Control Systems Engineer

Be the catalyst that drives real change for our planet.

Samsara Eco has one clear mission: to repair our planet through infinite plastic recycling. Yes, it’s a mighty mission but it’s something every single one of us here at Samsara Eco is determined to achieve. And it’s what motivates us to dedicate our time and energy to every single day.

Our technology is like our team. One of a kind. And we know that, so while we are creating technology to repair our planet, we’re also building a great place to grow careers. A place where everyone can do the best work of their life, making meaningful impact on our planet and ourselves.

WHO WE ARE We’re a biotech innovator with a mission that actually matters. We’re taking the 10 billion tonnes of plastics and textiles wasting away in landfill and recycling it – infinitely – to create a truly circular loop for packaging, clothing, airbags, and everything in between. It means the brands people love can keep making the products they rely on, without the environmental cost. By using what we already have, we can break the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and leave a liveable planet for the generations coming after us. This isn’t just a job. This is the work that matters most right now.

This role is based onsite in Jerrabomberra, on the border of NSW/ACT approx. 30 mins from Canberra CBD.

ROLE PURPOSE The Control Systems Engineer will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the measurement, control, and automation systems that underpin our R&D reactors and process equipment. Working closely with scientists, chemical engineers, and the wider engineering team, you will ensure our experimental processes are instrumented accurately, controlled reliably, and that data is captured with the integrity needed to support scale-up decisions. This is a hands-on role building on existing foundations. Rather than inheriting a fully mature control system, you will review, refine, and extend our current instrumentation and automation to improve reliability, standardisation, and scalability as we move toward pilot and larger-scale operations. You will need to be comfortable working with ambiguity, making pragmatic engineering decisions, and iterating quickly as the technology evolves.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Control Systems & Automation

• Design, configure, and commission PLC/DCS-based control systems for bench-scale and pilot-scale process equipment.
• Develop control strategies (PID loops, sequences, interlocks, alarms) appropriate to the process stage and safety requirements.
• Build SCADA/HMI interfaces that provide clear real-time visibility of process conditions to scientists and engineers.
• Automate repetitive experimental procedures to improve reproducibility and reduce operator burden.

Data Acquisition & Integration

• Design and implement data acquisition systems (DAQ) to capture high-quality, time-stamped process data from all instrumented systems.
• Integrate control and instrumentation systems with broader data infrastructure (e.g. data historians, LIMS, lab notebooks).
• Work with data science or research teams to ensure data formats, sampling rates, and metadata meet analytical requirements.

Instrumentation Design & Commissioning

• Specify, procure, install, and commission instrumentation across R&D reactors and process rigs — including sensors for temperature, pressure, flow, pH, dissolved gases, and other bioprocess parameters.
• Develop P&IDs and instrumentation schedules in collaboration with process and chemical engineers.
• Ensure all instrumentation meets the measurement accuracy and response time requirements of experimental protocols.
• Establish and maintain calibration, validation, and maintenance regimes for all field instruments.

Process Safety & Functional Safety

• Apply functional safety principles (aligned to IEC 61511 / IEC 61508 where appropriate) in the design of safety instrumented functions.
• Conduct hazard and operability studies (HAZOP) and contribute to risk assessments for new process equipment.
• Ensure all C&I systems comply with relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Scale-Up Support

• Partner with the process engineering team to define instrumentation and control requirements for pilot and demonstration-scale facilities.
• Contribute to engineering design packages (conceptual through to detailed) for scale-up projects.
• Evaluate and recommend automation architectures appropriate for pilot and future commercial scale.
• Support technology transfer activities, including producing C&I documentation for third-party engineering firms and contractors.

Documentation & Standards

• Produce and maintain high-quality C&I deliverables: P&IDs, loop diagrams, instrument data sheets, cause & effect matrices, control narratives.
• Establish C&I standards, templates, and best practices for the organisation from the ground up.
• Maintain a central instrument register and asset management records.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES Essential

• Degree in Instrumentation & Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, and commissioning of PLC/DCS control systems.
• Proficiency with industrial automation hardware and software platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Wonderware, Ignition).
• Experience in specifying, selecting, and commissioning a wide range of process instrumentation.
• Understanding of process safety principles and functional safety standards.
• Ability to interpret and develop P&IDs, loop diagrams, and control narratives.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a pragmatic approach to engineering.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

• Experience with data acquisition systems and integration with higher-level data infrastructure.
• Familiarity with bioprocess control and instrumentation.
• Experience in a research and development or pilot-scale environment.
• Knowledge of relevant Australian and international standards for control systems and safety.

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology with a significant environmental impact.
• Career growth and development opportunities within a rapidly expanding company.
• Be part of a passionate and dedicated team.

HOURS Full-time

LOCATION Jerrabomberra

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for this role.