Principal Controls Engineer

ngc; Corinne (UT); On-site; USD 79,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Utah is hiring a Principal/Energetics Manufacturing Engineer - Level 2/3 to support Tooling and Facilities Engineering. You will program PLCs, develop HMIs, integrate robotics, and troubleshoot production systems to improve manufacturing processes.

The role requires multi‑discipline collaboration, strong communication, and the ability to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance. Preferred experience includes Allen-Bradley platforms and networked controls.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or STEM with process control experience.
• Strong PLC/HMI programming skills, preferably Allen-Bradley.
• Ability to lead in development, integration, and documentation of controls.

Responsibilities

• Programming and integrating robotics, PLCs, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Develop and maintain HMI applications for safe operations.
• Provide production support and troubleshoot plant control systems.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robot programming

VFDs & servos

Networking

Safety compliance

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View

Python

LabVIEW

Ignition

Beckhoff PLC

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: No

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.

Northrop Grumman, Space Systems, is currently seeking a Principal/ Energetics Manufacturing Engineer - Level 2/3 also known as Controls Engineer - 2/3 to support our Tooling and Facilities Engineering team at the Promontory Utah facility.

Responsibilities Include:

Programming & Integration

• Integrate equipment for robotics, PLCs, servo drives, VFDs, sensors, and other instrumentation.
• Program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to control a variety of processes, machine tools, and robotics (Allen‑Bradley preferred).
• Develop and maintain HMI applications to support safe and efficient operations.
• Program variable frequency drives (VFDs) and servos for a wide range of motor control applications.
• Verify functionality and safety of new and modified control programs prior to implementation.
• Contribute to and follow programming standards, best practices, and the company software development lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain accurate documentation for supported equipment.
• Work as part of a team with Electrical Design and Controls Engineers on upgrades and new control systems.

Production Support & Troubleshooting

• Provide line stoppage support for PLC‑controlled and other automated processes.
• Work with Maintenance, Operations, and other Engineers to troubleshoot and resolve equipment and controls issues.
• Support various plant control systems (e.g., presses, autoclaves, mixers), including troubleshooting, reprogramming, and implementing software enhancements in support of Operations.

Networking & Cybersecurity

• Manage upgrades to process‑related computers and industrial PCs.
• Implement secure network connections to manufacturing equipment in coordination with IT/cyber teams.
• Apply basic networking concepts (e.g., VLANs, firewall rules) to support reliable and secure industrial control systems.

This position can be filled at either level 2 or 3

Basic Qualifications for Level 2 Engineer:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or STEM discipline plus a minimum of 2 years of technical experience. - OR - Master's degree with 0 years of experience.
• Strong desire to work with control processes.
• Demonstrated understanding of PLC & HMI systems and programming; Prefer Allen Bradley.
• Able to perform basic PLC programming functions with minimal supervision.
• A desire to support and improve Manufacturing processes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain aU.S. GovernmentSecret Security Clearance.
• Ability to work effectively incross‑functional teams.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3 Engineer:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering plus a minimum of 5 years of experience in Controls Engineering – OR – Master’s of Science Degree in Engineering plus a minimum of 3 years of technical experience.
• Strong desire to work with control processes.
• Demonstrated ability to program PLC’s, VFD’s, Servo’s & HMI’s; Prefer Allen Bradley.
• Demonstrated ability to take lead role on programming projects.
• A desire to support and improve Manufacturing processes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain aU.S. GovernmentSecret Security Clearance.
• Ability to work effectively incross‑functional teams.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Programming
  • Allen Bradley Logix 5000 / Studio
  • Allen Bradley Factory Talk View (SE & ME)
  • FANUC robot programming
  • Python
  • LabView
  • Ignition
• Hardware
  • Knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC platform(s)
  • Knowledge of basic sensors, contactors, relays, VFD, Servo, etc…
  • Knowledge of Beckhoff PLC platform(s)
• Networking skills
  • VLAN
  • Firewall rules
  • Troubleshooting

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00

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.