Principal Controls Engineer

Jobtailor

Dalton (GA)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 160,000

Full time

2 days ago

Be an early applicant

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to act as the principal technical authority for PLCs, HMIs, and data integration across multiple plants. You will define enterprise control standards, architecture, and documentation, and lead controls scope for capital projects from concept through commissioning.

You will also develop specifications, PLC programs for Allen-Bradley and Siemens, and create HMI applications to monitor and control equipment, while mentoring engineers and driving continuous

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related discipline.
10+ years designing, implementing, and supporting industrial automation in manufacturing.
Extensive experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms.
Strong expertise in HMI development, networking, and control system architecture.
Certification in PLC programming or industrial automation.
Experience with data historians, MES/MOM, and digital transformation initiatives.
Multi-site manufacturing support experience.
Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or continuous improvement frameworks.

Responsibilities

Serve as principal technical authority for PLC, HMI, and automation platforms across multiple plants.
Define and enforce enterprise-wide standards for control system architecture and documentation.
Lead controls scope for capital projects from concept through commissioning.
Develop specifications, network architecture, and system layouts for complex manufacturing systems.
Provide technical leadership during commissioning, startup, and ramp-up.
Write, debug, and modify PLC code to optimize production efficiency and quality.
Create HMI applications for monitoring and controlling machinery.
Oversee PLC programs on Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms.
Mentor controls engineers and technicians.
Drive reliability improvements and safety compliance across sites.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial networking

Control system architecture

Data integration

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Controls Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Data historians

MES/MOM systems

HMI development tools

Job description

Serve as the principal technical authority for PLC, HMI, industrial networking, and data integration platforms across multiple manufacturing plants
Define, maintain, and enforce enterprise-wide standards for control system architecture, programming practices, HMI design, and documentation
Evaluate and approve automation platforms, system designs, and technology roadmaps
Lead controls scope for capital projects, equipment installations, and major process upgrades from concept through commissioning and handover
Develop functional specifications, control philosophies, network architecture, and system layouts for complex manufacturing systems
Provide technical leadership during commissioning, startup, and production ramp-up
Write, debug, and modify PLC code to optimize production efficiency and quality
Create HMI applications for monitoring and controlling machinery
Oversee development, review, and optimization of PLC programs using Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms
Establish structured programming methodologies and define HMI standards
Architect and support data collection systems, historians, and integration with manufacturing and business systems
Support OEE, downtime analysis, quality metrics, and performance monitoring
Integrate control systems with manufacturing equipment and systems
Act as the highest-level escalation point for complex controls and automation issues
Lead root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions
Drive reliability improvements through redesign, standardization, and failure prevention
Maintain comprehensive control system documentation
Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and corporate policies
Support machine safety initiatives, risk assessments, and validation activities
Mentor controls engineers and technicians through coaching, design reviews, and knowledge sharing
Provide technical oversight for system integrators and OEMs
Identify and implement automation-driven improvements to throughput, quality, uptime, and operating cost
Support long-term automation strategy and technology roadmaps
Drive standardization and replication of best practices across facilities

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
10+ years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment
Extensive experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms
Strong expertise in HMI development, industrial networking, and control system architecture
Working knowledge of electrical schematics, motor controls, VFDs, and industrial communication protocols
Demonstrated ability to lead technical decisions, influence stakeholders, and mentor less experienced engineers
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex system-level issues
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, and IT functions
Certification in PLC programming or industrial automation
Experience supporting high-speed, high-volume manufacturing operations, preferably in the flooring or building products industry
Multi-site manufacturing support experience
Experience with data historians, manufacturing analytics, MES/MOM systems, or digital transformation initiatives
Formal training or certification in PLCs, industrial automation, or machine safety
Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or continuous improvement frameworks applied to automation systems

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in PLC and HMI development, industrial networking, and control system architecture, with a strong focus on optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Proven ability to lead technical projects, mentor engineers, and implement automation-driven improvements across multiple manufacturing sites.

Highest-signal resume keywords