Controls Engineer

Unusual Machines is a U.S.-based drone and drone parts company focused on the small and First-Person View (FPV) segments of the drone market. Our brands - Rotor Riot, Fat Shark, Rotor Lab and - coming soon - Upgrade Energy - are some of the most respected names in FPV and have helped shape the industry through e-commerce, product development, and a deep connection with the pilot community.

We’re expanding into enterprise and defense - bringing our obsessive attention to performance, design, and U.S.-based manufacturing into high-stakes environments like search and rescue and military innovation. With several of our products already approved by the Defense Innovation Unit, we’re solving procurement issues for customers who demand speed, agility, and compliance.

If you love working at the intersection of community, content, and cutting-edge technology, you’ll feel right at home here.

You in this Role - Unusual Machines is seeking a Controls Engineer with strong Siemens automation experience to design, program, commission, and support automated machinery and production systems. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs and HMIs, SINAMICS drive configuration, and Siemens Safety Integrated programming.

This role works independently on most projects, collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, and production teams, and contributes to larger project.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs in Siemens TIA Portal for S7-1500 and S7-1200 controllers.
• Design, build, and edit HMI applications
• Configure, parameterize, commission, and optimize SINAMICS drives including servo tuning and motor data setup.
• Set up and integrate servo motors, induction motors, and motion axes, including Technology Objects for positioning, synchronization, and speed control.
• Program and validate Siemens Safety Integrated applications
• Design, implement, and verify safety circuits, including E-stops, guard door interlocks, light curtains, and safety relays, plus drive-based safety functions such as STO, SS1, and SLS.
• Participate in machine risk assessments and help ensure systems meet ISO 13849, IEC 62061, NFPA 79, and OSHA requirements.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks, including PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP.
• Read, create, and revise electrical schematics and panel layouts
• Perform on-site commissioning, startup, and FAT/SAT testing for new equipment and system upgrades.
• Provide technical support to maintenance and production teams, including root cause analysis of controls-related downtime.
• Maintain documentation, including program backups, I/O lists, network diagrams, functional descriptions, and safety validation records.
• Support continuous improvement efforts to increase equipment reliability, throughput, and safety.
• Work with vendors, integrators, and OEMs on equipment specifications and project execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related field, or an Associate's degree in Electrical/Automation Technology with significant additional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience programming Siemens PLCs in TIA Portal.
• Demonstrated experience configuring and commissioning SINAMICS drives, including servo drive setup and motor configuration.
• Hands-on experience developing and editing Siemens HMI application.
• Experience with Siemens Safety Integrated programming (F-CPU, F-I/O, PROFIsafe) and hardwired safety circuit design.
• Experience programming, editing, and troubleshooting FANUC robots using teach pendant (TP) programming, with ROBOGUIDE offline programming a plus.Proficiency in multiple IEC 61131-3 languages
• Experience configuring FANUC Dual Check Safety (DCS) and integrating FANUC robots with Siemens PLCs over PROFINET.
• Ability to perform FANUC robot setup and configuration, including tool frame (TCP) and user frame teaching, payload settings, I/O mapping, mastering, and program backups and restores.
• Solid understanding of industrial networking, particularly PROFINET.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings.
• Working knowledge of machine safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, NFPA 79) and electrical codes (NEC, UL 508A).
• Strong troubleshooting skills with electrical test equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines with moderate supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SIMOTION, S7-1500T, or advanced motion control applications such as cams, gearing, and interpolation.
• TÜV Functional Safety Engineer (FS Eng) certification or equivalent.
• Siemens certification, such as Siemens Certified Programmer or TIA Portal certification.
• Experience with SCADA platforms such as WinCC OA or Ignition.
• Familiarity with MES connectivity.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments, which may include noise, heat, and moving machinery.
• Must be able to stand, climb ladders, and work around control panels for extended periods.
• Must follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash requirements, and required PPE.

Compensation - 100,000 - 120,000

Benefits

• Equity 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401(k)
• Generous PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Daily Catered Lunches

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

Unusual Machines participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

Candidates must be a US Citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for employment