Principal Controls & Automation Engineer

Join an innovative Cambridge-based technology company developing next-generation industrial process systems and automation platforms. This full-time opportunity is ideal for a electrical engineer who thrives at the intersection of controls, instrumentation, electrical systems, and manufacturing. You'll work on cutting-edge automation technology, owning systems from concept through commissioning and helping scale breakthrough hardware from pilot operations to production environments.

This is a rare opportunity to be one of the key technical leaders in a fast-moving startup environment. We're looking for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, solving complex challenges, and taking ownership from design through deployment. You'll have significant influence over automation strategy, work directly with vendors and customers, and help shape the technical direction of the company. If you're looking for a role with visibility, autonomy, and the ability to make a measurable impact, this is it.

• 10+ years of experience in Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience designing, building, commissioning, and supporting industrial automation systems
• Strong PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or similar)
• Experience with HMI and SCADA platforms
• Instrumentation, sensors, motors, drives, and process controls experience
• Hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
• Experience working with external vendors, OEMs, integrators, and manufacturing partners
• Ability to independently drive projects from concept through deployment
• Experience working in fast-paced engineering environments

• Startup or high-growth company experience
• Ignition, Factory Talk, DeltaV, or similar automation platforms
• Electrical control panel design and review
• Process automation, manufacturing, or chemical processing experience
• Pilot plant or scale-up experience
• Industrial networking experience (Ether Net/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet, OPC-UA)
• MES, data acquisition, or systems integration experience
• Experience mentoring junior engineers

• 40% PLC / Controls Engineering
• 20% SCADA / HMI Development
• 15% Instrumentation & Electrical Systems
• 15% Commissioning & Startup Activities
• 10% Vendor & System Integration Support

• 70% Hands On Engineering
• 10% Management / Technical Leadership
• 20% Team Collaboration

• Lead automation and controls architecture for pilot and production systems
• Design, implement, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, and instrumentation systems
• Partner with external vendors, contractors, and OEMs on equipment integration
• Generate and review functional specifications, I/O lists, control narratives, and commissioning documentation
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), startup, and commissioning activities
• Collaborate with Process, Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Software Engineering teams
• Drive continuous improvement and system reliability initiatives
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering best practices

• Competitive Base Salary
• Bonus Eligible
• Equity / Stock Options

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k)
• Stock Options / Equity Participation
• Professional Development Opportunities
• High Visibility and Career Growth within a Scaling Organization