Lead Engineer, Control Systems Engineering

About the role

The Hillsboro, Oregon facility is seeking a Lead Control Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for advanced automation systems supporting global manufacturing operations. This SME role drives the design, implementation, and optimization of OT hardware, instrumentation, control networks, and cybersecurity solutions while advancing process technology, automation standards, and strategic initiatives across global sites. As a semiconductor manufacturer, the position maintains rigorous quality and process control standards and advances them through process optimization and innovative automation technologies. Opportunities exist to develop expertise in Rockwell Automation, Ignition, MES platforms (Critical Manufacturing), statistical process control, and automated process data collection and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Drive a Safety First culture by conducting behavioral and safety assessments and implementing equipment, automation, and process improvements to mitigate risk.
• Lead and support projects to expand manufacturing capacity, transition products to high volume manufacturing, New Product Introductions, and continuous improvement opportunities for existing processes and manufacturing sites.
• Engage cross-functional stakeholders (Facilities/EHS, Procurement, R&D, Maintenance, Controls, Operations) to lead capital projects from justification through commissioning and qualification.
• Drive implementation of connected manufacturing solutions including IIoT platforms, edge computing, industrial data infrastructure, historian systems, MES, AI/ML applications, and vision systems in alignment with Industry 4.0 vision and Divisional standards.
• Lead specifications, evaluation, and deployment of automation hardware and software solutions, ensuring alignment with Divisional standards, cybersecurity requirements, and manufacturing objectives.
• Write, debug, and optimize PLC logic and HMI/SCADA interfaces; perform simulation testing of new automation programs and user acceptance testing with cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with Controls, MES, ERP, and Business Systems teams to integrate production data, automate workflows, improve data visibility, and enable real-time decision-making.
• Develop business cases, ROI analyses, technology roadmaps, and implementation strategies that support site-specific and enterprise-wide digital manufacturing objectives.
• Lead internal system commissioning, validation, and acceptance testing.
• Provide leadership and expertise in global automation strategy, standards, and technology advancement; collaborate with global teams to standardize architecture and engineering practices across sites.
• Drive Industry 4.0 and Smart manufacturing discussions and collaborative efforts for division and sites.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends, recommending innovative solutions that improve reliability, scalability, performance, and business value.
• Develop and maintain a centralized repository of global IACS standards and technical assets, including PLC, HMI, and SCADA source code; equipment and instrument configuration files; I/O databases; instrument specifications; equipment standards; engineering procedures; automation best practices.
• Provide production support and serve as a subject matter expert and backup resource for site automation teams; collaborate with site and global teams to resolve complex automation, controls, and integration issues.
• Provide on-call coverage during resource absences and support escalation of critical production events; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for automation-related downtime, quality issues, and system failures.
• Supply plant floor support as needed for local sites’ complex issue resolution needs.

Requirements

• B.S. in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical).
• 7 years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering within a manufacturing environment, preferably batch or specialty chemical manufacturing.
• Experience managing capital and automation projects, including scope, schedule, budget, stakeholder communication, and outage planning.
• Expert-level proficiency in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, Variable Frequency Drives, and motion control.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP).
• Ability to lead design efforts on multiple assignments of varying complexity, including implementation of new products and processes, with ability to produce results when facing deadlines or commitments.
• Knowledge of AC/DC power distribution, control/pneumatic systems; cabinet designs and layouts, including electrical schematics.
• Demonstrated familiarity with industrial instrumentation and ability to select and specify devices for production processes, including pressure, vacuum, temperature, level, flow, and weighing systems.
• Working knowledge of safety systems and hazardous environments.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills and root cause identification.
• Ability to travel 20% domestically and internationally for site evaluations and commissioning activities.

Qualifications

• Rockwell suite of applications (Studio5000/FTLinx/PlantPAX).
• IEC61131-3 experience with LD, FBD, SFC, and ST along with best-use-case implementation.
• Ignition SCADA experience including Python, REST APIs, MQTT, and OPC-UA design and implementation.
• Critical Manufacturing (MES) integration and configuration experience.
• Industrial Automation Networking experience configuring Stratix/Cisco switches.
• Knowledge of International Standards ISA88 (batch), ISA99 (cyber), ISA95 (enterprise IACS).
• SQL database experience including stored procedure generation, ODBC connections, and transactional data.
• Experience with and exposure to virtualization technologies and associated implementation techniques.
• Experience with Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Application Whitelisting techniques.
• Experience and exposure to cyber risk-based security solutions (Tenable) and OT remediation action plans.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Annual bonus eligibility.
• Progressive paid time off policy.
• Generous 401(k) plan with an impressive employer match with no delayed vesting.
• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
• Education assistance to support learning.
• Values-driven culture emphasizing People, Accountability, Creativity, and Excellence.