Principal Engineer, Controls & Instrumentation
About The Position
As our Principal Engineer, Controls & Instrumentation, you will lead the automation strategy that powers Niron's next generation manufacturing technology. You'll own the architecture, programming, integration, and optimization of our PLCs, DCS, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networks, ensuring our production systems are safe, reliable, and scalable. From greenfield equipment design and capital projects through commissioning and continuous improvement, you'll partner across engineering, operations, and manufacturing to transform innovative processes into robust, repeatable production. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role for an engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and wants to build the automation foundation for a first-of-its-kind manufacturing operation, not simply support an established production line.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in Controls/Automation Engineering within a process or discrete manufacturing environment.
- Advanced proficiency in PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA programming (Rockwell, Emerson, Siemens, or similar platforms).
- Experience with robotics, co-bots, sensors, actuators, and other industrial automation components.
- Proficiency in CAD and simulation software for automation system design.
- Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, with the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
- Excellent technical writing, documentation, and communication skills, with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in the chemical manufacturing industry preferred.
- Preferred: experience with batch processing, MES integration, or historian systems.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and practices.
- Certifications in automation/controls technologies a plus.
Responsibilities
- Lead controls and instrumentation engineering on capital projects from concept through startup and handoff.
- Own the architecture, programming, and optimization of PLC and DCS systems (Rockwell, Emerson, Siemens, etc.).
- Design and develop automated systems and software solutions to streamline manufacturing processes.
- Develop electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and I/O documentation.
- Create and maintain technical documentation, including P&IDs, control narratives, and as-built drawings.
- Specify and integrate field instrumentation, sensors, and actuators for process measurement and control.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to automated machinery and control systems.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including OEE, downtime reduction, and predictive maintenance.
- Establish maintenance and upgrade strategies for automated systems and develop testing protocols for new systems.
- Ensure designs comply with NEC, NFPA 70E, UL508A, and relevant safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849, ANSI/RIA).
- Develop training programs to enable staff to operate and maintain automated equipment.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and vendors to evaluate and implement new automation and controls technologies.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Mental healthcare benefits
- 401k plan with 6% company match
- Paid time off to take time for what you need in life
- Equity position in Niron via stock option grant
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
