Automation/Controls Engineer (Bilingual Mandarin/English)

Do you want to be on the cutting edge of the clean energy and climate tech industry? Are you excited about the intersection of renewable energy and the circular economy? We are too. And that’s why we launched SOLARCYCLE, an advanced technology-based recycling company.  

The solar industry needs a global end-of-life partner to restore, renew, and ultimately recycle yesterday’s solar panels for tomorrow’s clean energy projects. SOLARCYCLE aims to be the partner of choice for solar asset owners looking for a responsible solution to their end-of-life system needs. And we need you to direct our field operations to help us become a leader in this new burgeoning sector in the renewable energy industry. 

About the role 

The Controls and Automation Engineer will be responsible for creating, supporting, optimizing, and enhancing the automation systems within our solar panel recycling facilities. This role requires fluency in both Mandarin and English to effectively communicate with our original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in China. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in controls and automation, with experience in ladder logic, safety interlocks, and logging, as well as proficiency in Siemens PLC coding. Additionally, the candidate should be a strong project manager, capable of handling complex projects and using project management tools like Microsoft Project or Smartsheet. 

Responsibilities 

• Automation and Controls: Develop, implement, and optimize automation systems for mechanical machinery used in solar panel recycling. This includes programming and troubleshooting ladder logic, safety interlocks, and logging systems. Program and configure PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMI (Human-Machine Interfaces), and SCADA systems, with a strong focus on Siemens platforms (S7, TIA Portal). 

• Technical Communication: Act as a liaison between the company and the OEMs, ensuring clear communication and understanding of technical specifications and requirements in both Mandarin and English. 

• Documentation: Create detailed technical specifications for controls schemas, ensuring the Operations team can understand the basics of how the equipment works. Write and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for any programmatic changes made to the equipment. Create pseudo-code documentation that explains control algorithms to non-technical stakeholders. 

• Project Management: Lead and manage projects related to equipment automation and optimization, utilizing project management software such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet to ensure timely and successful project completion. Work with vendors and contractors to source control system components and software, ensuring compatibility and performance standards. 

• On-Site Support (REC1): Periodically spend several weeks or months at our facility in Odessa, TX, to observe and improve the controls on the equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. 

• On-Site Support (REC2): If not based here, periodically spend several weeks at our facility in Mesa, AZ, to observe and improve the controls on the equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. 

• On-Site Support (REC3): If not based here, periodically spend weeks at a time at our facility in Cedartown, GA, to observe and improve the controls on the equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. 

• Overseas Support: Occasional multi-week travel to China may be required to meet with OEMs and develop technologies there. 

• Safety and Compliance: Ensure all automation systems meet safety standards and regulatory compliance, implementing necessary safety interlocks and protocols. 

• Teamwork: Collaborate with the production and maintenance teams to ensure that control systems meet operational needs and safety standards.  

• Safety: Ensure all automation systems meet safety standards and regulatory compliance, implementing necessary safety interlocks and protocols. 

• Troubleshooting