Principal Control & Automation Engineer
About The Position
The Principal Controls & 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 focuses on PLC‑based controls engineering, industrial automation systems, robotics integration, and equipment validation within a regulated manufacturing environment. The position will play a key role in transitioning manual processes to automated solutions, strengthening controls architecture standards, ensuring robust system validation, and representing Medtronic’s technical and quality expectations with vendors and internal stakeholders. Medtronic is a global leader in healthcare technology with a Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. Our 95,000 employees work across more than 150 countries to put patients first — developing innovative medical technologies that improve the lives of 72+ million patients each year. Your unique talents will help shape the future of healthcare while building a career grounded in purpose, growth, and impact. 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 as we work together to engineer the extraordinary. The person in this role will work from the Medtronic facility located in Dexter, Michigan. This role will require 20% of travel to Grand Rapids, MI to enhance collaboration and ensure successful completion of projects.
Requirements
- 7+ years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of experience with an advanced degree
- For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.
Nice To Haves
- Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience (ladder logic, structured text, or similar controls languages).
- Hands‑on controls engineering experience in automated manufacturing environments.
- Experience integrating robotics and automated equipment within production lines.
- Background in equipment commissioning, controls debugging, and production support.
- Experience supporting validation and regulated manufacturing environments.
- Vendor coordination or technical leadership experience in automation projects.
- Automation development, equipment design, or deployment experience in medical device or comparable industries (automotive, aerospace, defense, etc.)
Responsibilities
- Lead automation initiatives from concept through design, FAT/SAT, validation, and production deployment.
- Architect, program, and maintain PLC‑based automation systems using industry‑standard controls platforms.
- Develop and standardize controls architectures for automated manufacturing equipment.
- Integrate industrial robots with PLC control systems, including communication protocols, safety interlocks, and motion coordination.
- Troubleshoot and optimize automation equipment to improve uptime, throughput, reliability, and product quality.
- Support equipment commissioning, system debugging, and start‑up activities for new and modified automation systems.
- Execute equipment validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) and ensure automation systems meet regulatory and quality requirements.
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, quality, and operations teams to deploy scalable automation solutions.
- Provide technical oversight and hold vendors accountable for controls design, programming quality, and project execution.
- Identify opportunities to automate manual manufacturing processes and improve production efficiency.
Benefits
- Health, Dental and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability leave
- Dependent daycare spending account
- Tuition assistance/reimbursement
- Simple Steps (global well-being program)
- Incentive plans
- 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match
- Short-term disability
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums)
- Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
