Principal Automation Engineer

#Eng-IT-01

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Automation Engineer to serve as the senior technical authority for advanced industrial automation systems, controls architecture, machine vision, SCADA platforms, and high-reliability manufacturing technologies.

This role operates with minimal supervision and provides technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams. The Principal Automation Engineer will lead the design, integration, and optimization of complex automation systems including PLCs, motion control, industrial networking, SCADA/HMI platforms, IIoT infrastructure, and machine vision applications.

This is a hands-on technical leadership position focused on engineering excellence and automation innovation rather than direct people management.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Controls Engineering

• Design and develop advanced industrial automation systems for manufacturing and process environments
• Lead architecture and integration of PLCs, motion control systems, SCADA, HMI, and industrial safety systems
• Design SCADA/HMI solutions for plant visualization, diagnostics, alarms, and remote operations
• Develop plant-wide industrial networking and data acquisition systems using FactoryTalk, IIoT, MQTT, and OPC-UA technologies
• Integrate PLCs, CNC equipment, servo systems, motion controllers, and industrial communication networks
• Develop and optimize machine vision systems for inspection, process monitoring, and automation improvements
• Implement industrial communication protocols including Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, Serial Communication, and Fieldbus networks
• Support edge computing, industrial data systems, and real-time automation platforms
• Ensure compliance with UL, CE, NFPA, and industrial safety standards
• Establish engineering standards, reusable automation templates, and system architecture best practices

Project Engineering

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, QA, production, sales, and program management teams
• Prepare automation system documentation, functional specifications, and integration plans
• Support project scheduling, technical execution, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities
• Prepare engineering release documentation and compliance records
• Participate in system startup, validation, and on-site commissioning support as needed

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the senior technical resource for automation and controls engineering initiatives
• Mentor engineers and provide guidance on controls architecture, system integration, and automation best practices
• Recommend improvements to automation methodologies, system reliability, and manufacturing efficiency
• Evaluate and implement emerging automation, IIoT, and machine vision technologies

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related engineering field
• Master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or advanced manufacturing systems
• Strong experience with Rockwell Automation platforms including Studio 5000 and RSLogix 500/5000
• Deep knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems, motion control, and industrial automation architecture
• Experience with FactoryTalk View and plant-wide automation integration
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols including Modbus, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, Serial Communication, and industrial networking
• Experience supporting high-speed manufacturing, automated production systems, or process automation environments preferred

Benefits
PEAK's benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care Savings Account (DCA), and 401K plan. PEAK believes that taking care of our team is essential for success and we are proud to provide benefits that enhance both your well-being and your future. Additionally, our associates may be eligible for Paid Sick Leave as required by Federal, State, or local laws.  

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) 
PEAK Technical Staffing is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. PEAK does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We encourage all individuals to apply. 

Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) 
The physical and mental requirements described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the position, including sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Candidate Privacy
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://peaktechnical.com/privacy-policy/ and https://peaktechnical.com/ca-residents-privacy-rights/  

AI Recruiting Disclosure 
We use AI-assisted tools to help review applications and compare your experience to job requirements, but all hiring decisions are made by human recruiters. You may request a human-only process or opt out of automated communication at any time. Required notices and our latest bias audit are available on our website: www.peaktechnical.com/ai-disclosure.