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.

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)