Control and Automation Engineer in Knightdale, North Carolina at Voxel Innovations, Inc.

Voxel is seeking a Control and Automation Engineer to develop our advanced manufacturing equipment and processes. Voxel is a leader in Pulsed Electrochemical Machining (PECM), an advanced manufacturing process used to machine specialty metal alloys for aerospace, energy, medical, semiconductor, and other high-value applications. Our mission is to use PECM and related manufacturing technologies to supply critical parts to customers solving difficult engineering problems.

Our technology sits at the intersection of materials science, electrochemistry, and electrical, mechanical, chemical, and software engineering. We are looking for engineers who enjoy working across disciplines, collaborating closely with others, and developing innovative solutions to complex problems.

As a Control and Automation engineer you will be responsible for helping create the controls for sophisticated electrochemical machining processes including software programs, process feedback and controls schemes, integration of sensors and 3rd party hardware (e.g. robots, metrology equipment), automation systems, and digital data reporting. This role is also responsible for the design and build of industrial control panels, selection of sensors and other hardware, and miscellaneous electrical design. This position is full-time based in Knightdale, NC.

About You
We are looking for a self-motivated engineer who can take ownership of projects and work independently with minimal oversight from start to finish—including coding, wiring, commissioning, and safety circuit design. Candidates must possess a strong, balanced blend of software (Python, SQL, Structured Text) and industrial hardware expertise (wiring, electrical cabinets, sensors, analog circuitry, and signal noise). Please note: pure software-only or PLC-only applicants who have not worked with physical industrial hardware and control cabinets are not a fit. Beckhoff is Voxel’s primary industrial control platform, so familiarity with Beckhoff TwinCAT is preferred but not required if applicants have a firm grasp of structured text, state machines, and other relevant industrial programming practices.

As a small business, the demands of this role shift with the phase of work. This role is focused on industrial and factory automation hardware, not pure software automation. You may spend time focused on software development and process optimization, then transition to hands-on panel building, equipment installation, and robot commissioning. Applicants should be comfortable taking full ownership of projects and shifting across these responsibilities as the business requires.

You align with Voxel’s Core Values: Expect Excellence, Do Right By Others, Always Getting Better, What Would Happen If…

Job Description

• Writing software programs and state machines using Structured Text, Python, and SQL, predominantly in Beckhoff TwinCat, to run our PECM equipment. This includes multi-axis control, safety logic, database transactions, and sequencing with multiple elements.
• Writing robot code, predominantly Kuka Robot Language, to automate industrial robots
• Leveraging AI tools to support software development, debugging, and documentation
• Electrical design, wiring, and troubleshooting of industrial control cabinets
• Full hands-on ownership of industrial automation hardware: designing analog circuitry, managing signal noise, and integrating sensors into physical control systems.
• Providing hands-on troubleshooting support for production equipment, diagnosing and resolving electrical, mechanical, and software issues to minimize downtime
• Integrating third-party hardware including metrology equipment, sensors, and other instrumentation into the control architecture
• Helping create budgets and timelines for the implementation of the controls and electrical aspects of a given project.
• Controlling the software records, backups, etc. to ensure compliance with Voxel’s quality control requirements

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• 3 - 10+ years of relevant experience in automation, controls, or equipment development
• Industrial electrical systems and panel design
• Sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition
• Programming for automation (PLC, structured text, or similar)
• Ability to work hands-on with hardware (wiring, debugging, system integration)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
• MANDATORY REQUIREMENT: This position involves access to controlled information under U.S. export control laws. Therefore, applicants MUST be U.S. persons (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident). Employment eligibility will be verified as part of the hiring process.
• Submittal of a cover letter describing why you are interested in working at Voxel and our mission.

Voxel is entering into an exciting, fast-paced growth phase of the business and you will have the opportunity to be a key contributor to creating an automated production environment.

Training & Professional Development
We invest in our people. As a new hire, you will work closely with our senior engineering team to master Voxel’s proprietary electrochemical manufacturing processes. We value curiosity and technical aptitude; we provide the hands-on environment and mentorship necessary to build expertise in advanced manufacturing systems that aren't found anywhere else.

Why Join Voxel?

• Real Impact: You are building tangible products for the aerospace, medical, and energy industries. You see the direct result of your work.
• Innovation-Driven Culture: We align with our core values: Expect Excellence, Do Right By Others, Always Getting Better, and What Would Happen If…
• Comprehensive Support: We offer competitive benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off to ensure you and your family are supported.

Voxel Innovations Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The above job description does not constitute a promise or guarantee of employment.