Controls Engineer, Special Projects

Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies make rockets, jets, and satellites 10x faster and 2x cheaper. Our CEO, Chris Power, discusses the importance of what we're building in this video.

We are a lean yet mighty team (and growing!) of individuals who are passionate about building critical infrastructure to support the nation and advance humanity.

We've raised >$200m to achieve this vision, with multiple rounds from Lux Capital, A16Z, Founders Fund, Construct Capital, Caffeinated Capital and more.

We utilize AI and Robotics to automate and scale factories that are globally cost-competitive and future-proof against the dramatic skilled labor shortage facing the Advanced Industrial Base.

Hadrian works with startups, Primes, and Tier 1/2s in all markets to cost-down, scale, or otherwise enable them to achieve production rates on critical programs in Rocketry, Satellites, Shipbuilding, Commercial, and Military aircraft, as well as other core, mission-critical industries.

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.

Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

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

• 401k

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

• Flexible vacation policy

It is the policy of Hadrian Automation, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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.