SUMMARY:
The Systems Operations department delivers integrated, intelligent systems using our 3D, Define–Design–Deliver, philosophy. The Systems Principal Automation Engineer (Principal Engineer) serves as the senior-most technical authority for software architecture, advanced controls, artificial intelligence and machine-learning systems, SCADA/HMI platforms, machine vision, and high-reliability industrial automation in Systems Operations. This position operates with minimal guidance from leadership and establishes technical direction across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Task assignments, project schedules, and backlog priorities are directed through the Engineering Services Manager or delegated Systems Operations technical leadership (Proposal Manager, Engineering Manager, and Automation Lead). The Principal Engineer is expected to self-manage execution of these tasks with minimal oversight, driving technical quality, architecture decisions, and integration outcomes across Systems Operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Engineering:
• The Principal Engineer will be assigned programming needs for production backlog and development projects.
• Architect and develop advanced software systems supporting automation, motion control, machine vision, SCADA, safety systems, and distributed industrial operations.
• Architect SCADA/HMI systems for live visualization, diagnostics, alarms, and remote operations.
• Develop industrial data acquisition, historians, and plant-wide data networking (FactoryTalk, IIoT, MQTT)
• Lead machine learning and AI development initiatives using PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, and/or HALCON.
• Develop classical and deep learning machines and vision applications using OpenCV or HALCON with custom neural networks or pipelines.
• Oversee dataset design, labeling workflows, training pipelines, and model validation/testing.
• Integrate edge AI hardware and accelerators or embedded inference engines.
• Design and validate real-time controls integrations across PLCs, CNCs, motion controllers, and industrial network systems.
• Develop industrial communication handshakes in Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, Serial, or other fieldbus protocols.
• Ensure compliance with UL, CE, and NFPA standards governing safety and controls engineering.
• Lead development of machine-learning models for inspection, anomaly detection, automation optimization, and predictive intelligence within Systems Operations.
• Design operator interfaces using WinForms, WPF, .NET, and industrial panel platforms.
• Other projects and tasks assigned by the company from time to time.
Project Engineering:
• Support and develop new software under direction of management.
• Author and enforce software architecture standards, reusable libraries, modular frameworks, and support strategies.
• Utilize Azure DevOps for task assignments, backlog execution, tracking, code review, and revision control across projects.
• Work in and foster a team environment with other engineers, production, QA, test, materials control, contract management, and sales personnel.
• Prepare interface and functionality documentation for software modules.
• Develop and report on project plans and schedules for software development work.
• Prepare detailed engineering release documents and compliance documents.
Software and Controls Development:
• Analyze and recommend improvements to our present software development and design control methodology.
• Mentor software and controls engineers on architecture, design patterns, and quality standards.
• Guide the team in adoption of emerging automation and AI technologies.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
• Expert-level C# and .NET development experience.
• Expert-level understanding of Rockwell Automation software, specifically Studio 5000 Logix Designer, RSLogix 500 and 5000.
• Deep expertise in software architecture, distributed systems, machine learning, computer vision, SCADA/HMI platforms, and real-time industrial automation environments
o Experience with FactoryTalk View or database integration to move data between the PLC and .NET layers.
• Proven ability to integrate using industrial communication protocols.
• Ability to interpret electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical drawings to support software and controls design.
• Exceptional communication skills: this role will be communicating daily with internal and external customers across multiple disciplines.
• Routine adjustment of working hours to support remote login of our worldwide customer base.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
• Four-year degree in STEM degree or related discipline
o Master’s or PhD preferred.
• 10+ years in complex software architecture, automation systems, and controls engineering.
• 5+ years’ experience in machine vision and AI/ML development.
• Project management training or certification (e.g., PMI, Agile) preferred.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
• Attention to detail and being flexible to manage multiple tasks independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organization and time management skills.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines while performing task accurately.
• Initiative-taking with a keen sense of ownership in all areas of responsibility.
• Punctual and dependable attendance.
• Understands basic philosophy and participates fully in conducting its mission.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
None are required; advanced technical certifications are preferred.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
STEM degree level mathematics and statistics
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.