Senior Principal Controls Engineer,

This is where your work makes a difference. At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. Our colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, we are driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration, where every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact.

About the Role

In this role, you will support process and automation improvements within a manufacturing site. You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Quality to drive improved performance of production equipment. You will be responsible for delivering equipment that supports process reliability, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and plant-wide efficiency, while ensuring process design and operation consistently meet Engineering and Quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations by identifying control system improvements, addressing obsolescence risks, and enhancing equipment reliability.
• Develop and implement improvement strategies that align with site priorities and long-term business goals.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automated equipment at the machine and system level to improve throughput, uptime, and repeatability.
• Advance the site’s digital transformation through automation, data integration, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Author, execute, and report on validation activities, including test protocols.
• Lead NCR/CAPA investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Own change control activities related to equipment and process modifications.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for equipment troubleshooting and process performance issues.
• Provide leadership, technical direction, and innovation on complex engineering initiatives that advance plant capability.
• Direct oversight of employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline preferred).
• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a Penicillin/Cephalosporin facility.
• Onsite, full-time role with less than 10% travel.

Skills

• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, safety standards, and validation practices.
• Experience with automation platforms, including Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs and Safety PLCs.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley HMIs, Fanuc/Staubli robotics, Cognex/Keyence vision systems, and Rockwell/Yaskawa servo systems.
• Familiarity with motion control, VFDs, encoders, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
• Hands-on mechanical proficiency; experience with Serialization and SCADA systems is a plus.
• Demonstrated capability in developing and performing validation protocols.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI-based vision and robotics.
• Exposure to Six Sigma, DFSS, and Voice of Customer methodologies.

Pay

The estimated base salary for this position is $128,000 - $176,000 annually. The estimated range reflects an anticipated salary range for the position. Individual pay is based on location, skills, expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage starting on day one.
• Insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) with employee contributions and company matching.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Educational assistance programs.
• Paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave.
• Commuting benefits.
• Employee Discount Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Childcare benefits.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.