Senior Principal Controls Engineer

Milwaukee Succeeds; Round Lake (IL); On-site; USD 128,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonuses

Comprehensive US benefits package

401(k) & ESPP

Job summary

Baxter is seeking an experienced engineer to support process and automation improvements at a manufacturing site. You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Quality to enhance equipment reliability and drive Industry 4.0 initiatives.

You will lead validation activities, handle NCR/CAPA investigations, and own change control for equipment and process modifications, while providing technical direction to a team of engineers and operators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering in a related discipline is required.
• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Onsite, full-time role with less than 10% travel.
• Experience with automation platforms including PLCs and safety PLCs.
• Hands-on mechanical proficiency and familiarity with serialization/SCADA.

Responsibilities

• Support process and automation improvements within a manufacturing site.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Quality.
• Deliver equipment that supports process reliability and Industry 4.0.
• Lead NCR/CAPA investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Own change control activities related to equipment and processes.
• Provide leadership and technical direction on complex engineering initiatives.
• Direct oversight of employees.
• Validate protocols and report on validation activities.
• Advance site digital transformation through data integration and automation.

Skills

8+ years engineering experience

process automation

Industry 4.0

equipment troubleshooting

validation protocols

change control

leadership

regulatory compliance

six sigma / dfss

project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related)

Tools

AllenBradley ControlLogix PLCs

AllenBradley Safety PLCs

AllenBradley HMIs

Fanuc/Staubli robotics

Cognex/Keyence vision systems

Rockwell/Yaskawa servo systems

VFDs, encoders, hydraulics, pneumatics

Job description

This is whereyour work makes a difference.

At Baxter, we believe every person‑regardless of who they are or where they are from‑deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.

Here, you will find more than just a job‑you will find purpose and pride.

Your role at Baxter

In this role, you will support process and automation improvements within a manufacturing site. You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Quality to drive improved performance of production equipment. You will be responsible for delivering equipment that supports process reliability, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and plant‑wide efficiency, while ensuring process design and operation consistently meet Engineering and Quality standards.

What you'll be doing

• Support daily operations by identifying control system improvements, addressing obsolescence risks, and enhancing equipment reliability.
• Develop and implement improvement strategies that align with site priorities and long‑term business goals.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automated equipment at the machine and system level to improve throughput, uptime, and repeatability.
• Advance the site's digital transformation through automation, data integration, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Author, execute, and report on validation activities, including test protocols.
• Lead NCR/CAPA investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Own change control activities related to equipment and process modifications.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for equipment troubleshooting and process performance issues.
• Provide leadership, technical direction, and innovation on complex engineering initiatives that advance plant capability.
• Direct oversight of employees.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline preferred).
• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a Penicillin/Cephalosporin facility.
• Onsite, full‑time role with less than 10% travel.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, safety standards, and validation practices.
• Experience with automation platforms, including AllenBradley ControlLogix PLCs and Safety PLCs.
• Proficiency with AllenBradley HMIs, Fanuc/Staubli robotics, Cognex/Keyence vision systems, and Rockwell/Yaskawa servo systems.
• Familiarity with motion control, VFDs, encoders, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
• Hands‑on mechanical proficiency; experience with Serialization and SCADA systems is a plus.
• Demonstrated capability in developing and performing validation protocols.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI‑based vision and robotics.
• Exposure to Six Sigma, DFSS, and Voice of Customer methodologies.

Compensation & Benefits

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $128,000 - $176,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.

US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)

Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well‑being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short‑term and long‑term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP). We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time‑off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal‑opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodations

Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.

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