Controls Engineer

THE ROLE

We are automating the roll-to-roll processing of ion-exchange media. This is a similar serial production challenge to battery electrodes. You are responsible for making three-unit operations one coherent line: web transport, drives and tension control, unwind and rewind stands, and the controls and automation layer (PLC, HMI/SCADA, recipes, data logging) that ties it together. Battery electrode coating experience maps directly: fragile-web transport, wet steps, drying, precision tension, modern automation.

You are part of a team of ten in Chattanooga, TN delivering this line by the end of 2027.

This demonstration line becomes the basis of a greenfield manufacturing facility in Series A – B, at 10X the scale, with automated material handling and integrated back–end exchange media equipment packaging.

By 2030, we want to be the world’s largest volume producer of ion-exchange media.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Line architecture: unwind and rewind stands, roll transfer between unit operations, accumulator and festoon strategy, and splice stations
• Web transport and tension control for low-basis-weight nonwovens: drive sizing, load cells and dancers, tension zones through nips, baths, the beam shield labyrinth, and dryers
• Controls and automation: PLC programming, drive coordination and draw control, HMI/SCADA, recipe management, and interlock coordination with the beam systems engineer
• Line data: sensor selection and logging of speed, tensions, temperatures, bath parameters, and dose records – captured from day one
• Commissioning leadership when unit operations physically connect; line-level safety: e-stops, guarding, LOTO

QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERRED SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering field - electrical or chemical engineer preferred.
• 3+ years on roll-to-roll production or pilot lines with hands-on drives, tension, and controls work - battery electrode coating background preferred.
• PLC and HMI programming experience (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley or Siemens class) with servo and VFD drive commissioning.
• 1+ years of experience using software tools such as Matlab, C++ or Python.
• Ability to work in fast paced and demanding atmosphere
• Experience trouble shooting sensors, actuators, and electrical components
• Creative problem solving that brings together reactive chemistry, radiochemistry, material handling, fluid mechanics disciplines.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Position located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Travel to partners' facilities may be intermittently required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Extended hours and weekends frequently required to support critical project milestones.