Principal Engineer, Controls & Instrumentation

Principal Engineer, Controls & Instrumentation

Niron Magnetics Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Niron Magnetics is commercializing the first new magnetic material in decades powered by its breakthrough material formulation and advanced manufacturing process. The company’s proprietary magnet technology based on Iron Nitride enables magnets that are inherently high magnetization, free of rare earths and other critical materials, and solve supply chain reliability challenges, will drive innovation in various industries. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Niron Magnetics is comprised of a team of professionals with a desire to make a positive impact on the global community.

We were named one of “America's Top Green Tech Companies” for 2024 and 2025 by TIME Magazine and the “Innovation of the Year” at the 2025 mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards.

Our team is made up of people who think big, dare to innovate, and strive to impact the planet through technological innovation for our customers. Ready to work alongside amazing people, solve complex problems, and leave a legacy? Join our team.

As our Principal Engineer, Controls & Instrumentation, you will lead the automation strategy that powers Niron's next generation manufacturing technology. You'll own the architecture, configuration, programming, integration, and optimization of our DCS, ensuring our production systems are safe, reliable, and scalable. From greenfield equipment design and capital projects through commissioning and continuous improvement, you'll partner across engineering, operations, and manufacturing to transform innovative processes into robust, repeatable production.

This is a highly visible, hands‑on leadership role for an engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and wants to build the automation foundation for a first‑of‑its‑kind manufacturing operation, not simply support an established production line.

• Lead controls and instrumentation engineering on capital projects from concept through startup and handoff.
• Own the architecture, programming, and optimization of PLC and DCS systems (Rockwell, Emerson, Siemens, etc.).
• Develop electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and I/O documentation.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including P&IDs, control narratives, and as‑built drawings.
• Design, implement, and improve safety instrumented functions (SIFs) and SIS lifecycle activities in accordance with standards such as IEC
  61511 and IEC
  61508.
• Design and implementation of sequential logic and interlocks in batch process systems.
• Specify and integrate field instrumentation, sensors, and actuators for process measurement and control.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including OEE, downtime reduction, and predictive maintenance.
• Maintain, support and expand the DCS as required.
• Ensure designs comply with NEC, NFPA 70E, UL508A, and relevant safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849, ANSI/RIA).
• Develop training programs to enable staff to operate the DCS.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, stakeholders, and vendors to evaluate and implement new process automation and controls schemes.
• Quality control of all deliverables within the scope of Control & Instrumentation.
• Interface with Project Management and EPC/DCS/PLC Vendors as required.
• Oversee the development of loop diagrams, control panel layouts, instrument location plans, industrial network design, and database design/administration.
• Prepare DCS specifications, instrument data sheets, and bid evaluations as required.
• Contribute to P&IDs related to measurement and control.
• Specify instrumentation, analyzers, control systems, and actuated valves.
• Review vendor drawings, fabrication drawings, and construction submittals for technical compliance.
• Perform field work to gather data, verify tie‑ins, and support construction and startup activities.
• Build internal and external relationships with key suppliers, customers and internal & external service providers or contractors.
• Work with I&C engineers, technologists and designers to provide DCS / I&C design.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical or Process…