Principal, Process Controls Engineer

Jobtailor; California (MO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a Senior Process Controls Engineer to lead capital automation projects across manufacturing environments. You will act as technical authority on FactoryTalk Batch, PlantPAx, and ISA-88, guiding design, integration, and site startup with client handover.

You will mentor engineers, develop standards, support business development, and travel as needed to installations and meetings. Strong communication and leadership are essential to deliver high-quality, compliant automation

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive process controls engineering experience with leadership roles.
• Mastery of FactoryTalk Batch, Rockwell PlantPAx, and ISA-88 batch standards.
• Experience with instrumentation, industrial networking, PLC/SCADA, and integration.
• Proven history leading automation projects and client engagement.

Responsibilities

• Support capital projects and implement solutions for clients individually and in teams.
• Serve as SME and technical authority for process control systems and standards.
• Lead complex automation projects from design to site startup and handover.
• Ensure delivery meets quality, schedule, and cost targets; regulatory compliance.
• Mentor engineers and promote firmwide standards for controls in manufacturing.
• Partner with clients to define requirements and build lasting relationships.
• Contribute to business development, opportunity reviews, and proposals.

Skills

FactoryTalk Batch

PlantPAx

ISA-88 (S88)

Process instrumentation

PLC/SCADA architectures

Project leadership

Client-facing

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering

PE license preferred

Job description

Responsibilities

• You work individually and in teams to support capital projects and implement solutions for our clients.
• You help our clients make critical changes to improve their performance and realize their most important goals.
• You serve as a subject matter expert and technical authority for the firm for process control systems, with mastery in FactoryTalk Batch, PlantPAx, and ISA-88 (S88) batch controls.
• You spearhead project teams through complex automation project life cycles, ensuring technical excellence and accountability across all phases—from conceptual design to site startup and client handover.
• You ensure that project delivery meets quality, schedule, and cost targets and that solutions comply with all regulatory, safety, and security standards.
• You mentor, develop, and review the work of engineers at all levels, elevating the technical expertise of the organization.
• You support the development and implementation of firmwide standards and best practices for process automation and controls in manufacturing environments.
• You partner directly with key clients to understand needs, define project requirements, articulate solutions, and build lasting relationships based on trust and delivery of world-class outcomes.
• You champion client-focused innovation, evaluating new technologies and creative approaches to deliver exceptional value, quality, and performance.
• You participate in business development strategy, project opportunity reviews, and proposal preparation for high-value and complex projects.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive process controls engineering experience, including significant leadership roles and client-facing responsibilities in manufacturing environments.
• Mastery of FactoryTalk Batch, Rockwell PlantPAx, and thorough understanding and application of ISA-88 (S88) batch process control standards.
• Substantial experience with process instrumentation, industrial networking, PLC/SCADA architectures, and integration with process systems.
• Demonstrated history of leading teams in the successful delivery of automation projects.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to inspire teams, engage with clients at executive and plant levels, and convey complex technical information clearly to all audiences.
• Experience with proposal development, project estimation, and scope definition for controls projects.
• Aptitude for troubleshooting, creative problem solving, and delivering innovative technical solutions in demanding environments.
• Recognition as a technical leader or subject matter expert in professional or industry settings; participation in conferences or standards committees is a plus.
• Willingness to travel as required for project and client needs, including installations, startup support, strategic meetings, training, and industry events.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering (Master’s and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred).

Core Competencies

Demonstrates mastery in FactoryTalk Batch, Rockwell PlantPAx, and ISA-88 (S88) standards, with extensive experience in process controls engineering and project leadership in manufacturing environments. Proven ability to mentor teams, develop client relationships, and deliver innovative automation solutions while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.