Principal Engineer, Controls & Instrumentation.

About the role

As our Principal Engineer, Controls & Instrumentation, you will lead the automation strategy that powers Niron's next generation manufacturing technology. You'll own the architecture, programming, integration, and optimization of our PLCs, DCS, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networks, ensuring our production systems are safe, reliable, and scalable. From greenfield equipment design and capital projects through commissioning and continuous improvement, you'll partner across engineering, operations, and manufacturing to transform innovative processes into robust, repeatable production.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role for an engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and wants to build the automation foundation for a first-of-its-kind manufacturing operation, not simply support an established production line.

What you'll do

• Lead controls and instrumentation engineering on capital projects from concept through startup and handoff.

• Own the architecture, programming, and optimization of PLC and DCS systems (Rockwell, Emerson, Siemens, etc.).

• Design and develop automated systems and software solutions to streamline manufacturing processes.

• Develop electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and I/O documentation.

• Create and maintain technical documentation, including P&IDs, control narratives, and as-built drawings.

• Specify and integrate field instrumentation, sensors, and actuators for process measurement and control.

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to automated machinery and control systems.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including OEE, downtime reduction, and predictive maintenance.

• Establish maintenance and upgrade strategies for automated systems and develop testing protocols for new systems.

• Ensure designs comply with NEC, NFPA 70E, UL508A, and relevant safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849, ANSI/RIA).

• Develop training programs to enable staff to operate and maintain automated equipment.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and vendors to evaluate and implement new automation and controls technologies.

You might be a great fit if you are:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field.

• 10+ years of experience in Controls/Automation Engineering within a process or discrete manufacturing environment.

• Experience in the chemical manufacturing industry preferred.

• Advanced proficiency in PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA programming (Rockwell, Emerson, Siemens, or similar platforms).

• Experience with robotics, co-bots, sensors, actuators, and other industrial automation components.

• Proficiency in CAD and simulation software for automation system design.

• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, with the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.

• Preferred: experience with batch processing, MES integration, or historian systems.

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and practices.

• Certifications in automation/controls technologies a plus.

• Excellent technical writing, documentation, and communication skills, with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

Physical/Work Requirements:

• Ability to work on the plant floor, including occasional exposure to noise, heights, and confined spaces

• Some travel required for vendor visits, commissioning, and multi-site support (~10–25%)

Our pay and benefits:

• Salary: $165,000 - $210,000 annually, depending on education, experience and skills
• Equity position in Niron via stock option grant
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental healthcare benefits
• 401k plan with 6% company match
• Paid time off to take time for what you need in life
• Experience in a fun, high-performing, manufacturing environment set to change the world

Recruiters and Employment Agencies: Please note that Niron Magnetics does not accept unsolicited resumes from external agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our career site, hiring managers, or employees will be considered the property of Niron Magnetics. Consequently, we reserve the right to hire these candidates at our discretion without any financial obligation to the submitting agency.