Principal Controls & Automation Engineer

Danaher

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Controls & Automation Engineer is responsible for serving as a technical authority and strategic leader for industrial automation, controls systems, and operational technology (OT) across automated manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for the architecture, design, implementation, and lifecycle support of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and OT systems enabling safe, reliable, and data‑driven production environments. The position plays a pivotal role in advancing automation standards, leveraging industrial data analytics, and supporting digital transformation initiatives while ensuring compliance with cybersecurity and safety requirements.
This position reports to the Global Sr Manager Controls and Automation and is part of the Advanced Engineering Team located in Pensacola FL and will be an on-site role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience designing, implementing, and supporting industrial automation and control systems in manufacturing environments.
• Advanced hands‑on expertise with PLC platforms (Allen‑Bradley / Rockwell Automation preferred) and industrial control system architectures.
• Extensive experience with HMI and SCADA systems, including platforms such as FactoryTalk View, Ignition, and/or FactoryTalk Optix, as well as industrial communication protocols.
• Strong capabilities in electrical design review and advanced troubleshooting across controls, networks, motion systems, and safety‑related automation.
• Ability to travel – 20% travel, within US and International.

Nice To Haves

• Experience integrating PLC and SCADA systems with MES, historians, and industrial analytics platforms to enable data‑driven manufacturing initiatives such as OEE, downtime analysis, and predictive maintenance.
• Working knowledge of OT‑IT convergence, including industrial cybersecurity principles, applicable automation and safety standards, and participation in capital projects or equipment standardization efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, programming, and optimization of PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for automated manufacturing equipment and production lines.
• Define, govern, and support OT systems and control networks, including secure integration with enterprise IT, industrial communications, and data infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership for installation, commissioning, validation, startup, and lifecycle support of new and upgraded automation systems.
• Serve as the senior escalation authority for complex troubleshooting across controls, industrial networks, process automation, and production data flows.
• Drive continuous improvement through automation, analytics, and standardization, while mentoring engineers and ensuring compliance with safety and industrial standards.

Benefits

• Cytiva, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees