Principal Engineer

SoTalent; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 112,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

401k with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

SoTalent is seeking a high‑level Controls Engineer for a global healthcare manufacturing leader in Hickory, NC. The role focuses on reliability and efficiency of production systems impacting patient lives.

You will lead equipment change controls, mentor junior staff, and manage projects from design to validation, with significant autonomy in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, with a preference for Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronics disciplines.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in a controls or automation engineering role.
• Demonstrated experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Prior experience with equipment validation and change control processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute technical solutions for large‑scale engineering projects.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and equipment troubleshooting.
• Draft and implement validation protocols and operating instructions.
• Manage capital operating budgets for assigned projects.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new manufacturing systems.
• Conduct root cause investigations for NCR and CAPA tasks.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
• Provide subject matter expertise to the maintenance and service departments.

Skills

Allen-Bradley Control Logix

AB500

Safety PLCs

HMI development (Rockwell)

Fanuc robots

Yaskawa robots

Staubli robots

Cognex vision systems

Keyence vision systems

Servo & motion control

Electrical schematics (AutoCAD)

Electrical schematics (E‑Plan P8)

Industrial networks (TCP/IP, RS-232,</

Profibus / Fieldbus

Category 3 Safety Systems

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics)

Tools

AutoCAD

E‑Plan P8

Job description

Our client is a global leader in the healthcare manufacturing sector, dedicated to developing life‑saving technologies. They are currently seeking a high‑level Controls Engineer to join their facility in Hickory. This is a vital role focused on ensuring the reliability and efficiency of production systems that impact patient lives daily.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. You will be responsible for solving complex technical challenges, leading equipment‑related change controls, and mentoring junior staff. This role offers significant autonomy to manage projects from initial design through to installation and validation.

Core Responsibilities

• Design and execute technical solutions for large‑scale engineering projects.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and equipment troubleshooting.
• Draft and implement validation protocols and operating instructions.
• Manage capital operating budgets for assigned projects.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new manufacturing systems.
• Conduct root cause investigations for NCR and CAPA tasks.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
• Provide subject matter expertise to the maintenance and service departments.

Required Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency with Allen‑Bradley Control Logix, AB500, and Safety PLCs.
• Experience with HMI development using Rockwell software.
• Strong background in robotics, specifically Fanuc, Yaskawa, or Staubli systems.
• Experience with Cognex or Keyence vision systems.
• Expertise in servo and motion control systems.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics using AutoCAD or E‑Plan P8.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including TCP/IP, RS-232, Profibus, and Fieldbus.
• Familiarity with Category 3 Safety Systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, with a preference for Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronics disciplines.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in a controls or automation engineering role.
• Demonstrated experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Prior experience with equipment validation and change control processes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude is highly desirable.

Compensation and Benefits

• The anticipated base salary for this position is between 112,000 and 154,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance starting on day one.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• 401k plan with company matching.
• Employee stock purchase opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.
• Paid parental leave.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.