Industrial Controls Engineer/Principal Industrial Controls Engineer

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 88,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in the United States seeks an Electrical Controls Engineer for advanced manufacturing automation. You will architect, implement, and harden digital backbones connecting PLCs, HMIs, edge gateways, and data analytics across a global footprint.

You will design control systems for manufacturing, integrate machine vision, and drive AI-enabled optimization while collaborating with PLM/MES teams. US citizenship and clearances may apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in engineering or STEM with relevant experience.
• Experience with IEC 61131-3 PLC programming and machine vision.
• Experience with Fanuc robotics and multiple PLC brands.
• Ability to design control systems and dashboards for manufacturing.
• Security clearance eligibility and US citizenship may apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance on PLCs, robotics, and equipment.
• Develop and modernize control systems and data dashboards.
• Collaborate across PMs and engineering to meet schedule and safety standards.
• Support manufacturing automation and IIoT initiatives.

Skills

PLC programming

Machine vision

Fanuc robotics

Siemens controls

HMI

AI applications

Python

C++

Data dashboards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

Siemens Step 7

OMRON

Beckhoff

Allen Bradley

Cognex

Keyence

Fanuc Vision

AutoCAD electrical

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Industrial Controls, Electrical Engineer Description

Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer for Advanced Manufacturing. This position focuses on automation control and robotic systems used in electronics and mechanical manufacturing, assembly, and packaging. Researches, develops, designs, and tests electrical components, equipment, systems, and networks. Designs electrical equipment, facilities, components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, and domestic purposes. Architect, implement, and harden the digital backbone that connects PLCs, HMIs, edge gateways, and data analytics across our global manufacturing footprint. The job blends classic control engineering with industrial networking, AI enabled optimization, edge computing, and DevSecOps to create resilient, observable, and secure automation ecosystems.

What's Great About This Job

You will be part of the Manufacturing Automation and Controls team that is pursuing sector Automation and Industry 4.0/Digital Thread efforts. This includes interfacing with the teams developing the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and our Plant Connectivity and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) infrastructure. You will use your innovation and creativity to design automation solutions that will revolutionize manufacturing execution and have a sector level impact.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the tasks outlined below

• Lead troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance activities on PLC, material handling equipment, and robotics
• Troubleshooting & editing Siemens Step 7 (Siemens PLC’s), OMRON, Beckhoff, and Allen Bradley controllers and (Tag) architecture
• Programming Improvements in FANUC Robotics hardware/software systems
• Execute modernizations, extensions, and modifications according to specifications and/or sketches of electrical drawings.
• If necessary, adjust PLC programming and utilize PLC to troubleshoot issues (IEC 61131-3)
• Reviews installation layouts, mechanical prints and electrical schematic drawings.
• Design of control/electrical panel layouts with tight integrations to custom equipment, conveyors and robotics.
• Performs in-house testing on control components and systems.
• Performs equipment tests at vendor site as needed.
• Assists with panel wiring and mechanical assembly to meet project schedules.
• Provides manager and lead project engineer with timely status reports of projects.
• Identify and analyze errors and malfunctions as they relate to the items below: Intermittent/inconsistent electrical and mechanical failures on production equipment
• PLC’s, 24v control circuits, 480v 3phase systems, 4-20ma circuits, VFD’s, PC controllers, and fieldbus technology/control technology
• Developing and evaluating vendor equipment statement of work, quotes, design, installation, and facility testing to meet Mission Systems Automation and Enterprise Software Platform (PLM/ERP/MES/Mfg. Bus) requirements
• Review of machine vision systems (Equip. And Software) in multiple configurations in production environments for higher volume products to identify and implement automation opportunities
• Factory Support Maintain equipment-monitoring systems for machine uptime, efficiency, quality, process stability and capability.
• Recommend and implement controls, sensors, electromechanical and/or automation improvements for manufacturing & Machine Vision automation systems.
• Development, validation, and maintenance of automation and controls systems equipment, programming, and data transfer systems
• Creating new training materials and teaching new personnel on training materials
• Solving manufacturing problems related to sensors, robots, motion, vision, equipment, data in a timely manner
• Working with vendors, managing electrical Controls projects, and ensuring systems meet safety standards and regulations
• Supporting/Cross Training factory technicians and maintenance personnel with the troubleshooting and repair of process equipment.

