Principal Controls Engineer

Principal Controls Engineer | Industrial Automation & PLC Systems

Location: Indianapolis, IN (On-Site)

Salary: $130,000–$170,000 DOE

Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

The Opportunity

Kodiak Labor Solutions is recruiting an experienced Principal Controls Engineer for a senior technical leadership opportunity with an established organization specializing in industrial automation, electrical systems, and engineered equipment solutions in the Indianapolis area.

This position is ideal for a highly experienced Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, or PLC Programming Specialist who wants to remain hands-on technically while influencing automation architecture, engineering standards, and system design across multiple projects and product platforms.

You'll serve as a principal technical authority, leading complex controls engineering initiatives, establishing scalable automation standards, mentoring engineers, and driving improvements in system reliability, commissioning, and performance.

This is a technical leadership position, not a traditional people-management role. You'll have the opportunity to shape engineering practices while continuing to design, program, troubleshoot, and commission sophisticated automation systems.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design and development of industrial automation and control systems, including PLC programming, HMI development, electrical controls, and system integration.
• Establish and improve controls architecture, programming standards, reusable software libraries, and automation platforms.
• Develop and maintain PLC software using Rockwell Automation, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, and related technologies.
• Design and optimize industrial networks, remote I/O, communication protocols, and equipment integration.
• Provide technical leadership for electrical schematics, control panels, instrumentation, safety circuits, and machine/process sequencing.
• Lead technical design reviews, software validation, simulation, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Troubleshoot complex automation challenges and support equipment commissioning and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, project management, and field teams to deliver reliable automation solutions.
• Mentor Controls Engineers and Technicians through technical reviews, coaching, and engineering best practices.
• Improve system standardization, cybersecurity, documentation, and long-term maintainability.

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of progressive experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, or electrical control systems.
• Advanced experience with PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial control system architecture.
• Strong proficiency with Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley PLCs, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View, or comparable platforms.
• Experience designing and commissioning complex industrial automation systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking, instrumentation, motor controls, VFDs, I/O systems, safety interlocks, and machine sequencing.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical, electrical schematics, panel layouts, and P&IDs.
• Experience developing reusable automation standards, software libraries, and engineering best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews, solve complex engineering problems, and mentor other engineers.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline. Equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

Preferred Experience

• Automation systems supporting OEM equipment, engineered products, or modular industrial systems.
• Pharmaceutical, life sciences, regulated manufacturing, or validated equipment environments.
• Experience with FAT/SAT, commissioning, software version control, and structured testing.
• Experience establishing controls standards across multiple projects or product platforms.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Competitive Compensation: $130,000–$170,000 annually, depending on experience.
• Technical Influence: Help define the architecture, standards, and engineering practices behind sophisticated automation systems.
• Hands-On Engineering: Stay involved in programming, system design, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Leadership Without Leaving Engineering: Mentor technical teams and influence engineering direction without moving into a traditional management role.
• Complex Projects: Work with advanced industrial equipment, integrated automation systems, and evolving technologies.
• Long-Term Impact: Build scalable automation solutions that improve reliability, quality, and engineering efficiency.

Interested in Learning More?

If you're an experienced Principal Controls Engineer, Lead Controls Engineer, Senior Automation Engineer, or Controls Systems Architect in the Indianapolis area and are ready for a role with greater technical ownership, we'd welcome a conversation.

Apply directly or send a message to connect with Kodiak Labor Solutions.

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