Principal Controls Engineer

As a Principal Controls Engineer at Atlas OT, you will set the technical direction for integrated automation and controls solutions across a wide range of industries, including energy, manufacturing, food and beverage, water/wastewater, oil and gas, renewables, and more. You will serve as the final technical authority on complex programs involving RTU, PLC, flow computer, SCADA, and DCS systems—shaping how Atlas OT designs, programs, procures, tests, and deploys Operational Technology at scale.

This role owns the company’s engineering standards and long-range technology roadmap. You will guide the engineering team from Associate through Lead levels, resolve the most difficult technical challenges, and partner with leadership on business development and strategic pursuits. You’ll apply deep expertise across electrical, instrumentation, and controls engineering to support full-service solutions—including panel design, FAT testing, and managed SCADA services—while protecting quality, safety, and profitability.

This is more than a senior engineering role—it is a technical leadership and authority position for an engineer ready to define standards, mentor teams, win strategic accounts, and deliver automation excellence on a global scale.

• Define and own Atlas OT’s ongoing 5-year technology roadmap and long-range Operational Technology strategy
  
• Serve as the final technical authority on complex, multi-platform programs and the escalation point for high-stakes technical disputes and major failures
  
• Establish, approve, and govern global code libraries and internal programming standards (IEC 61131-3), ensuring consistent adoption across all engineering levels
  
• Architect and approve secure OT network designs, including IDMZ, firewalls, and compliance with IEC 62443 cybersecurity standards
  
• Set and enforce engineering quality standards; review and approve work from Associate Engineers through Lead Engineers and guide their adherence to established standards
  
• Lead advanced process control, alarm rationalization, and safety system optimization across the project portfolio
  
• Partner with Sales and Project Management to estimate project hours and bills of materials (BOMs) for strategic and high-complexity pursuits
  
• Play a key role in business development presentations to win strategic accounts
  
• Approve critical technical deliverables such as functional specifications, programming logic, and final system designs
  
• Design and consult on solutions that span multiple industries (for example, Oil & Gas and Food & Beverage) and represent Atlas OT as a recognized industry authority
  
• Mentor and develop engineers across the team, building technical capability and reinforcing Atlas OT standards and values
  
• Uphold and continuously improve quality assurance processes, ensuring compliance with industry and company standards
  

• Expert in all five IEC 61131-3 programming languages, with ownership and governance of internal code libraries and template standards
  
• Subject matter expert (SME) across multiple automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, Ignition, Phoenix Contact, etc.)
  
• Proven ability to architect, approve, and direct complex, multi-platform control systems across multiple sites and industries
  
• Deep knowledge of UL, NEC, ISA, and IEC standards; expertise in process safety and functional safety systems
  
• Proficiency with ERP/MES integration, cloud technologies (MQTT), and scripting (Python, C#, VBA)
  
• Deep experience designing and securing OT networks to industry standards (IEC 62443)
  
• Leadership in advanced process control and alarm rationalization strategy
  
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking, with the ability to set the standard for clear and accurate technical documentation
  
• Skilled in quality management, standards governance, and cross-functional collaboration
  
• High-level consulting, negotiation, and executive communication skills
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; advanced credentials preferred (Master’s degree, ISA CAP, PE License – Control Systems, or recognized industry Fellow status)
  
• Minimum of 20,000 project hours logged, including multi-site system architecture and technical oversight of major programs (10+ years experience)
  
• Prior experience developing and reviewing control narratives, P&IDs, and safety instrumented systems (SIS)
  
• Demonstrated industry authority preferred (e.g., published white papers, conference speaking, or ISA/IEEE committee membership)
  
• Experience mentoring engineers and building a knowledge-sharing culture across the team
  
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel as needed
  
• Drug-free workplace compliance required