Principal Industrial Controls Engineer

For our client, we are seeking a Principal Industrial Controls Engineer to join the team of a leader in the Manufacturing & Automotive space. This role will shape the controls and simulation foundation behind complex industrial automation systems, with a strong focus on scalable architecture, reliability, and lifecycle management. You will provide technical leadership across PLCs, motion control, safety systems, OT networking, and HMI/SCADA environments while partnering with engineering and software teams to drive consistent execution. The position also emphasizes simulation strategy, reusable platform design, and reducing one-off solutions to improve delivery speed and system quality. Location: Remote - US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available Compensation: $180,000 – $247,500 annually Responsibilities Define and own the architecture and lifecycle roadmap for controls and simulation platforms. Establish modular and reusable PLC capabilities that improve delivery speed and consistency. Drive simplification by reducing one-off solutions and clarifying system boundaries. Provide hands-on leadership in PLCs, motion control, safety systems, and OT networking. Lead simulation strategies, including digital twins and automated testing. Manage platform health through governance, diagnostics, and quality assurance. Architect interfaces among controls, electrical systems, and higher-level software. Qualifications Minimum 12 years of related engineering experience. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Automation Engineering, or a related field. Expert knowledge of Rockwell Automation PLCs, motion control, and safety systems. Experience defining controls architectures and reusable systems across products or sites. Proficiency in simulation technologies such as digital twins and automated regression testing. Strong HMI/SCADA architecture knowledge; Inductive Automation Ignition experience preferred. Skilled in managing platform lifecycles and software engineering practices. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Disability coverage and 401K plans. Paid time off and other benefits. Flexible work environment with remote opportunities. Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification—your background could be exactly what this team needs.