Principal Controls Engineer

Scope and Decision Rights · Lead assigned technical reviews and make release-readiness recommendations within delegated authority. · Establish and maintain recommended architecture, programming, HMI, network, cybersecurity, testing, and documentation practices approved by the Manager. · Identify and escalate technical, safety, quality, cybersecurity, schedule, or lifecycle risks. · Stop or delay assigned technical work when released requirements, review evidence, test readiness, or safety controls are inadequate. · Mentor and provide technical direction without assuming people-management authority unless formally assigned. Essential Duties and Responsibilitie s · Define standard automation architectures for hot cells, Glycol Systems, Deicing Solutions, and related product platforms. · Establish PLC programming standards, reusable libraries, state models, sequencing methods, alarm strategies, diagnostics, tag structures, and software-documentation requirements. · Establish HMI standards for navigation, visualization, alarms, operator guidance, security, trends, recipes, maintenance, and user experience. · Define industrial network architecture, device integration, remote I/O, communications, data exchange, cybersecurity, backup, restore, and remote-access practices. · Translate functional requirements and FDS content into complete controls design packages, software designs, I/O definitions, interface documents, test plans, and controlled releases. · Lead software, electrical, controls, and integrated design reviews and confirm systems are testable, maintainable, serviceable, secure, and supportable. · Develop simulation, emulation, code-review, automated-test, and version-control practices that improve quality before FAT. · Lead difficult troubleshooting, commissioning, and root-cause investigations and convert lessons into controlled platform improvements. · Mentor engineers and technicians through reviews, pairing, coaching, standards development, and practical instruction. · Evaluate technology and recommend adoption based on business value, lifecycle support, cybersecurity, availability, standardization, and cost. Working Interface s · Director, Automation & Electrical Systems: strategy, priorities, budget, staffing, department performance, capacity, major technical risk, and escalation. · Product Management: product requirements, roadmap priorities, standard-versus-custom decisions, cost targets, and product performance. · Product Design & Engineering: equipment functions, physical interfaces, sensor and actuator requirements, safety devices, pneumatics, serviceability, and integrated design reviews. · Panel Shop: released schematics, panel layouts, BOMs, component requirements, UL considerations, technical clarifications, redlines, and controlled changes. · Electrical Integration: released wiring packages, cable schedules, I/O definitions, device requirements, checkout support, energization readiness, and as-built feedback. · Project Management: estimates, assumptions, schedules, technical status, risks, changes, customer technical communication, and recovery actions. · cGMP & Acceptance Testing: FDS content, traceability, FAT/SAT support, approved software versions, deviations, test evidence, and turnover records. Required Skills and Abilitie s · Expert PLC programming, HMI, controls architecture, electrical design, industrial networking, system integration, and machine/process sequencing knowledge. · Advanced Rockwell Automation, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, or equivalent platform proficiency. · Strong instrumentation, I/O, drives, motors, valves, pneumatics, safety circuits, interlocks, alarms, recipes, and data-system knowledge. · Demonstrated ability to create reusable software, standard architectures, test methods, and maintainable design practices. · Strong Working knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical. · Ability to interpret schematics, panel layouts, P&IDs, sequence documents, mechanical designs, and customer requirements. · Strong mentoring, technical writing, troubleshooting, communication, and customer-facing capability. Education and Experienc e · Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered. · Typically 10 or more years of progressive controls and automation experience with recent hands-on responsibility for complex industrial systems. · Demonstrated experience developing, commissioning, documenting, and improving reusable automation platforms through multiple product or project cycles. · Experience with regulated, validated, pharmaceutical, radiopharmaceutical, or similarly controlled equipment is preferred. Success Measure s · Automation platforms are reusable, maintainable, documented, testable, secure, and scalable. · FAT readiness improves through simulation, disciplined reviews, and standardized testing. · Software defects, commissioning time, field issues, and configuration errors decrease. · Engineers and technicians show measurable growth in architecture, programming, troubleshooting, documentation, and design ownership. · Lessons become controlled standards, libraries, and retained organizational knowledge. Physical and Work Requirements · Prolonged computer, programming, and technical-review work. · Regular presence in Panel Shop, equipment assembly, testing, and production areas. · Travel to customer sites for commissioning and critical issue resolution. · Compliance with PPE, electrical safety, lockout/tagout, cybersecurity, and site requirements