Principal Application Controls Engineer

PAR Systems; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

PTO & Holidays

Parental Leave

Job summary

PAR Systems is seeking a Principal Applications Engineer to lead advanced RFQ concepts, define control architectures, and drive integrated automation for Critical Handling Solutions. You will act as a senior technical leader within the Advance Engineering team, influencing multi-disciplinary programs across aerospace, nuclear, and high‑reliability environments.

The role requires 10+ years of experience, a BS in Engineering, and a track record in high‑performance automation, safety standards

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience in automation and motion control.
• BS in Engineering; MS preferred.
• Proven ability to design complex high-performance automation systems and communicate concepts.
• Experience developing RFQ concepts and architecting technical solutions.
• Skilled in system design, risk assessment, cost estimation, proposal development.
• Background in safety-critical design and regulatory standards (NQA-1).
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing IP with legal teams.
• US Person.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of advanced RFQ concepts and integrated controls.
• Drive design of automation software and intelligent solutions.
• Evaluate architectures, estimate engineering effort, assess risk.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to build trusted relationships.
• Shape technology roadmap and research initiatives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies such as AI-enabled diagnostics and digital twins.
• Contribute to technical publications and industry conference participation.

Skills

10+ years experience

BS in Engineering

RFQ concepts

Advanced controls

Safety standards NQA-1

Contract negotiation

Multidisciplinary system design

US Person

Education

BS in Engineering

MS preferred

Tools

Digital twins

AI-enabled diagnostics

Job description

Ready to architect and deliver next‑generation intelligent motion systems for some of the world’s most demanding mission‑critical applications? We’re looking for a Principal Applications Engineer who thrives at the intersection of advanced controls, high-performance automation, and complex system integration. In this role, you will serve as a senior technical leader within our Advance Engineering team for our Critical Handling Solutions (CHS) business unit. The CHS business unit serves several diverse industries including aerospace, nuclear test laboratories, commercial nuclear plants, and advanced manufacturing environments. Be a part of developing highly engineered systems that support everything from handling of F35 fighter jets to precision positioning of nuclear reactors and launch vehicle assemblies!

Our customers require sophisticated, highly reliable solutions for safe, autonomous, and precision‑controlled handling of critical payloads in extreme operating environments. Our Principal Applications Engineer is at the forefront of transforming these technical challenges into breakthrough engineering solutions. From defining advanced control architectures for RFQs to leading applied research in automation, robotics, and intelligent motion systems, this role is instrumental in securing strategic programs, expanding our technical capabilities, and driving execution excellence across highly complex engineering initiatives.

Success Criteria

In this role, you will lead development of advanced RFQ technical concepts, driving the design of integrated controls, software, and intelligent automation solutions aligned with demanding customer requirements and PAR’s expertise in mission‑critical material handling systems. Your ability to evaluate system architectures, estimate engineering effort, and assess technical risk across multidisciplinary systems will be essential as you develop compelling technical proposals that position PAR as a leader in advanced automation and high‑consequence handling applications. You’ll collaborate directly with customers and technical stakeholders, building trusted relationships through deep technical engagement and innovative solution development.

Your strategic vision will also shape the future of our technology roadmap and research initiatives. You’ll lead efforts to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies including advanced controls, autonomous systems, simulation environments, digital twins, AI‑enabled diagnostics, and next‑generation industrial software platforms that improve system performance and operational intelligence. Your contributions will directly influence long‑term growth strategies and strengthen PAR’s position as a technology leader in intelligent material handling and mission‑critical automation systems. Through technical publications, customer presentations, and participation in industry conferences, you will help establish PAR as a recognized innovator in advanced automation and precision handling technologies.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience
• BS in Engineering (Electrical, Software, Controls, Robotics, or related field), MS preferred
• Proven track record designing complex, high-performance automation and motion control systems with the ability to communicate sophisticated technical concepts to audiences with varying technical expertise both internally and externally in a professional, comprehensive manner
• Experience developing RFQ concepts and architecting advanced technical solutions aligned with customer objectives.
• Skilled in multidisciplinary system design, technical risk assessment, cost estimation, proposal development, and ensuring compliance with industry and quality standards
• Strong background driving continuous improvement initiatives across engineering organizations
• Knowledgeable in safety‑critical system design, functional safety, and regulatory standards (NQA-1)
• Experience negotiating technical contracts, defining system requirements, and managing intellectual property in collaboration with legal teams
• US Person

You’ve learned about what you'll be doing, here are the benefits you'll gain when you join our team:

• Global team recognized for their passion of inventing
• First‑of‑a‑kind product culture and project exposure
• Training and development from industry‑leading experts
• Cutting edge benefit programs that include: 401(k) & matching; Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Disability & Life Insurance; PTO, Paid Holidays, & Parental Leave for both Parents; Tuition Reimbursement

PAR Systems is an equal opportunity employer and we value individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or any other status protected by applicable law. We use AI to assist with sorting applications, but real humans do all the evaluating and deciding. If selected for an interview, please advise our Human Resources department if you require accommodation during the interview or assessment process and we will support your accessibility needs. We offer market competitive pay and benefits based upon the candidate’s skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Our starting rate of pay for this salaried position is targeted at $130,000-160,000 annually and is bonus eligible.

#AreaOfInterest:Engineering

#AreaOfInterest:Sales