Junior Controls Engineer

Junior Controls Engineer
Role summary
The Junior Controls Engineer joins the ADC Hardware sub-team and reports to the Hardware Lead.
You will help design, document, build, and commission the physical controls layer for propellant
manufacturing equipment: control panels, field wiring, sensors, VFDs, and industrial networks. You
will work closely with the Software sub-team, which owns PLC programs and HMIs, and with
Technicians who install and maintain equipment on the floor. This is a hands-on, early-career role
with direct mentorship from senior controls engineers.
Responsibilities
Create and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and I/O lists for new and
existing equipment
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 alongside the Technicians sub-team
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
against the hardware
Diagnose and resolve electrical and controls issues on the production floor, including occasional
off-hours support during runs
Keep drawings, bills of materials, and documentation current in our revision-controlled libraries
Follow and help improve electrical safety, lockout/tagout, and hazardous-location practices for an
energetics environment
Required 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)
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
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 (open question:
confirm primary site and any Austin office time)
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 (