Principal, Process Controls Engineer

BW Design Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

BW Design Group is seeking a Principal Process Controls Engineer based in Irvine, California. This role involves leading automation project teams, serving as a subject matter expert in process control systems such as FactoryTalk Batch and PlantPAx, and mentoring engineers. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 15 years of experience in process controls engineering, excellent communication skills, and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field. The position offers opportunities for professional development and industry engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of process controls engineering experience with leadership roles.
• Mastery of FactoryTalk Batch and Rockwell PlantPAx.
• Experience with proposal development and project estimation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority on process control systems.
• Lead project teams through automation project life cycles.
• Mentor and develop engineers at various levels.

Skills

Process control systems expertise

FactoryTalk Batch

PlantPAx

ISA-88 (S88) standards

Communication skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Education

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

Master’s degree

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

PLC/SCADA systems

Industrial networking

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!

As a Principal Process Controls Engineer, you will play a critical leadership role within Design Group’s Control System Integration Practice. You will collaborate with seasoned leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts to deliver innovative, top-tier solutions to our clients and help define the direction and standards for process controls in the food & beverage industry.

What You’ll Do

You’ll work individually and in teams to support capital projects and implement solutions for our clients. Together, you will help our clients make critical changes to improve their performance and realize their most important goals.

• 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.
• 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 that project delivery meets quality, schedule, and cost targets and that solutions comply 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.

What You’ll Bring

• 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).