Principal Software Automation Engineer

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on 6 Jun 2026.

The Principal Software Automation Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for driving automation strategy and execution across the Dexter and Grand Rapids, Michigan manufacturing sites. This role is heavily focused on controls engineering, automation software, PLC and robot programming, controls architecture, and equipment/software validation. This position will play a critical role in transitioning manual processes to automated solutions, closing resource gaps in software validation, ensuring execution rigor, and representing Medtronic’s technical and quality standards with vendors and internal stakeholders.

At Medtronic, we bring bold ideas forward with speed and decisiveness to put patients first in everything we do. In-person exchanges are invaluable to our work. We’re working onsite 4 days a week as part of our commitment to fostering a culture of professional growth and cross-functional collaboration. The person in this role will work from the Medtronic facility located in Dexter, Michigan and will require 20% travel to Grand Rapids, MI to enhance collaboration and ensure successful completion of projects.

• Lead automation opportunities from concept through FAT, validation, and production deployment.
• Architect and program PLC‑based automation systems, ensuring scalable, robust controls architectures.
• Own robot–PLC communication strategies, including interfaces, handshakes, safety interlocks, and data exchange.
• Provide deep technical leadership in robot programming and automation software development.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automation systems to improve uptime, throughput, quality, and reliability.

• 7+ years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of experience with an advanced degree.

• Experience in PLC Programming & Troubleshooting:
  Diagnose, repair, optimize, and standardize PLC‑controlled systems.
• Experience in Automation Software:
  Design, deploy, or support automation software (structured text, ladder, HMI, higher‑level applications).
• Controls engineering experience.
• Validation Execution:
  Equipment and software validation within regulated manufacturing environments.
• Vendor accountability and leadership experience – hold vendors accountable for schedule, quality, and technical execution.
• Automation development, design, or deployment experience.
• Medical or equivalent external industry robotics (defense, automotive, etc).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position.

The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co‑workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the work conditions and physical requirements that may be specific to each role.

At Medtronic, we are committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact. In alignment with our enterprise‑wide workforce planning approach, U.S. work authorization sponsorship (H‑1B, TN, J, etc.) is offered exclusively for Principal‑level roles and above, where specialized expertise aligns with long‑term business needs. Roles below the Principal level require candidates to possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.

Salary ranges for U.S. (excl. PR) locations (USD): $ – $.

This position is…