Principal Controls Engineer

Oshkosh Corporation, Inc.; McConnellsburg (PA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Oshkosh Corporation seeks a Principal Controls Engineer to lead manufacturing system projects and develop control system applications critical to OT initiatives. You will provide leadership in project implementation, drive standardization, and build robust control solutions across plants.

The role requires expertise in electrical and automation components, PLC/SCADA/HMI development, and strong communication with Digital Technology and Operations teams. Travel up to 20% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Five (5) or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Rockwell PLCs, VFDs, Ignition EDGE, and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME in factory controls and lead factory control systems projects.
• Lead PFMEAs with project teams to improve processes.
• Design and build control panels.
• Read/write/solve PLCs, SCADA (Ignition), HMIs, and other controls.
• Facilitate test case development and implementation.
• Create SOPs for project startup readiness and documentation.
• Lead startups, end-user training, and field troubleshooting.
• Perform equipment upgrades and retrofits as needed.
• Provide Level 3 plant support for control systems.
• Prepare schematics, controls layouts, BOMs, and drawings.
• Approve electrical drawings and maintain accuracy.
• Document work thoroughly, including changes and progress.
• Conduct regular debriefs to track progress and actions.
• Define standard components and programming standards.
• Travel up to 20%.

Skills

Factory controls

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI

Rockwell PLCs

Electrical drawings

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics/Software Engineering or related field

Tools

Ignition EDGE

EtherNet/IP

SQL

Networking basics

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

The following represents general working conditions for this role. Specific conditions may vary depending on business needs and individual circumstances. 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.

#LI-BH1 OSK1917 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. 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. Advance your career by advancing the world. For many of our team members, this is more than a career. It’s a calling. Oshkosh is home to thousands of difference-makers working together to build, serve and protect people and communities around the world. From the front lines to the firehouse, the people we serve are driven by a sense of purpose. The people who work here are no different. Our engineering and product innovation help keep soldiers and firefighters safe, is critical in building and keeping communities clean and helps people do their jobs every day. As part of a People First culture, you’ll be encouraged and empowered to take ownership of your work, develop your career and make a real impact on the world around you. Oshkosh is a global company that designs and manufactures some of the world’s toughest specialty and access equipment under the brands of JLG®, Hinowa, Power Towers, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL™, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh® AeroTech™ and Pratt Miller.