Senior Principal Controls Engineer

Baxter International Inc. • Round Lake, IL

1d • $128,000 - $176,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This role supports process and automation improvements within a manufacturing site. The engineer will collaborate with Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Quality to drive improved performance of production equipment. Responsibilities include delivering equipment that supports process reliability, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and plant-wide efficiency, while ensuring process design and operation consistently meet Engineering and Quality standards. The position is onsite and full-time with less than 10% travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline preferred).
• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a Penicillin/Cephalosporin facility.
• 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.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Serialization and SCADA systems is a plus.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI‑based vision and robotics.
• Exposure to Six Sigma, DFSS, and Voice of Customer methodologies.

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.
• Direct oversight of employees.

Benefits

• 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
• 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: Senior