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
• 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 (