Path robotics

Controls Engineer

Columbus, Ohio Full Time

Build the Path Forward

At Path Robotics, we’re building the future of embodied intelligence. Our AI-driven systems enable robots to adapt, learn, and perform in the real world, closing the skilled labor gap and transforming industries. We go beyond traditional methods, combining perception, reasoning, and control to deliver field-ready AI that is risk-aware, reliable, and continuously improving through real-world use.

Big, complex problems are our everyday work, and our team of intelligent, humble, and driven people makes the impossible possible together.

We’re looking for a Controls Engineer to help build and refine the electrical and controls foundation behind our automation platform. You’ll contribute to feature development, solve complex problems during deployment, and help translate real-world feedback into better systems. This role offers hands-on ownership, technical depth, and the opportunity to influence how modern automation products evolve.

What You’ll Do

  • Design and implement scalable electrical and controls systems for advanced automated equipment and robotic welding cells using SOLIDWORKS Electrical.
  • Produce and maintain schematics, panel layouts, I/O lists, cable schedules, and BOMs to enable consistent builds and faster deployment.
  • Experiment with, test, and validate new electrical components, controls hardware, and system approaches to improve performance, reliability, manufacturability, and safety.
  • Develop, test, and debug PLC software across multiple platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley / Studio 5000 and Delta PLCs / CODESYS).
  • Program and commission VFDs, servos, and motion systems, balancing performance, robustness, and ease of commissioning.
  • Integrate and validate third-party electrical components and subsystems, including safety-rated devices (e-stops, light curtains, safety relays, scanners).
  • Contribute to machine safety design and risk assessments, supporting compliance with applicable standards while maintaining usability and throughput.
  • Partner with supply chain and manufacturing to optimize BOM cost, availability, standardization, and safety compliance.
  • Support systems through build, FAT, installation, and commissioning, resolving field issues, and improving future deployments.
  • Feed lessons learned back into design improvements, documentation, tools, and standards.
  • Collaborate in cross-disciplinary design reviews to align electrical, mechanical, safety, and product decisions.

Who You Are

  • 2–6+ years of experience designing and deploying industrial electrical and controls systems.
  • Hands-on experience developing PLC software in Studio 5000 / Logix Designer and/or CODESYS-based environments.
  • Experience working with PLC hardware from multiple vendors (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Delta).
  • Proficient with SOLIDWORKS Electrical and producing clean, build-ready documentation.
  • Experience with machine safety systems, including safety PLCs, safety I/O, and risk assessment processes.
  • Familiar with robotic automation systems, ideally Yaskawa robots and welding equipment (Miller or similar).
  • Thinks in terms of scalable, repeatable designs that improve deployment efficiency, safety, and long-term support.
  • Comfortable testing, validating, and iterating on components and system designs using real-world feedback.
  • Understands BOM cost, availability, standardization, and safety implications, and collaborates effectively with supply chain partners.
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity, asking good questions, and making thoughtful engineering decisions as information evolves.
  • Communicates clearly, works well across disciplines, and values shared ownership and outcomes.
  • Curious and motivated to continuously improve system performance, safety, cost, and deployability.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

  • Daily free lunch to keep you fueled and connected with the team
  • Flexible PTO so you can take the time you need, when you need it
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, plus an additional 6–8 weeks for birthing parents (12–14 weeks total)
  • 401(k) retirement plan through Empower
  • Generous employee referral bonuses—help us grow our team!

Who We Are

At Path Robotics, we love coming to work to solve interesting and tough challenges, but also because our ideas are welcomed and valued. We encourage unique thinking and are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.