The chosen candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills; be able to multi-task in a fast-paced, dynamic, and high visibility environment; and work well as part of a team.

This requisition may be filled as an Industrial Controls Engineer or a Principal Industrial Controls Engineer based on the qualifications listed below.

Basic Qualifications for an Industrial Controls Engineer (level 2)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or other related STEM area and at least 2+ years of relevant professional experience- OR - a Master's degree in a STEM area and at least 1 year of relevant professional experience.
• Experience with programming PLC’s per IEC 61131-3 (Examples: ladder logic, function block diagram and structured text)
• Experience with machine vision systems and barcode readers (Cognex/Keyence)
• Experience with Fanuc robotics systems and Fanuc Vision applications
• Experience with varying process sensors for environment, motion, measurement and presence (Banner, Sick, Allen-Bradley, Keyence, Omron)
• Experience with programming and hardware architecture of Siemens Controls, HMI environments.
• Experience with building and implementing Manufacturing Dashboards (data digestion) to improve production performance and efficiency
• Experience with RIA TR R15.406-2014 and OSHA equipment safety standards
• Experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications
• Experience with Programming: Python 3.x (pandas, NumPy, async); C++ (14/17); JavaScript/Node for edge services; Bash/PowerShell; MATLAB/Simulink for algorithm prototyping
• Electrical Design: AutoCAD electrical, Panel Wiring, IO
• Fluency in MS Office software applications
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret Security Clearance
• US Citizenship is required

Basic Qualifications for an Principal Industrial Controls Engineer (level 3)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or other related STEM area and at least 5+ years of relevant professional experience- OR - a Master's degree in a STEM area and at least 3+ year of relevant professional experience.
• Experience with programming PLC’s per IEC 61131-3 (Examples: ladder logic, function block diagram and structured text)
• Experience with machine vision systems and barcode readers (Cognex/Keyence)
• Experience with Fanuc robotics systems and Fanuc Vision applications
• Experience with varying process sensors for environment, motion, measurement and presence (Banner, Sick, Allen-Bradley, Keyence, Omron)
• Experience with programming and hardware architecture of Siemens Controls, HMI environments.
• Experience with building and implementing Manufacturing Dashboards (data digestion) to improve production performance and efficiency
• Experience with RIA TR R15.406-2014 and OSHA equipment safety standards
• Experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications
• Experience with Programming: Python 3.x (pandas, NumPy, async); C++ (14/17); JavaScript/Node for edge services; Bash/PowerShell; MATLAB/Simulink for algorithm prototyping
• Electrical Design: AutoCAD electrical, Panel Wiring, IO
• Fluency in MS Office software applications
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret Security Clearance
• US Citizenship is required

Preferred Qualifications for both levels

• Experience with RIA TR R15.406-2014 and OSHA equipment safety standards
• Experience with electronic electrostatic discharge (ESD) and contamination damage
• Experience with networking supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), controllers and servers via Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus or equivalent Fieldbus protocols
• Experience with programming and hardware architecture of networking processes such as Manufacturing Service Bus Integration (Kepware, PAC), MES integration, IIoT 4.0 communications (CFX) and/or Edge Computing
• Experience with Ignition SCADA experience
• Experience with RF TEST systems automation using MATLAB
• Cybersecurity: IEC 62443, NIST 80053, TLS/PKI, VPN/IPSec, firewalls, IDS/IPS, firmware integrity checking, security audit tools.
• Data & SCADA: Historian (OSIsoft PI, Wonderware Historian), realtime analytics, OPCUA server/client development.
• Electronic component manufacturing
• Experience with materials removal and dispense automation systems

Salary Range

Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space - our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.