Automation Controls Engineer

Hadrian - Manufacturing the FutureHadrian is building autonomous factories to reindustrialize America. By combining AI, advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we help aerospace and defense companies build rockets, satellites, aircraft, ships, and other mission-critical systems up to 10x faster and at significantly lower cost.Following our $1.37B Series D at a $7.87B valuation, Hadrian is rapidly expanding our manufacturing footprint, launching new capabilities across welding, casting, forging, electronics, additive manufacturing, and more, while scaling our Factory-as-a-Service platform to transform how critical products are built.Backed by leading investors including JPMorgan Chase, Valor Equity Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, 137 Ventures, Lux Capital, T. Rowe Price, and Morgan Stanley, we’re building the future of American manufacturing—and looking for exceptional people to help make it happen.If you’re ready to take on the most challenging and rewarding work of your career while helping create American manufacturing jobs for generations to come, you’re exactly who we’re looking for.The RoleWe 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 DoOwn controls design for new robotic, CNC, and tooling cells from concept through run-offWrite and deploy PLC applications on Siemens or other hardware, with reusable libraries and standardsTune and commission multi-axis motion as needed — servos, VFDs, and steppers — and integrate the sensors and safety devices that make it reliableSpec and Design electrical panels, architect the industrial networks (EtherCAT, PROFINET, OPC UA) that tie cells and lines togetherBuild operator HMIs and lead risk assessmentsCommission on the floor and drive structured root-cause analysis to solve issuesMentor engineers and technicians; codify what works into shared libraries and playbooksWhat We're Looking ForBachelor's degree in a STEM field (electro-mechanical preferred) or equivalent experience3-6 years delivering automated cells end-to-end in industrial manufacturingPLCs & motion — Production experience with Beckhoff and/or Siemens, plus hands-on servo / VFD tuning and commissioningRobotics — Programmed a major ecosystem (ABB, Fanuc, Kuka, etc.); comfortable simulating cells before hardware existsElectrical & networks — Cabinet / panel design to NFPA 79 and UL 508A; fluent across EtherCAT, PROFINET, and OPC UASensors & safety — Confident selecting and integrating digital/analog sensors and safety devices; can run a risk assessment and defend a PL rating against ISO 13849Commissioning — Strong practical skills on the floor: wrenching, reading schematics, tracing variables, and finding root cause fastExcellent written and verbal communication; works well with ME, tooling, and software partnersNice to HaveHigh-level programming (C# or Python) to close platform gapsMachine vision experience (Cognex, Keyence, Zivid, LMI)HMI development in Ignition or WinCCMES / API integration (REST, MQTT, OPC UA)CompensationFor this role, the target salary range is $130,000-$220,000 (actual range may vary based on experience). This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.Benefits for Full-time EmployeesMedical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees401kRelocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need.Flexible vacation policyEquityITAR RequirementsTo conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.Use of AI in hiringHadrian uses AI-assisted tools in our recruiting and hiring processes to help our team work more efficiently. This may include tools that help organize and analyze recruiting data, as well as an AI-powered notetaker that can record and transcribe interviews and help coordinate feedback. These tools support our team and are not used to make hiring decisions. All candidate evaluations and hiring decisions are performed by humans. If an interview will be recorded, you will be notified in advance and may opt out at any time with no impact on your candidacy. Candidate data processed through these tools is subject to the same protections described in our Privacy Policy.Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity EmployerIt is the Company’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled candidates and employees, including for candidates or employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.LocationLos Angeles, CAEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeOn-siteDepartmentEngineering, Product, Design