Principal Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Automation (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-09-02 Country: United States of America Location: US-ME-NORTH BERWICK-113 ~ 113 Wells St ~ WELLS, Rte 9 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1 At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.  Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems and has been revolutionizing modern flight for over 100 years. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. What You Will Do: We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Automation   to design, develop, program, deploy, and support advanced automation equipment used in aerospace manufacturing. This is a hands-on engineering role with significant responsibility for taking automation concepts from initial identification and development through commissioning and production deployment. The Principal Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Automation will bring controls engineering fundamentals and demonstrated proficiency in industrial robotic programming, along with experience integrating robots, PLCs, motion systems, safety systems, sensors, and other industrial automation technologies. The Principal Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Automation will support both new automation projects and existing production systems, working closely with mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, technicians, and production personnel to deliver reliable, capable, and maintainable equipment. Identify opportunities for automation and develop controls solutions that improve manufacturing capability, quality, safety, throughput, and cost Lead the controls portion of new automation projects from concept and system architecture through programming, integration, commissioning, and production deployment; develop and maintain PLC programs, HMI applications, motion-control systems, safety systems, and machine-control architectures Program, integrate, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial robots for aerospace manufacturing applications; develop robotic programs, routines, sequencing, tool paths, I/O integration, and robot-to-machine communications Integrate robots with PLCs, vision systems, servo/motion systems, tooling, sensors, safety devices, and other automation equipment. Develop machine sequences, state logic, interlocks, fault handling, diagnostics, and operator interfaces Commission new automation equipment and troubleshoot systems during development, installation, and production ramp-up; provide technical support for existing automated manufacturing systems, including troubleshooting controls, robotics, electrical, and software issues Diagnose and resolve complex equipment problems with a methodical, hands-on approach; improve existing automation systems through controls upgrades, cycle-time improvements, reliability improvements, and capability enhancements Develop electrical/control system documentation, software standards, backups, and other technical documentation; work collaboratively with manufacturing engineers to ensure controls solutions effectively support the overall machine and manufacturing process Support equipment installation, startup, validation, and acceptance at internal and customer locations as required; establish and maintain programming and controls standards to improve consistency, reliability, and maintainability across automation systems Stay current with emerging robotics, controls, and automation technologies and identify opportunities to apply them within aerospace manufacturing; provide technical guidance and support to controls technicians and other engineering personnel Travel periodically for equipment installation, commissioning, and customer support Qualifications You Must Have: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline Demonstrated experience in industrial automation and controls engineering Proficiency in industrial robotic programming and integration with demonstrated ability to independently develop and troubleshoot robot applications Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems Experience with industrial robots from one or more major platforms such as FANUC, ABB, or similar Understanding of PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, motion control, servo systems, machine safety, sensors, and industrial electrical systems Demonstrated experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics and controls documentation Experience taking an automation system from concept through development, commissioning, and production deployment Experience diagnosing complex hardware and software issues in a manufacturing environment Hold a current U.S. government-issued Secret Clearance OR be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued Secret Clearance. Qualifications We Prefer: Experience with machine vision, data collection, MES/SCADA, or advanced manufacturing systems Experience developing reusable controls software, programming standards, and automation libraries Advanced industrial robot programming and offline programming. PLC programming with platfor