> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2621231-principal-engineer-controls](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2621231-principal-engineer-controls). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Engineer Controls - **Company:** Conagra Brands - **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $109,000.0 - $159,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer Networks, Databases, Human-Computer Interaction, Wonderware, Microsoft SQL Server, Systems Integration, Computerised Systems, Information Technology, Enterprise Integration - **Published:** August 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://conagrabrands.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers_US/job/Chicago-Illinois/Principal-Engineer-Controls_Req-039605 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science. * 7+ years of experience in electrical and control system design. * 5+ years of experience working with Rockwell Automation control systems. * Experience in the food industry preferred * Experience with operations and manufacturing conceptual design. * Advanced knowledge of manufacturing automation systems, including networking concepts, programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives, servo systems, and human machine interfaces. * Expert-level experience with human machine interface visualization systems, database integration, and SQL Server applications. * Experience with Inductive Automation Ignition, Rockwell Software, Aveva Wonderware, or similar industrial automation platforms. * Experience supporting advanced process and packaging controls, including robotic packaging systems, batching systems, and Clean-In-Place systems. * Experience leading large-scale system integration projects and programs. * Experience leading internal initiatives and driving cross-functional improvements. * Knowledge of computer systems, network integration, information technology systems, and cybersecurity principles is preferred. * Demonstrated success developing long-term strategies, roadmaps, and technical initiatives. * Proven track record identifying improvement opportunities and implementing sustainable solutions. * This position is located in Omaha NE, Chicago IL, select field locations or remote locations east of Denver, CO and within reasonable proximity (50 miles) to a major airport * Willingness to travel up to 30%., You may be required to walk around the facility, climb stairs/ladders, kneel, or perform repetitive tasks that require hand-eye coordination. You may be required to lift or carry materials that can vary in weight and size. ## Description Reporting to the Director Engineering, you will serve as a technical expert and resource across the Conagra Engineering organization. You will partner with engineering disciplines, project teams, and site stakeholders to evaluate requirements, develop optimized automation and control system solutions, and support capital investment projects. You will provide technical leadership for manufacturing automation systems, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and help drive innovation through best-in-class technologies and industry practices., * Partner with Platform Engineering leadership to develop annual and three-year capital plans by recommending proven system improvements and automation solutions. * Support Front End Loading capital project development by preparing thorough FEL1 and FEL3 estimates and technical assessments. * Provide technology evaluations and recommend best-in-class automation, controls, and integration solutions. * Conduct factory infrastructure assessments and identify facility requirements for capital projects. * Support preliminary capital and expense cost estimating activities. * Collaborate with Engineering Project Managers to develop project design schedules that align with business objectives. * Review equipment and system performance criteria to ensure operational effectiveness and reliability. * Support Process and Packaging Engineering teams during Factory Acceptance Testing and Site Acceptance Testing activities. * Identify project prerequisites, risks, alternative solutions, and opportunities for optimization. * Develop functional control descriptions for manufacturing systems and unit operations. * Create and review Technical Briefs that provide clear technical guidance for project teams. * Develop Business Case Screening scopes and estimates that provide directional project evaluation and business case validation. * Maintain knowledge of current industry regulations, codes, and standards related to manufacturing automation and control systems. * Provide technical and economic feasibility analyses that support continuous improvement and competitive advantage initiatives. ## Related Videos - [Distributed search under the hood](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/256-distributed-search-under-the-hood) - [Kubernetes and Microservices with Multi-Model Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/382-kubernetes-and-microservices-with-multi-model-databases) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [Trends, Challenges and Best Practices for AI at the Edge](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/630-trends-challenges-and-best-practices-for-ai-at-the-edge) - [Fault Tolerance and Consistency at Scale: Harnessing the Power of Distributed SQL Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1146-fault-tolerance-and-consistency-at-scale-harnessing-the-power-of-distributed-sql-databases) - [Robots are coming into the wild! Full-Stack Robotics Engineers, be ready!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/479-robots-are-coming-into-the-wild-full-stack-robotics-engineers-be-ready) ## Related Articles - [Now is the time for industrialized software development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/601-now-is-the-time-for-industrialized-software-development) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026)