Automation & Controls Engineer

At 1872 AI, we are transforming industrial manufacturing in the United States by building AI-native factories capable of lights-out production—from CAD to finished part with minimal human input. Our initial focus targets the energy and infrastructure sectors—power generation, grid infrastructure, and compute facilities—where critical supply chain bottlenecks in steel fabrication are limiting growth.

You will build the software that talks to our machines—robots, PLCs, sensors, and everything in between. This is a hybrid role: you write the automation logic and services that coordinate physical equipment, and you debug it on the shop floor when things go wrong. You re not just programming PLCs; you re wrapping industrial protocols in modern APIs and integrating them into our factory platform.

• Comfortable in high-level languages (Python, Rust, or Go) and familiarity with industrial control languages (Structured Text, Ladder Logic).
• Experience integrating industrial equipment, sensors, or vision systems into software-driven workflows.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (OPC-UA, Modbus, Ether
  
  CAT, PROFINET) and experience exposing hardware data through modern APIs.
• Electrical engineering fundamentals—comfortable reading wiring diagrams, troubleshooting circuits, and debugging down machines.
• Willingness to debug electrical cabinets, sensors, and mechanical systems on the shop floor.
• Deeply curious about AI-assisted development. You re actively exploring how tools like agentic coding assistants, automated review, and orchestration platforms can help you ship more, faster—without sacrificing quality.
• Ability to self-direct and thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.

• Experience with ROS/ROS
  2.
• Experience with computer vision for industrial inspection or guidance.
• Experience utilizing edge computing devices (Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Jetson, Industrial PCs) to bridge IT/OT gaps.
• Experience commissioning or starting up industrial equipment in a greenfield environment.
• Background in welding or metal fabrication processes.

• You are employee #1-5 in the software org. You define the tech stack and the culture.
• The role evolves as we do. Lots of room to grow into leadership, go deep technically, or help spin up new teams as we scale.
• You ll use the latest tools and work with a team that wants to continuously improve.
• We take risks and spend where it counts. The best idea wins.

• Competitive salary + significant early-stage equity.
• Unlimited PTO:
  We trust you to manage your time and take the breaks you need to stay productive and healthy.
• Paid parental leave:
  Support for new parents during this important life transition.
• We cover 100% of employees premiums and 80% of your family s premiums through industry-leading medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.

This role is based on-site in Cincinnati, OH and is not open to remote work.

1872 AI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. To request a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact recruiting.

This position may be subject to a background check in accordance with applicable law. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration.