Automation and Controls Engineer, Manufacturing

General Matter, Inc. is an American nuclear energy company based in California that is focused on developing domestic nuclear energy solutions. The company aims to harness nuclear technology to increase national energy prosperity, reduce dependence on foreign energy sources, and support the expansion of American capabilities in the energy sector. Their work centers on making nuclear energy more accessible and practical by advancing technologies that can be developed and deployed within the United States. General Matter's mission is rooted in the belief that nuclear power represents a critical pathway toward a cleaner, more energy-independent future. By turning domestic nuclear potential into operational reality, the company positions itself at the intersection of national security, economic growth, and climate-conscious energy production. Their approach emphasizes building nuclear energy infrastructure that is homegrown rather than reliant on foreign supply chains or expertise. The company brings together leaders from nuclear engineering, technology, government, and finance, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to solving the complex challenges of modern nuclear energy development. As a startup operating in the green and climate technology sector, General Matter represents a new wave of private investment in nuclear energy as a viable and scalable low-carbon power source for the United States.

About the Company  

General Matter is enriching uranium in America. 

Our goal is to design, build, and operate the world’s lowest-cost enrichment services in the United States.  

Our mission is to restore America’s ability to produce nuclear fuel—fuel that will power AI, advanced manufacturing, critical industries, and the next generation of nuclear reactors. 

Ultimately, our work will help power national ambitions and enable a high-energy society. 

We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier investors. Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production.  

We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency. 

Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable. 

About This Role  

As an Automation and Controls Engineer on the Manufacturing team, you will support the team directly to build out automation test stands and assembly processes and to integrate and automate the systems and robots that run our manufacturing floor — including material-loading robots, automated feed lines, and assembly stations. You'll be trusted to take equipment and processes from concept through commissioning and own the outcome: reliable, repeatable, and on time. You will play a critical role in scaling General Matter's production capability as the company works to build a domestic supply of enriched uranium and secure America's energy future. The ideal candidate is hands-on, thrives in fast-paced environments, and takes pride in flawless execution. 

Responsibilities 

• Design, build, and commission automation test stands and assembly-process equipment for the manufacturing floor. 

• Integrate and program automated systems and industrial robots — including material-loading robots, automated feed lines, and assembly stations. 

• Develop control systems (PLC, HMI, and motion control) and support electrical and pneumatic hardware for production equipment. 

• Partner directly with the Manufacturing team to translate process requirements into reliable, repeatable automated workflows. 

• Troubleshoot, debug, and continuously improve automated equipment to maximize uptime, throughput, and safety. 

• Develop and maintain equipment documentation, control logic, and standard operating procedures. 

• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supply Chain to specify, source, and deploy new automation equipment on schedule. 

Basic Qualifications 

• 4–6 years of experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing engineering (relevant internship or co-op experience considered). 

• Hands-on experience programming and integrating PLCs, HMIs, and industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, or similar). 

• Experience designing, building, or commissioning automated equipment such as test stands, feed lines, or assembly stations. 

• Working knowledge of electrical, pneumatic, and motion-control systems, with strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and software domains. 

• Proactive, reliable communicator who documents work clearly and collaborates well on the manufacturing floor. 

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, or a related engineering field (or equivalent experience). 

• U.S. citizenship (required for export-controlled and national-security-systems work). 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Experience with robotic integration and automation for high-mix or high-volume manufacturing. 

• Familiarity with SCADA, industrial networking, machine vision, and safety systems (e.g., light curtains, E-stops, interlocks). 

• Experience in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, nuclear, or other highly regulated industries. 

• Familiarity with compliance frameworks (NIST, NRC, ATO/cATO). 

• Experience with human-in-the-loop simulation and virtual commissioning to validate how operators interact with equipment before deployment. 

Additional Requirements 

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.  

Equal Opportunity Employer  

General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.  

Compensation and Benefits 

The base salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 annually.  

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.