Electrical & Controls Principal Engineer (OT)
Clorox is committed to growth—for our people and our brands. Guided by our purpose and values, and with people at the center of everything we do, we believe every one of us can make a positive impact on consumers, communities, and teammates.
About the role
The Electrical & Controls Principal Engineer (Operational Technology) serves as a key technical leader responsible for delivering high-complexity automation, controls, and infrastructure projects across multiple manufacturing sites. In this role, you will leverage deep expertise in electrical engineering, control systems, automation, and system integration to drive major capital projects, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and advance Operational Technology (OT) strategies. You will play a critical role in shaping the future of manufacturing by delivering scalable, reliable, and innovative engineering solutions while partnering closely with cross-functional teams, manufacturing sites, and external engineering partners. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership, influencing technology direction and engineering standards across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Lead Capital Projects from Concept to Startup
- Independently lead electrical and controls engineering activities throughout all phases of capital projects, including concept development, feasibility studies, scope definition, cost estimating, detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, validation, and project closeout.
- Develop functional requirements, technical specifications, project schedules, and engineering deliverables to support successful project execution.
- Manage project scope, budget, timelines, and resources to achieve business objectives while maintaining engineering excellence.
- Drive Automation & Controls Excellence
- Provide expert-level leadership in electrical design, control systems, automation platforms, and system integration.
- Support system startup and operational checkout activities, including configuration, wiring verification, calibration, power testing, and troubleshooting.
- Deliver hardware and software support to engineering and operations teams while ensuring system reliability and performance.
- Utilize equipment manuals, P&IDs, electrical schematics, blueprints, and technical documentation to diagnose and resolve complex system challenges.
- Deliver Technical Leadership & Innovation
- Serve as a trusted technical authority and key contributor to major technology initiatives across the organization.
- Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new technologies that improve manufacturing capability, efficiency, and reliability.
- Ensure compliance with internal engineering standards, industry regulations, and best practices.
- Influence long-term Operational Technology strategies and help build future-ready manufacturing platforms.
- Partner Across Functions & External Resources
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to deliver successful project outcomes.
- Lead the integration of external engineering firms, contractors, system integrators, and equipment suppliers.
- Apply Clorox Early Management principles and manufacturing best practices to drive sustainable project execution and operational success.
- Support Manufacturing Performance
- Develop and implement manufacturing equipment, processes, and procedures that support product innovation, line extensions, and operational improvements.
- Drive manufacturing competitiveness through capital investments and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide technical analysis, engineering recommendations, cost estimates, schedule forecasts, and design reviews to support strategic decision-making.
- Champion Safety
- Lead projects with a strong commitment to safety, ensuring compliance with all applicable standards and regulations.
- Deliver project safety objectives throughout design, construction, commissioning, and startup activities.
Requirements
- 8-12 years of engineering and/or operations experience in a manufacturing environment; experience within Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Food & Beverage, or discrete manufacturing industries is strongly preferred.
- Strong expertise in electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, including industrial power distribution and automation platforms.
- Proven ability to manage engineering projects, priorities, and resources while delivering results aligned with business objectives.
- Experience managing capital and expense budgets, including financial planning, forecasting, and project cost control.
- Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing environment, including exposure to rotating equipment, elevated work areas, and varying plant conditions.
- Advanced knowledge of Rockwell Automation control systems, hardware, and related technologies.
- Experience applying and interpreting industry standards, including NEC, ANSI, IEC, NEMA, and NFPA.
- Working knowledge of ISA-S88 and PackML standards.
- Experience with manufacturing data and information systems, including SCADA, MES, Historian, SQL, and other industrial data collection platforms.
- Ability to develop, read, interpret, and troubleshoot P&IDs, electrical schematics, and technical drawings.
- Experience supporting or leading packaging equipment and manufacturing systems is preferred.
- Proven experience managing external engineering firms, system integrators, equipment suppliers, and construction contractors.
- Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously while balancing technical requirements, business priorities, budgets, and schedules.
- Experience delivering complex capital projects from concept through commissioning and startup.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate teams and drive performance through collaboration and accountability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
Workplace type
Our values-based culture connects to our purpose and empowers people to be their best, professionally and personally. We serve a diverse consumer base, which is why we believe teams that reflect our consumers bring fresh perspectives, drive innovation, and help us stay attuned to the world around us. That’s why we foster an inclusive culture where every person can feel respected, valued, and fully able to participate, and ultimately able to thrive.
Benefits
- Comprehensive, competitive health plans.
- Market-leading 401(k) program with a company match.
- Flexible time off benefits, including half-day summer Fridays (depending on location).
- Inclusive fertility and adoption benefits.
Pay
The applicable salary range for this role in the U.S. is based on your work location and is aligned to one of three zones according to the cost of labor in your area:
- Zone A: $109,400 - $210,000
- Zone B: $100,300 - $192,500
- Zone C: $91,200 - $175,000
Most new hires will start in the first half of the applicable range. Your starting pay will depend on job-related factors, including relevant skills, knowledge, experience, and location. This role is also eligible for participation in Clorox’s incentive plans.