Automation Engineer

Company Description Sthyr Energy Private Limited, a startup initiated at IIT Madras, is revolutionizing grid-scale energy storage solutions with its cutting-edge zinc-air batteries for long-duration energy storage. Known for its innovative and sustainable approach, the company has developed modular solutions, including 200 kWh battery modules and 10 kW zinc regeneration units, scalable up to GWh. With a focus on reducing solar and wind energy curtailment, Sthyr Energy is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and cost-effective energy storage solutions, fostering sustainability and decreasing carbon emissions.

Backed by technology and market advisors and driven by a team of IIT Madras experts, Sthyr Energy is proudly building a greener, energy-resilient future through indigenous advancements. Job role: Automation Engineer Qualification: B.E/ME in Automation or robotics Location: Ambattur (Chennai) Role Description We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Automation Engineer to lead the development of a cost-effective automation system for our mechanically rechargeable Zinc-Air battery platform. The core responsibility of this role is to conceptualize, design, and implement a low-cost pick-and-place gantry mechanism for automated handling and movement of Zinc (Zn) plates within the battery system.

This role requires strong expertise in industrial automation, PLC programming, actuators, sensors, and vendor coordination. The engineer will be expected to evaluate different automation architectures, optimize system cost without compromising performance, and act as the technical interface between the company and external automation vendors/system integrators. The key role is to develop a practical, scalable, and economical automation solution suitable for real-world stationary energy storage systems, where system reliability and cost optimization are equally important.

Key Responsibilities: Design and develop a low-cost automation solution for the mechanical operation of Zn plate insertion and removal in Zinc-Air battery systems. Work on selection and integration of motors, linear actuators, drives, limit switches, encoders, and industrial sensors. Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems for automation sequencing, motion coordination, interlocks, and safety logic.

Design automation workflows involving PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial communication protocols, and electromechanical control systems. Lead technical discussions with automation vendors, machine builders, and component suppliers to assess feasibility, costing, and implementation approaches. Troubleshoot and optimize automation systems during prototyping, commissioning, and pilot-scale deployment.

Ensure automation systems comply with industrial safety and operational standards. Preferred Skills: Strong knowledge of PLC programming and industrial controllers. Experience in industrial automation systems, including PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFDs, servo drives, and industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, CAN, RS485, TCP/IP).

Good understanding of linear actuators, servo motors, stepper motors, and gantry automation. Familiarity with pick-and-place mechanisms, robotic systems, and gantry-based automation. Working knowledge of CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, or equivalent for automation concept development.

What We Offer: · Opportunity to build automation for a next-generation Zinc-Air battery technology with real-world impact in stationary energy storage. · Hands-on experience in developing a novel mechanical recharge automation system from concept to implementation. · Freedom to innovate low-cost automation solutions with real impact. · A high-impact role where your automation design directly contributes to the commercialization of a breakthrough clean energy technology.