Principal Controls Engineer

Our client is a forward-thinking industrial automation organization focused on developing reliable, scalable control systems for complex manufacturing and industrial operations. The Principal Controls Engineer will help establish the technical foundation of the Controls & Automation group by building standardized engineering resources and repeatable workflows that strengthen team performance. This role offers the opportunity to shape technical direction, improve engineering consistency, and mentor a team responsible for delivering high-quality automation solutions.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLC Programming using Studio 5000 Logix Designer, developing reliable control solutions for industrial equipment and automated systems.
  
• Build and maintain AutoCAD Electrical Standards & Shared Library Development resources, including standardized symbols, templates, electrical schematics, and panel design documentation.
  
• Establish PLC Programming Standards & Controls Architecture from the ground up, including the development of Add-On Instructions (AOI) and reusable programming libraries.
  
• Develop FactoryTalk View / HMI applications and lead Industrial Networking & System Integration to support communication between control systems, equipment, and operator interfaces.
  
• Direct PLC Testing, Commissioning & Troubleshooting while developing technical standards, standardizing engineering workflows, documenting best practices, and training engineers to implement systems and libraries consistently.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  
• 10+ years of progressive experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, and PLC-based system development.
  
• Demonstrated experience creating controls standards, shared libraries, and engineering workflows from scratch rather than simply applying existing frameworks.
  
• Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, including the creation and organization of standardized design resources.
  
• Extensive hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley hardware, Rockwell automation platforms, and Studio 5000 Logix Designer.
  
• Strong knowledge of PLC architecture, reusable programming methods, HMI development, and industrial communication systems.
  
• Proven ability to mentor engineers, deliver technical training, and drive consistent implementation of engineering standards across a team.
  
• Experience providing technical leadership, resolving complex automation challenges, and improving the reliability and maintainability of control systems.
  

Equal Employment Opportunity
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Employment Eligibility if hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.