/ measuring instruments. 
Daily to support integration, test, validation and operations. 
Take part in the complete software lifecycle including design, integration, testing, deployment, debugging, and finding novel solutions to late-breaking changes or issues. 
Analyze sub-system specifications to make sure system requirements will be met and to define subsystem interfaces. 
Identify possible design gaps, manage SW-HW configurations and interface, and troubleshoot issues. 
Provide input and contribute to key PLC design decisions based on on-going findings from system and sub-system development and testing.  
Automate data management for Additive Manufacturing processes and recommend standard operating procedures to improve process quality. 
Evaluate and recommend external/ industrial control hardware and software tools that can address technology gaps. 
Generate Intellectual Property and promote Additive Manufacturing integrated systems to external customers and investors when appropriate 
 
Work Environment: 
Office, light manufacturing 
Requirements: 
 
Top of Form 
Education: 
BS (MS preferred) in Electrical or Software Engineering or equivalent 
 
Licenses/Certificates: 
Experience: 
+7 years’ automations and controls experience  
+5 years’ direct experience in developing PLCs with major PLC programming SW  
Experience with integrating subsystems and network communications. 
PLC virtual commissioning  
Understanding with developing user-facing software applications related to networking, hardware control and data acquisition. 
Experience with multi sensor data acquisition  
 
 
Skills: