Principal Application Controls Engineer

About the role

We're looking for a Principal Applications Engineer to serve as a senior technical leader within our Advance Engineering team for our Critical Handling Solutions (CHS) business unit. The CHS business unit serves aerospace, nuclear test laboratories, commercial nuclear plants, and advanced manufacturing environments. You will be at the forefront of developing highly engineered systems that support handling of F35 fighter jets, precision positioning of nuclear reactors, and launch vehicle assemblies.

Our customers require sophisticated, highly reliable solutions for safe, autonomous, and precision-controlled handling of critical payloads in extreme operating environments. This role transforms these technical challenges into breakthrough engineering solutions, from defining advanced control architectures for RFQs to leading applied research in automation, robotics, and intelligent motion systems. You will drive strategic programs, expand technical capabilities, and ensure execution excellence across complex engineering initiatives.

Success Criteria

• Lead development of advanced RFQ technical concepts, designing integrated controls, software, and intelligent automation solutions aligned with demanding customer requirements.
• Evaluate system architectures, estimate engineering effort, and assess technical risk across multidisciplinary systems to develop compelling technical proposals.
• Collaborate directly with customers and technical stakeholders, building trusted relationships through deep technical engagement and innovative solution development.
• Shape the future of our technology roadmap and research initiatives by evaluating and integrating emerging technologies such as advanced controls, autonomous systems, simulation environments, digital twins, AI-enabled diagnostics, and next-generation industrial software platforms.
• Influence long-term growth strategies and strengthen PAR's position as a technology leader through technical publications, customer presentations, and industry conferences.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• BS in Engineering (Electrical, Software, Controls, Robotics, or related field); MS preferred.
• Proven track record designing complex, high-performance automation and motion control systems, with the ability to communicate sophisticated technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience developing RFQ concepts and architecting advanced technical solutions aligned with customer objectives.
• Skilled in multidisciplinary system design, technical risk assessment, cost estimation, proposal development, and ensuring compliance with industry and quality standards.
• Strong background driving continuous improvement initiatives across engineering organizations.
• Knowledgeable in safety-critical system design, functional safety, and regulatory standards (NQA-1).
• Experience negotiating technical contracts, defining system requirements, and managing intellectual property in collaboration with legal teams.
• Must be a US Person.

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave for both parents.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Join a global team recognized for innovation, with exposure to first-of-a-kind products and training from industry-leading experts.

Pay

Market competitive pay targeted at $130,000–160,000 annually for this salaried position, with bonus eligibility.