Principal Controls Engineer

Baxter International Inc. • Round Lake, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At Baxter, every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. This founding belief from 1931 continues to be the guiding principle as the company redefines healthcare delivery. Baxter colleagues are united by the Mission to Save and Sustain Lives, driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration, where every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact, striving for efficient and effective operations and accountability for exceptional results. This role offers a $5,000 sign-on bonus for external applicants successfully hired after completion of their first 30 days. The Principal Controls Engineer is an automation engineer who supports process and automation improvements in a manufacturing site. This role involves collaborating with Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Quality to drive improved performance on production equipment. The engineer is responsible for delivering equipment that supports process reliability, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and plant-wide efficiency, and for ensuring the process design and operation consistently meet Engineering/Quality standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline preferred).
• 5+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a Penicillin/Cephalosporin facility.
• Onsite, full-time role with less than 10% travel.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, safety standards, and validation practices.
• Experience with automation platforms, including Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs and Safety PLCs.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley HMIs, Fanuc/Staubli robotics, Cognex/Keyence vision systems, and Rockwell/Yaskawa servo systems.
• Familiarity with motion control, VFDs, encoders, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
• Hands-on mechanical proficiency.
• Demonstrated capability in developing and performing validation protocols.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI-based vision and robotics.
• Exposure to Six Sigma, DFSS, and Voice of Customer methodologies.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Serialization and SCADA systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations by identifying control system improvements, addressing obsolescence risks, and enhancing equipment reliability.
• Develop and implement improvement strategies that align with site priorities and long term business goals.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automated equipment at the machine and system level to improve throughput, uptime, and repeatability.
• Advance the site’s digital transformation through automation, data integration, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Author, execute, and report on validation activities, including test protocols.
• Lead NCR/CAPA investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Own change control activities related to equipment and process modifications.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for equipment troubleshooting and process performance issues.
• Provide leadership, technical direction, and innovation on complex engineering initiatives that advance plant capability.

Benefits

• $5,000 sign-on bonus offered for this role!
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles.
• Medical and dental coverage that start on day one.
• Insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Educational assistance programs.
• Time-off benefits such as paid holidays.
• Paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service.
• Family and medical leaves of absence.
• Paid parental leave.
• Commuting benefits.
• Employee Discount Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Childcare benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal