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

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

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

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

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