Principal Automation Engineer

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Automation Engineer to serve as the senior technical authority for advanced industrial automation systems, controls architecture, machine vision, SCADA platforms, and high-reliability manufacturing technologies.

This role operates with minimal supervision and provides technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams. The Principal Automation Engineer will lead the design, integration, and optimization of complex automation systems including PLCs, motion control, industrial networking, SCADA/HMI platforms, IIoT infrastructure, and machine vision applications.

This is a hands‑on technical leadership position focused on engineering excellence and automation innovation rather than direct people management.

• Design and develop advanced industrial automation systems for manufacturing and process environments
• Lead architecture and integration of PLCs, motion control systems, SCADA, HMI, and industrial safety systems
• Design SCADA/HMI solutions for plant visualization, diagnostics, alarms, and remote operations
• Develop plant‑wide industrial networking and data acquisition systems using Factory Talk, IIoT, MQTT, and OPC‑UA technologies
• Integrate PLCs, CNC equipment, servo systems, motion controllers, and industrial communication networks
• Develop and optimize machine vision systems for inspection, process monitoring, and automation improvements
• Implement industrial communication protocols including Modbus TCP, OPC‑UA, TCP/IP, Serial Communication, and Fieldbus networks
• Support edge computing, industrial data systems, and real‑time automation platforms
• Ensure compliance with UL, CE, NFPA, and industrial safety standards
• Establish engineering standards, reusable automation templates, and system architecture best practices

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with engineering, manufacturing, QA, production, sales, and program management teams
• Prepare automation system documentation, functional specifications, and integration plans
• Support project scheduling, technical execution, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities
• Prepare engineering release documentation and compliance records
• Participate in system startup, validation, and on‑site commissioning support as needed

• Serve as the senior technical resource for automation and controls engineering initiatives
• Mentor engineers and provide guidance on controls architecture, system integration, and automation best practices
• Recommend improvements to automation methodologies, system reliability, and manufacturing efficiency
• Evaluate and implement emerging automation, IIoT, and machine vision technologies

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related engineering field
• Master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or advanced manufacturing systems
• Strong experience with Rockwell Automation platforms including Studio 5000 and RSLogix 500/5000
• Deep knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems, motion control, and industrial automation architecture
• Experience with Factory Talk View and plant‑wide automation integration
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols including Modbus, OPC‑UA, TCP/IP, Serial Communication, and industrial networking
• Experience supporting high‑speed manufacturing, automated production systems, or process automation environments preferred