Automation Controls Engineer

We are hiring a generalist Automation Controls Engineer to join Hadrian's Special Projects team, standing up customer production lines that span custom tooling, robotic cells, and integrated machine vision. This is an end-to-end role: you will own controls architecture from requirements through PLC / robot / HMI code, panel design, commissioning on the floor, and handoff to production.

Responsibilities

Own controls design for new robotic, CNC, and tooling cells from concept through run-off; Write and deploy PLC applications on Siemens or other hardware, with reusable libraries and standards; Tune and commission multi-axis motion as needed — servos, VFDs, and steppers — and integrate the sensors and safety devices that make it reliable; Spec and Design electrical panels, architect the industrial networks (EtherCAT, PROFINET, OPC UA) that tie cells and lines together; Build operator HMIs and lead risk assessments; Commission on the floor and drive structured root-cause analysis to solve issues; Mentor engineers and technicians; codify what works into shared libraries and playbooks

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (electro-mechanical preferred) or equivalent experience; 3-6 years delivering automated cells end-to-end in industrial manufacturing; PLCs & motion — Production experience with Beckhoff and/or Siemens, plus hands-on servo / VFD tuning and commissioning; Robotics — Programmed a major ecosystem (ABB, Fanuc, Kuka, etc.); comfortable simulating cells before hardware exists; Electrical & networks — Cabinet / panel design to NFPA 79 and UL 508A; fluent across EtherCAT, PROFINET, and OPC UA; Sensors & safety — Confident selecting and integrating digital/analog sensors and safety devices; can run a risk assessment and defend a PL rating against ISO 13849; Commissioning — Strong practical skills on the floor: wrenching, reading schematics, tracing variables, and finding root cause fast; Excellent written and verbal communication; works well with ME, tooling, and software partners; To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice to have

High-level programming (C# or Python) to close platform gaps; Machine vision experience (Cognex, Keyence, Zivid, LMI); HMI development in Ignition or WinCC; MES / API integration (REST, MQTT, OPC UA)

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees; 401k; Relocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need; Flexible vacation policy; Equity