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# Principal Controls Engineer

- **Company:** Design Hire, LLC
- **Location:** Indianapolis, IN, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** AutoCAD, Computer Engineering, Automation of Marketing, Systems Development Life Cycle, Rslogix, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, HMI Screens, Allen-Bradley Factory Automation Equipment, Win CC
- **Published:** October 27, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/122c9f56-6c0f-473b-b056-afe671df99ae/principal-controls-engineer

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
 * 10+ years of progressive experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, and PLC-based system development.
 * Demonstrated experience creating controls standards, shared libraries, and engineering workflows from scratch rather than simply applying existing frameworks.
 * Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, including the creation and organization of standardized design resources.
 * Extensive hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley hardware, Rockwell automation platforms, and Studio 5000 Logix Designer.
 * Strong knowledge of PLC architecture, reusable programming methods, HMI development, and industrial communication systems.
 * Proven ability to mentor engineers, deliver technical training, and drive consistent implementation of engineering standards across a team.
 * Experience providing technical leadership, resolving complex automation challenges, and improving the reliability and maintainability of control systems.

## Description

Job Description Our client is a forward-thinking industrial automation organization focused on developing reliable, scalable control systems for complex manufacturing and industrial operations. The Principal Controls Engineer will help establish the technical foundation of the Controls & Automation group by building standardized engineering resources and repeatable workflows that strengthen team performance. This role offers the opportunity to shape technical direction, improve engineering consistency, and mentor a team responsible for delivering high-quality automation solutions., * Lead Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLC Programming using Studio 5000 Logix Designer, developing reliable control solutions for industrial equipment and automated systems.

 * Build and maintain AutoCAD Electrical Standards & Shared Library Development resources, including standardized symbols, templates, electrical schematics, and panel design documentation.
 * Establish PLC Programming Standards & Controls Architecture from the ground up, including the development of Add-On Instructions (AOI) and reusable programming libraries.
 * Develop FactoryTalk View / HMI applications and lead Industrial Networking & System Integration to support communication between control systems, equipment, and operator interfaces.
 * Direct PLC Testing, Commissioning & Troubleshooting while developing technical standards, standardizing engineering workflows, documenting best practices, and training engineers to implement systems and libraries consistently.