Principal Automation Engineer, Controls

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Own Mach's factory controls architecture and technical roadmap, standardized around Beckhoff TwinCAT.
• Define standards for PLC software, Beckhoff IPCs, EtherCAT I/O, motion control, industrial networks, machine safety, diagnostics, and factory interfaces.
• Develop reusable TwinCAT software libraries, machine state models, fault handling, recovery strategies, and programming standards.
• Own controls and functional-safety architecture, including safety PLCs, safe motion, interlocks, guarding, emergency stops, and safety validation.
• Personally design, program, integrate, and commission automation equipment for pilot manufacturing lines.
• Translate successful pilot architectures into scalable equipment standards and specifications for production systems.
• Develop controls requirements, Statements of Work, design standards, and acceptance criteria for externally integrated equipment.
• Serve as the controls technical lead for systems integrators executing $20M+ automation programs.

Job requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience developing industrial automation, controls, or complex electromechanical systems.
• Strong PLC programming experience and the ability to personally develop and debug production controls software.
• Demonstrated ownership of controls architecture for complex automated equipment or manufacturing systems.
• Experience taking automated equipment from design through integration, commissioning, and production.
• Experience designing or implementing machine-safety and functional-safety systems.
• Experience working directly with systems integrators, equipment OEMs, or automation suppliers.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks, distributed I/O, motion control, instrumentation, robotics, and machine integration.