Controls Engineer
Posted 28 Sep 2026
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Management level
- Individual contributor
No salary listed for this role.
Field of studyControls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.
Position Summary
The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of industrial control systems and automation solutions. This role supports manufacturing, testing, and operational processes by developing reliable control architectures, programming PLCs and HMIs, integrating automation equipment, and troubleshooting complex electrical and control system issues. The Controls Engineer works closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and operations teams to improve system performance, safety, quality, and productivity. This position reports to the Director of Integration Tooling.
Key Responsibilities
System Design & Development
- Design and develop control systems for automated equipment, machinery, and industrial processes.
- Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and system documentation.
- Develop control architecture utilizing PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, motion controllers, and industrial networks.
- Specify and select control system hardware, sensors, actuators, drives, and instrumentation.
Programming & Integration
- Program, test, and commission PLCs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or Schneider Electric.
- Develop and maintain HMI and SCADA interfaces.
- Integrate robotic systems, servo drives, vision systems, and industrial communication protocols.
- Configure and troubleshoot Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, DeviceNet, and other industrial networks.
Testing & Commissioning
- Perform factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
- Support startup, commissioning, and validation of automated systems.
- Develop test plans and verification procedures.
- Troubleshoot system issues during installation and operation.
Maintenance & Continuous Improvement
- Diagnose and resolve control system failures and automation-related issues.