Principal Controls Engineer

JLG Industries; McConnellsburg (PA); On-site; USD 92,600 - 154,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Health benefits

Job summary

A leading machinery company in Pennsylvania is seeking a Principal Controls Engineer to spearhead manufacturing system projects. This role involves developing critical control system applications, leading project implementations, and ensuring thorough documentation of work. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, with over 5 years of relevant experience in controls and automation systems. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential to succeed in this position, which offers a competitive salary and a collaborative working environment.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience in controls engineering.
• Proficient in control systems and programming.
• Experience with PFMEAs and project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead factory control systems projects.
• Develop control system applications.
• Facilitate project startups and training.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Programming PLCs

SCADA Systems

Automation Components

Communication Protocols

SQL

Networking

Machine Vision

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Rockwell PLCs

Ignition EDGE

HMI Systems

Job description

About JLG, An Oshkosh Company

JLG began in 1969, when our founder, John L. Grove set out to resolve growing safety concerns in the construction industry. Since then we have been committed to understanding the challenges and delivering innovative solutions to the access market. We partner with customers to provide quality equipment, training opportunities and trusted support within the access industry. We are a global company, and our products—including mobile elevating work platforms, telehandlers, utility vehicles and accessories—can be found all over the world.

JLG is seeking a Principal Controls Engineer to lead manufacturing system projects. This individual is responsible for developing control system applications that are a key to the success of the JLG Business and Operational Technology practice. This individual must provide leadership in project implementation and technical solutions.

YOUR IMPACT

• Act as Subject Matter Expert in factory controls while leading factory control systems projects interfacing with Digital Technology and Operations teams
• Able to lead PFMEAs in collaboration with project team members
• Design and build control panels
• Read/Write/Solution PLCs, SCADA (Ignition), HMIs, and other controls systems
• Facilitate test case development and implementation
• Develop and enforce a standard operating procedure (SOP) for project startups, ensuring that all necessary equipment and documentation are prepared and reviewed in advance
• Perform startups, customer/end user training, and field troubleshooting
• Perform equipment upgrades and retrofits, as required
• Level 3 support for the plants on control systems
• Responsible for schematic creation, controls layouts, BOM creation and other design documentation ensuring accuracy and maintain as‑built drawings
• Responsible for electrical drawing approvals
• Ensure thorough documentation of all work, including technical details, changes, and project progress
• Conduct regular debriefs to discuss project progress, challenges, and ensure corrective actions are taken
• Define standard components list, electrical standards and programming standards
• Travel up to 20%

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following: Electrical Engineering; Electronics Engineering; Software Engineering; or Related Field
• Five (5) or more years of relevant experience.

Standout Qualifications

• Experience with electrical and automation components, circuits, standards, and common practices
• Significant experience solutioning & developing code on controls systems including PLCs, SCADA & HMIs
• Experience with Rockwell PLCs, VFDs, and Ignition EDGE
• Understands communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, MQTT, Profinet, Modbus RTU, and others
• Competent in SQL - reads/writes
• Basic understanding of networking
• Adept at safety controllers and circuits
• Experience with virtual machines and operating systems
• Understands Servo drives and motors
• Machine Vision and Robotics experience
• Leadership skills with a strong emphasis on proactive management and clear, timely communication
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Good interpersonal skills, motivated and team player
• Detail-oriented with an emphasis on planning, documentation, and follow‑up
• Able to adapt to changes in priorities and stay organized in a fast‑paced, high‑demand environment
• Performs well under pressure and tight deadlines

WORKING CONDITIONS

This role combines office‑based administrative duties with physical activity in field or production environments.

• In the office setting, tasks may require extended computer use, sitting, and attending meetings.
• Field or floor work may involve walking across various terrains or shop floors, standing, moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds), climbing stairs, and exposure to varying temperatures or noise levels.
• Must be able to shift focus between detailed cognitive work and occasional physical tasks as needed.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities to support performance across both office and field responsibilities.

Pay Range

$92,600.00 - $154,400.00

The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people‑first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit‑based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation’s legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. Persons,” as defined in these regulations. Generally, a “U.S. Person” is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.