Senior Controls Engineer

Overview

Durin was founded under the belief that raw materials should not be a constraint on civilization's progress. We are actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of becoming the foundation of the global supply chain. Durin builds and operates automated drill rigs to accelerate mineral discovery.

• Architect and program PLC logic for drill cycle sequencing, safety interlocks, mud mixing, spindle/feed coordination, and rod handling.
• Implement state machines, PID loops, and interlock matrices in IEC 61131-3 languages (Structured Text, Ladder, FBD).
• Commission control systems on physical rigs: wiring checkout, I/O validation, drive tuning, field debugging.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to define sensor/actuator requirements and ensure reliable integration.
• Design alarm handling, recovery routines, and HMI interfaces for drillers.
• Ensure compliance with industrial safety standards (STO, SIL, lockout/tagout).
• Support networking and fieldbus integration (Ether
  
  CAT, CANopen, OPC UA).
• Mentor embedded/software teammates on PLC fundamentals and best practices.
• Travel to test sites for commissioning and field support (~20–50%).

• 5+ years of experience programming and commissioning industrial PLCs (Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar).
• Deep familiarity with IEC 61131-3 languages
  , especially Structured Text and Ladder.
• Hands-on experience commissioning machinery with hydraulics, servos, and safety interlocks.
• Strong knowledge of field buses (Ether
  
  CAT, CAN, Profibus, Modbus) and industrial networking.
• Experience tuning closed-loop systems (PID, torque/force control).
• Comfort working in rugged field environments with heavy equipment.
• Strong debugging instincts and ability to rapidly troubleshoot I/O, sensors, and motion issues.
• “Get it working, get it safe, then get it elegant” mindset.

• Experience with drilling rigs, mining equipment, robotics, or other heavy machinery.
• Knowledge of safety PLCs, SIL/PL standards, and functional safety certification.
• Background in both PLC controls + embedded/robotics software
  .
• Prior work on automation systems that integrate with edge/cloud telemetry.

Compensation
: $150,000 - $180,000 a year, plus equity. 100% healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision) and meals at headquarters are provided, with assistance for housing nearby.

Additional details:
This role offers high ownership, fast decision making, and the opportunity to own major initiatives from day one.

Additional requirements:

Must be willing to work from our headquarters in El Segundo and be available for extended hours and weekends as needed.