Electrical & Controls Principal Engineer (OT)

The Clorox Company • Durham, NC

1d • $88,900 - $204,900 • Onsite

About The Position

The Electrical & Controls Principal Engineer (Operational Technology) reports to the Senior Manager, OT & EIC Engineering and serves as a key technical leader responsible for delivering high-complexity automation, controls, and infrastructure projects across multiple manufacturing sites. In this role, you will leverage deep expertise in electrical engineering, control systems, automation, and system integration to drive major capital projects, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and advance Operational Technology (OT) strategies. You will play a critical role in shaping the future of manufacturing by delivering scalable, reliable, and innovative engineering solutions while partnering closely with cross-functional teams, manufacturing sites, and external engineering partners. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership, influencing technology direction and engineering standards across the organization.

Requirements

• 8-12 years of engineering and/or operations experience in a manufacturing environment; experience within Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Food & Beverage, or discrete manufacturing industries is strongly preferred.
• Strong expertise in electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, including industrial power distribution and automation platforms.
• Proven ability to manage engineering projects, priorities, and resources while delivering results aligned with business objectives.
• Experience managing capital and expense budgets, including financial planning, forecasting, and project cost control.
• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment, including exposure to rotating equipment, elevated work areas, and varying plant conditions.
• Advanced knowledge of Rockwell Automation control systems, hardware, and related technologies.
• Experience applying and interpreting industry standards, including NEC, ANSI, IEC, NEMA, and NFPA.
• Working knowledge of ISA-S88 and PackML standards.
• Experience with manufacturing data and information systems, including SCADA, MES, Historian, SQL, and other industrial data collection platforms.
• Ability to develop, read, interpret, and troubleshoot P&IDs, electrical schematics, and technical drawings.
• Proven experience managing external engineering firms, system integrators, equipment suppliers, and construction contractors.
• Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously while balancing technical requirements, business priorities, budgets, and schedules.
• Experience delivering complex capital projects from concept through commissioning and startup.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate teams and drive performance through collaboration and accountability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting or leading packaging equipment and manufacturing systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead electrical and controls engineering activities throughout all phases of capital projects, including concept development, feasibility studies, scope definition, cost estimating, detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, validation, and project closeout.
• Develop functional requirements, technical specifications, project schedules, and engineering deliverables to support successful project execution.
• Manage project scope, budget, timelines, and resources to achieve business objectives while maintaining engineering excellence.
• Provide expert-level leadership in electrical design, control systems, automation platforms, and system integration.
• Support system startup and operational checkout activities, including configuration, wiring verification, calibration, power testing, and troubleshooting.
• Deliver hardware and software support to engineering and operations teams while ensuring system reliability and performance.
• Utilize equipment manuals, P&IDs, electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical documentation to diagnose and resolve complex system challenges.
• Serve as a trusted technical authority and key contributor to major technology initiatives across the organization.
• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new technologies that improve manufacturing capability, efficiency, and reliability.
• Ensure compliance with internal engineering standards, industry regulations, and best practices.
• Influence long-term Operational Technology strategies and help build future-ready manufacturing platforms.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to deliver successful project outcomes.
• Lead the integration of external engineering firms, contractors, system integrators, and equipment suppliers.
• Apply Clorox Early Management principles and manufacturing best practices to drive sustainable project execution and operational success.
• Develop and implement manufacturing equipment, processes, and procedures that support product innovation, line extensions, and operational improvements.
• Drive manufacturing competitiveness through capital investments and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical analysis, engineering recommendations, cost estimates, schedule forecasts, and design reviews to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead projects with a strong commitment to safety, ensuring compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.
• Deliver project safety objectives throughout design, construction, commissioning, and startup activities.

Benefits

• Robust health plans
• Market-leading 401(k) program with a company match
• Flexible time off benefits (including half-day summer Fridays depending on location)
• Inclusive fertility/adoption benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed