Junior Controls Engineer

X-Bow Launch Systems Inc.; Luling (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

X-Bow Launch Systems Inc. is seeking a Junior Controls Engineer to design, document, build, and commission the electrical controls layer for propellant manufacturing equipment.

You will collaborate with Software and Technicians on PLC programs, HMIs, and on-floor installations under mentorship from senior controls engineers. This hands-on, early-career role requires reading electrical schematics, selecting components, supporting panel builds, and ensuring safety practices.

Qualifications

• BS or equivalent hands-on experience in industrial controls or electrical design.
• 0–2 years experience in industrial controls or automation.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Knowledge of AC/DC power distribution and 24 VDC control circuits.
• Familiarity with PLC fundamentals and ladder logic.
• Comfort with hand tools and multimeters; hands-on manufacturing work.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by ITAR.

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

Skills

Electrical schematics reading

Hand tools & multimeters

PLC fundamentals

Written & verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics / Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

SolidWorks

Job description

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 (open question: confirm primary site and any Austin office time)
• 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 (