Base Power · Austin
Manufacturing & OperationsManufacturing OperationsFullTimeposted 7w ago
Base is America’s next-generation power company. We’re rebuilding the foundation of modern civilization–electricity–by deploying a vast network of distributed batteries that is transforming today’s fragile, centralized grid into a resilient and abundant system. We are engineers, operators, and creatives solving some of the most complex, interdisciplinary challenges of our time.
We're building battery systems at scale, and keeping our production lines running is what makes that possible. We're looking for a hands-on controls engineering technician to be the first line of response when something stops — or before it does. You'll work directly alongside the controls engineering team, owning day-to-day line health while they focus on deeper system development.
This isn't a desk job. You'll be on the floor, online with PLCs, moving through robot programs, and hunting down faults before they become downtime.
What You’ll Do
Go online with Siemens S7-series PLCs to monitor, diagnose, and identify fault conditions — not just read the alarm, but trace it back to the cause
Jog and run Fanuc robot programs, step through sequences, identify positional or logic issues, and perform minor program touchups under engineering direction
Use Ignition SCADA/HMI to monitor line status, review tag history, and identify trends that indicate developing issues
Respond to line stoppages and perform first-response diagnostics — gather the right data so the controls engineering team can resolve the root cause efficiently
Document fault history, observations, and recurring issues in a clear, usable format
Support PMs and controls engineers on commissioning, upgrades, and change verification
Learn system architecture across the line — conveyors, AGVs, robots, safety systems — and build toward owning more of it over time
What You'll Bring
2+ years of hands-on experience in an industrial automation environment
Working familiarity with Siemens TIA Portal or STEP 7 — able to go online, navigate program blocks, and interpret ladder or FBD logic
Experience jogging and troubleshooting Fanuc robots — R-30iB controller or newer preferred
Basic understanding of SCADA/HMI platforms; Ignition experience is a plus
Ability to read electrical schematics and I/O wiring diagrams
Strong situational awareness on the floor — you notice things other people walk past
Clear written communication; you'll be documenting faults and observations that the engineering team depends on
Exposure to PROFINET or other industrial fieldbus protocols
Familiarity with PROFIsafe or functional safety concepts
Experience with AGV systems or automated material handling
Ability to work 2nd shift hours (3:30pm CST - 12:00am CST)
About the Team
Base Power's mission is keeping homes powered through grid failures — and that promise only holds if our manufacturing lines run without fail. The controls team exists to make that possible: we're building Base's controls standard from scratch, owning the electrical and software architecture that drives production. We write modern, scalable automation software — but the measure of success is whether it works, not whether it's impressive. No over engineering, no technology for its own sake — just systems that are reliable, maintainable, and built to last as we grow.
Please note: Base is a startup, which means priorities shift and evolve quickly. Your role may expand or change based on the needs of the business at any given time, so the responsibilities listed may not be exhaustive.
First Principles Thinking: Question assumptions. Principles > rules.
Operate at Base Pace: Focus on what matters, act quickly, and learn by doing.
Give & Get Feedback: Be direct, be humble, and maintain a growth mindset.
Everyone’s an Owner: Follow through on commitments and own results.
Strong Opinions, Loosely Held: Drive clarity and make calls with imperfect information.
Committed to the Mission: Rebuilding the grid is a big challenge. We work hard because we care deeply about the impact we’re creating. We work in-person. It’s not a 9-to-5. We are all-in.
Fun & Optimism Coexist with Grit: Collaboration and celebration coincide with the intensity of building real things.