Principal Controls and Automation Engineer- Advanced Materials

Michael Page; Billerica (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Competitive compensation

Job summary

MPI is seeking a Principal Automation & Controls Engineer to lead automation strategy, controls architecture, and manufacturing systems development for a rapidly growing battery technology company. You will design, implement, and scale highly automated production equipment from development to high-volume manufacturing, partnering with cross-functional teams to drive impactful improvements.

The role requires 8+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, strong PLC/HMI/SCADA expertise, and

Qualifications

• 8+ years of automation and controls engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Strong PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff or similar).
• Experience with HMI, SCADA, industrial networking and machine integration.
• Hands-on expertise commissioning automated equipment and production systems.
• Knowledge of motion control, robotics, vision systems, and industrial automation technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and controls initiatives across advanced manufacturing operations.
• Design, develop, and improve PLC, HMI, SCADA, and motion control systems.
• Drive equipment integration, commissioning, and factory startup activities.
• Establish controls standards and automation best practices across the organization.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Process, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering teams.
• Troubleshoot complex production issues and implement long-term solutions.
• Manage automation vendors, system integrators, and equipment suppliers.
• Support the launch of new production lines and capacity expansions.
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, quality, reliability, and OEE.

Skills

Automation engineering

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Motion control

Systems integration

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Beckhoff

Job description

As the Principal Automation & Controls Engineer, you'll serve as the technical leader for automation strategy, controls architecture, and manufacturing systems development. You'll drive the design and implementation of highly automated production equipment while helping scale operations from development into high-volume manufacturing.

We're partnered with a rapidly growing battery technology company that has recently secured significant new investment to accelerate commercialization and expand operations. This is a unique opportunity to join an organization at a pivotal growth stage, where engineering decisions made today will directly influence the future of production for years to come.

Description

• Lead automation and controls initiatives across advanced manufacturing operations
• Design, develop, and improve PLC, HMI, SCADA, and motion control systems
• Drive equipment integration, commissioning, and factory startup activities
• Establish controls standards and automation best practices across the organization
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Process, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering teams
• Troubleshoot complex production issues and implement long-term solutions
• Manage automation vendors, system integrators, and equipment suppliers
• Support the launch of new production lines and manufacturing capacity expansions
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, quality, reliability, and OEE

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

Profile

A successful Principal Controls and Automation Engineer should have:

• 8+ years of automation and controls engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
• Strong PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or similar)
• Experience with HMI, SCADA, industrial networking, and machine integration
• Hands-on expertise commissioning automated equipment and production systems
• Knowledge of motion control, robotics, vision systems, and industrial automation technologies
• Experience leading projects and driving technical decisions independently
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related discipline
• Ignition experience is strongly preferred.

Job Offer

• Major recent funding fueling aggressive growth and expansion
• Direct visibility to executive leadership and company strategy
• Opportunity to build automation systems from the ground up
• High-impact role with significant technical ownership
• Fast-paced startup culture with the resources to execute
• Competitive compensation package including equity participation
• Chance to help shape the future of domestic battery manufacturing
  

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.