Controls Engineer, Special Projects

Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and up to 2x cheaper. By combining advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we are reinventing how America produces its most critical parts.

We recently raised $260 million dollar Series C to accelerate this mission. We are excited to be launching a new Factory in Mesa, Arizona, a 270,000 square foot facility that will create 350 new jobs immediately. We are opening a new headquarters to support thousands of future hires, launching Hadrian Maritime to serve naval production, and introducing a Factory-as-a-Service model that delivers complete systems instead of individual parts.

Hadrian works with startups, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and major defense contractors across space, shipbuilding, and aviation to scale production, reduce costs, and accelerate delivery on mission-critical programs. We are backed by leading investors including Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz. Our fast-growing team is united by a shared mission to reindustrialize American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond!

The Role

We are seeking a skilled and driven Electrical & Controls Engineer to join Hadrian’s Special Projects division, a team dedicated to building cutting-edge, custom automation work centers for bespoke processing needs. This role is focused on the design, development, and commissioning of specialized work centers that support high-precision, scalable manufacturing.

As part of this team, you will work directly with tooling engineers, software engineers, and project and program managers to bring advanced production systems from concept to operation. You’ll be immersed in the technical aspects of automation, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software across new manufacturing capabilities.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the electrical and controls design for advanced automated manufacturing systems, including CNC, robotic, and tooling cells.

• Develop and maintain PLC applications using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 or Siemens TIA Portal.

• Integrate and commission a variety of industrial robots and sensors using industrial protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, OPC-UA, and MQTT.

• Design and debug control panels to industrial standards (NFPA 79, UL 508A).

• Design and create HMI interfaces.

• Perform onsite commissioning, troubleshooting, and system optimization, including mentoring junior engineers and codifying best practices.

What We’re Looking For

• Expertise in PLC programming (IEC 61131-3) and motion control, especially with TwinCAT 3 or TIA Portal.

• Proficiency in robotic systems integration with ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa, or Kuka platforms.

• Experience designing and commissioning electrical systems and panels to industrial safety standards.

• Strong skills in integrating sensors and performing risk assessments in accordance with safety standards such as ISO 13849 or ANSI B11.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems using diagnostic tools and lead structured root cause analysis.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience with high-level programming languages such as C# or Python to extend platform capabilities.

• Proficiency in designing and deploying machine vision systems using platforms like Zivid, LMI, Keyence, or Cognex.

• Familiarity with secure industrial networking and real-time data acquisition systems.

• Experience integrating MES systems and working with data pipelines (REST, MQTT).

Benefits

• 100% coverage of medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees

• 401k

• Relocation stipend if you’re moving from outside of LA

• Flexible vacation policy

ITAR Requirements

To 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.

Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

It 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.