Senior Principal Controls Engineer

Quick Facts

Senior Principal Controls Engineer supporting process and automation improvements at a manufacturing site. Onsite, full-time; less than 10% travel. Must be able to work in a Penicillin/Cephalosporin facility.

Description

Lead equipment controls and automation efforts to improve reliability, throughput, uptime, and repeatability. Drive Industry 4.0 and digital transformation through automation, data integration, and machine/system optimization. Ensure engineering changes and processes meet Engineering and Quality standards via validation, compliance, change control, and NCR/CAPA leadership.

Responsibilities

• Identify control system improvements, manage obsolescence risks, and enhance equipment reliability for daily operations.
• Develop and implement improvement strategies aligned to site priorities and long-term business goals.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automated equipment at machine and system level.
• Advance digital transformation through automation, data integration, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and compliance teams to meet regulatory requirements.
• Author, execute, and report validation activities, including test protocols.
• Lead NCR/CAPA investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Own change control for equipment and process modifications.
• Act as a subject matter expert for equipment troubleshooting and process performance issues.
• Provide leadership, technical direction, and innovation for complex engineering initiatives; oversee employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline preferred).
• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a Penicillin/Cephalosporin facility.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, safety standards, and validation practices.
• Experience with automation platforms, including Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs and Safety PLCs.
• Ability to develop and perform validation protocols.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.; unable to sponsor or take over visa sponsorship.

Hard Skills & Technologies

• PLC: ControlLogix, Safety PLC
• HMIs
• Robotics: Fanuc, Staubli
• Vision systems: Cognex, Keyence
• Servo systems: Rockwell, Yaskawa
• Motion control
• VFDs
• Encoders
• Hydraulics
• Pneumatics
• SCADA
• Serialization
• Industry 4.0 (AI-based vision and robotics)
• Validation (test protocols)
• NCR/CAPA
• Change control
• Six Sigma / DFSS / Voice of Customer

Benefits

• Estimated base salary: $128,000–$176,000 annually; may include discretionary bonuses.
• Medical and dental coverage starting day one; life/accident/short-term and long-term disability insurance; business travel accident insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with options and company matching; Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discount.
• Flexible Spending Accounts; educational assistance; paid holidays and paid time off (20–35 days based on service length); family and medical leave; paid parental leave.
• Commuting benefits; Employee Discount Program; EAP; childcare benefits.