Principal Software Automation Engineer

Medtronic

Principal Software Automation Engineer leading automation initiatives for Medtronic's manufacturing sites. Involves controls engineering, automation software, and robotics programming with travel to Grand Rapids.

Posted 5/26/2026full-timeDexter • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $152,800 - $229,200 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead automation opportunities from concept through FAT, validation, and production deployment.
Architect and program PLC‑based automation systems, ensuring scalable, robust controls architectures.
Own robot–PLC communication strategies, including interfaces, handshakes, safety interlocks, and data exchange.
Provide deep technical leadership in robot programming and automation software development.
Troubleshoot and optimize automation systems to improve uptime, throughput, quality, and reliability.

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of experience with an advanced degree
Experience in PLC Programming & Troubleshooting: Diagnose, repair, optimize, and standardize PLC‑controlled systems.
Experience in Automation Software: Design, deploy, or support automation software (structured text, ladder, HMI, higher‑level applications).
Controls engineering experience Validation Execution: Equipment and software validation within regulated manufacturing environments.
Vendor accountability and leadership experience - Hold vendors accountable for schedule, quality, and technical execution.
Automation development, design, or deployment experience
Medical or equivalent external industry robotics (defense, automotive, etc)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, Dental and vision insurance
Health Savings Account
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
Life insurance
Long-term disability leave
Dependent daycare spending account
Tuition assistance/reimbursement
Simple Steps (global well-being program)
Incentive plans
401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match
Short-term disability
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums)
Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

PLC ProgrammingTroubleshootingAutomation SoftwareStructured TextLadder LogicHMIControls EngineeringValidation ExecutionAutomation DevelopmentRobot Programming

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipVendor AccountabilityCommunicationProblem SolvingOptimization