The RoleWe 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.
You'll work directly with manufacturing engineers, tooling engineers, software engineers, and program managers to take new cells from concept to run-off against aggressive customer timelines. High performers grow into Staff Controls Engineer / Tech-Lead roles, setting architecture across multi-cell programs.
What You'll Do- 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
What We're Looking For- 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
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)
CompensationFor this role, the target salary range is $130,000-$220,000 (actual range may vary based on experience). This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Benefits for Full-time Employees- 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
ITAR RequirementsTo 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.
