Senior Maintenance Automation Engineer

Skeleton Technologies is looking for a Senior Maintenance Automation Engineer to join our team in California, US.

About Skeleton

Skeleton Technologies is a global leader in critical power infrastructure for AI data centers and electrical grid stability, founded in 2009. Power today is more than electricity.

It is national security, digital continuity, and economic resilience. Skeleton is the Backbone of Power: equipping AI data centers, electrical grids, defense systems, and critical infrastructure with the resilience to withstand surges, instability, and failure. Our power systems protect GPU clusters from millisecond-level spikes, enable hyperscalers to run at higher rack densities without grid compromise, and make AI data centers up to more 40% energy efficient. We keep the lights on when grids fluctuate, stabilising electrical infrastructure under the combined pressure of accelerating renewable energy deployment and surging AI demand.

When power fails, critical operations stop. We exist to prevent that in microseconds. Powering the infrastructure that powers everything else.

Responsibilities

• Review automation and controls designs for the D33 line and site utilities for maintainability, standardization and spare-parts strategy.
• Define site automation standards (PLC, HMI/SCADA, drives, networks) together with engineering and equipment suppliers.
• Support equipment installation, I/O checks, FAT/SAT and commissioning, and track open points to closure.
• Ensure suppliers hand over complete technical documentation, backups and training.
• Build the maintenance concept for automation and controls, covering preventive, predictive and condition-based maintenance.
• Set up the CMMS (e.g. SAP PM, Maximo), including asset hierarchy, maintenance plans and spare-parts lists.
• Define critical spare parts and stock levels with procurement.
• Help recruit, train and mentor maintenance technicians and junior engineers.
• Act as technical lead for troubleshooting PLC, robotics, motion control, vision systems and field instrumentation.
• Manage software versions, backups and change control for all control systems.
• Support OT networks and cybersecurity together with IT, in line with IEC 62443.
• Provide on-call escalation support for critical breakdowns.
• Analyze downtime and failure data and lead root cause analysis (RCA, 5-Why, FMEA).
• Drive improvements that raise OEE and equipment availability and reduce mean time to repair.
• Implement retrofits, upgrades and data-driven maintenance (IIoT, condition monitoring).
• Ensure machine safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO) and safe work practices in line with Cal/OSHA and NFPA 70E.
• Maintain safety-related control systems and keep validation records current.
• Support internal and external audits on maintenance and EHS topics.

Requirements

• 8+ years in maintenance, automation or controls engineering in high-volume manufacturing.
• At least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation/mechatronics, controls engineering or a related field.
• Certifications such as Siemens/Rockwell PLC, CMRP or functional safety (TÜV FS Engineer) are a plus.
• Hands-on experience with commissioning or ramp-up of a new production line or plant.
• Experience in battery, semiconductor, automotive, electronics or similar automated production is preferred.
• PLC programming and troubleshooting (e.g. Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA, servo drives, robotics, vision systems and industrial networks (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP).
• CMMS setup and use (e.g. SAP PM, Maximo).
• Knowledge of reliability methods: RCA, FMEA, preventive and predictive maintenance, OEE.
• Machine safety and safety PLCs, with knowledge of NFPA 70E, NFPA 79 and Cal/OSHA.
• Fluent English and the ability to work with international equipment suppliers.
• A hands-on problem solver who stays calm during breakdowns.
• Structured and documentation-minded.
• Enjoys coaching technicians and sharing knowledge.
• Strong team player across production, engineering and suppliers.

Benefits

• The opportunity to help build and scale an international deep-tech energy-storage company with a strong startup mindset
• The chance to support an ambitious mission alongside globally recognized customers such as Volvo, Škoda, General Electric and Hitachi Energy
• An extra day of holiday for your birthday!