About Sakuu 

Sakuú is reinventing manufacturing via a total process shift. The transformative Kavian platform technology enables mass-scale, cost-effective, and sustainable production to meet global demands in various industries. Today, Sakuú focuses this expertise in 3D print technology and process knowledge to redefine battery and energy storage manufacturing with our Kavian platform for dry electrode manufacturing. With increasing interest in dry technology in battery manufacturing and a need for scale and cost-effective solutions, we are accelerating our scaling efforts and getting tools on our customer’s manufacturing floors.  

The Role - Responsibilities 

The Sr. Manufacturing Controls Development Engineer is directly responsible for the design and implementation of controls and automation on the Kavian manufacturing tool.  

What you will do 

  • Design the controls architecture of the Kavian manufacturing tool and own the entire automation scope. Create the interface between hardware and software across various modules, either commissioned in-house or sourced from outside.  

  • Develop reliable communication between mixed PLC environments, integrate machine-level controls into larger manufacturing systems, and ensure seamless equipment operation through hands-on implementation, debugging, and vendor collaboration. 

  • Integrate and configure mixed PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi, etc.) into cohesive control architectures. 

  • Development communication layers between equipment using various protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, TCP/RTU, OPC-UA, Profinet, CAN, RS-485, etc.) 

  • Write, modify, and debug PLC programs to support automation, machine operation, and I/O control.  

  • Collaborate with software and electrical engineers to build system-wide interfaces, HMI, and communication frameworks.  

  • Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment communication issues in live manufacturing and/or lab environments. 

  • Work directly with contract manufacturers, vendors, and component suppliers to define control requirements.  

  • Review electrical and control system schematics, ensuring standards and integration readiness.  

  • Support FAT/SAT, bring-up, tuning, debugging, and documentation of automated systems.  

  • Own system-level risk identification related to controls and inter-communication reliability. 

  • Maintain PLC code versioning, configuration control, and documentation for future scalability. Create and maintain software and hardware standards. 

 

What You Bring – Requirements 

  • 3-5+ years of relevant experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, mechatronics, or similar. Master's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, similar degree, or equivalent experience 

  • Expert level proficiency with at least two major PLC ecosystems – preferably Siemens + Beckhoff. 

  • Strong understanding of industrial communications protocols and networking concepts. 

  • Hands-on experience integrating equipment from different vendors into unified control systems.  

  • Ability to read and debug P&ID, electrical drawings, I/O maps, ladder logic, and structured text.  

  • Experience with HMI/SCADA development, recipe control, alarms, and data acquisition. 

  • Familiarity with Edge IOT technologies, data streaming platforms (Kafka, MQTT, etc.), and orchestration tools(Kubernetes). 

  • On-floor manufacturing troubleshooting capability  

  • Understanding of safety systems, E-stops, interlocks, and lock-out procedures. 

  • Excellent communication skills to interface with external equipment suppliers and internal teams.  

Nice to Haves 

  • Experience designing and scaling automation for first-of-its-kind hardware products. 

  • Experience working in startup or ambiguous, rapidly changing engineering environments. 

  • Background in high-volume battery manufacturing and roll-to-roll equipment. 

 

Why Join Sakuu 

  • You will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge new manufacturing technology in the energy sector.  

  • A collaborative and dynamic work environment that offers opportunities for professional growth and leadership roles. 

  • Joining a skilled and dedicated team for positive impact on environment, sustainability, and manufacturing.  

Additional Details 

  • Sakuu will expect candidates to work onsite at South San Jose location. Remote work schedules are not available. 

The estimated compensation range for a new hire in this position is $120,000 to $175,000. Actual compensation may vary depending on job-related factors, which may include candidate's knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, discretionary target cash bonus, Sakuú offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan. 

 

We aspire to have a culture where people are first. We strive to attract and retain a diverse workforce; therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Sakuú is an equal opportunity employer and by doing so, we will sustain and promote an inclusive culture that supports future growth for all. 

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies 

Sakuú Corp. (“Sakuú”) has an internal recruiting model. 

Agencies are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact Sakuú employees in an attempt to present candidates – Sakuú 's recruiting team must present ALL candidates to hiring managers.  

Agency must obtain advance written approval from Sakuú’s Director of Human Resources to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid full-executed contract for service, and in response to a specifically assigned job opening. Sakuú will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by an office of Sakuú or their designee. No other Sakuú employee is authorized to bind Sakuú to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies. Sakuú hereby specifically rejects and denies any liability under any agreement purporting to be accepted based on negative consent, negotiation with a candidate, performance, or any means other than the signature of a Sakuú officer.