Principal, Process Controls Engineer

PCMC; Clayton (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Process Controls Engineer to lead automation projects and mentor a talented team. This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and build lasting client relationships. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to innovation in the manufacturing sector, where your expertise will drive impactful solutions. With a strong focus on professional development, this position provides a pathway to grow as a world-class engineer and leader. Join a culture that values integrity, respect, and the success of its people.

Benefits

Flexible Work Environment

Professional Development Resources

Mentorship Programs

Career Path Resources

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Qualifications

• 15+ years in process controls engineering with leadership roles.
• Expertise in FactoryTalk Batch and ISA-88 standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex automation project life cycles ensuring technical excellence.
• Mentor engineers and elevate technical expertise across the organization.

Skills

Process Controls Engineering

FactoryTalk Batch

PlantPAx

ISA-88 (S88)

Project Management

Communication Skills

Troubleshooting

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLC/SCADA

Industrial Networking

Job description

About Us:

BW Design Group is a fully integrated architecture, engineering, construction, system integration, and consulting firm committed to helping our clients realize their most critical goals from Strategy to Commercialization. As the only firm born from a manufacturing technology company to become an independent and fully integrated firm, we combine deep domain expertise in the manufacturing environment with an approach built to serve the dynamic needs of our clients. Rooted in our distinct culture of Truly Human Leadership, we cultivate leaders who will define tomorrow and partner with our clients in the food & beverage, life sciences, industrial, and advanced technology industries to build the future of manufacturing and technology.

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting, and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.

Job Description:

Who You’ll Work With

You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1500 professionals, and work in teams and directly with our clients doing work that is shaping the world around us. You will be welcomed into a rapidly growing business and team and empowered to make an impact. You will be valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world-class professional consultant and surrounded by leaders who are committed to creating an environment that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment.

When you join Design Group as a Principal Process Controls Engineer, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. Design Group is widely known as an industry leader, recognized as a top system integrator, ranking #9 in the 2025 System Integrator Giants; as a Rockwell Platinum Integrator, the highest designation given to Rockwell partners; and as an Ignition Enterprise Premier Integrator. As a part of this team, you will learn from industry-leading experts and may even have the chance to be an active participant in industry events like the Ignition Build-A-Thon which Design Group won in 2023!

Role Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert and technical authority for process control systems, with mastery in FactoryTalk Batch, PlantPAx, and ISA-88 (S88) batch controls.
• 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. Ensure project delivery meets quality, schedule, and cost targets while complying with all regulatory, safety, and security standards.
• Mentor, develop, and review the work of engineers at all levels, elevating the technical expertise of the organization.
• Support the development and implementation of firmwide standards and best practices for process automation and controls in manufacturing environments.
• 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.
• Champion client-focused innovation, evaluating new technologies and creative approaches to deliver exceptional value, quality, and performance.
• Participate in business development strategy, project opportunity reviews, and proposal preparation for high-value and complex projects.

Qualifications

• 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 PE license preferred).

Our culture and commitment to our people is what sets us apart. We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the individual and collective success of our professionals. Our model and entrepreneurial mindset offer a rewarding, challenging, and highly flexible path. As a Principal Process Controls Engineer, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with professional development resources and mentorships, including our First Year Experience program, Individual Development Plans, and Career Path resources and tools. You will be surrounded by exceptional talent supporting your development as both a world-class engineer and a highly effective leader.

Interested in becoming a Principal Process Controls Engineer but not quite there yet? We’d love to connect and see how we can help grow your career into this role.

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At Barry-Wehmiller, we recognize that experience and talent extend beyond just technical skills. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, as diversity fosters innovation and excellence. Please inform us if you require accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V. This organization uses E-Verify. Applicants may undergo pre-employment screening including drug testing, reference checks, employment verification, background checks, and skills assessments.

About the Company

From our headquarters in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Paper Converting Machine Company, a Barry-Wehmiller Company, leads in tissue converting, packaging, flexographic printing, and nonwovens technology, backed by 85 years of experience.