Junior Controls Engineer

About the Role

The Junior Controls Engineer joins the ADC Hardware sub-team and reports to the Hardware Lead. This is a hands-on, early-career role with direct mentorship from senior controls engineers. You will help design, document, build, and commission the physical controls layer for propellant manufacturing equipment, including control panels, field wiring, sensors, VFDs, and industrial networks. You will work closely with the Software sub-team and Technicians.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and I/O lists.
• Specify and select components including sensors, transmitters, load cells, valves, motor starters, VFDs, power supplies, and remote I/O.
• Support panel builds, field wiring, and installation.
• Commission new equipment through I/O checkout, loop checks, sensor calibration, and VFD parameter setup.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and devices using Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and OPC UA.
• Integrate instrumentation with data acquisition hardware such as NI cRIO and cDAQ.
• Partner with the Software sub-team to define I/O mappings and validate PLC and HMI behavior.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical and controls issues on the production floor, including occasional off-hours support.
• Keep drawings, bills of materials, and documentation current in revision-controlled libraries.
• Follow and help improve electrical safety, lockout/tagout, and hazardous-location practices for an energetics environment.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ability to read and create electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Working knowledge of AC and DC power distribution, 24 VDC control circuits, and analog and discrete I/O.
• Familiarity with PLC fundamentals and ladder logic.
• Comfort with hand tools, multimeters, and hands-on work in a manufacturing environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by ITAR.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 0 to 2 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or electrical design (internships, co-ops, and competition teams count).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with an electrical CAD tool such as AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or SolidWorks Electrical.
• Exposure to industrial protocols such as Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, CIP, or OPC UA.
• Hands-on experience with VFDs, servo systems, or motor control.
• Familiarity with WAGO, Allen-Bradley, or similar PLC and remote I/O platforms.
• Experience with NI hardware (cRIO, cDAQ) or LabVIEW.
• Knowledge of NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, or UL 508A.
• Exposure to hazardous-location equipment, intrinsic safety, or energetics manufacturing.
• Basic scripting in Python for testing, data review, or device configuration.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or another regulated manufacturing environment.

Work Environment and Requirements

• Location: on site at our Luling, TX facility, with occasional travel to Socorro, NM.
• Split between office work and the production floor, including work around energetic materials under strict safety procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lb, climb ladders, and work in panels and on equipment for extended periods.
• Willingness to wear required PPE and follow site safety, LOTO, and ESD procedures.
• Occasional evening or weekend support during production runs and commissioning.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be required.