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 (