Principal Control & Automation Engineer

Medtronic

Principal Controls & Automation Engineer at Medtronic, leading automation initiatives from concept to deployment while enhancing collaboration across sites.

Posted 7/7/2026full-timeDexter • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $152,800 - $229,200 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead automation initiatives from concept through design, FAT/SAT, validation, and production deployment
Architect, program, and maintain PLC‑based automation systems using industry‑standard controls platforms
Develop and standardize controls architectures for automated manufacturing equipment
Integrate industrial robots with PLC control systems, including communication protocols, safety interlocks, and motion coordination
Troubleshoot and optimize automation equipment to improve uptime, throughput, reliability, and product quality
Support equipment commissioning, system debugging, and start‑up activities for new and modified automation systems
Execute equipment validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) and ensure automation systems meet regulatory and quality requirements
Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, quality, and operations teams to deploy scalable automation solutions
Provide technical oversight and hold vendors accountable for controls design, programming quality, and project execution
Identify opportunities to automate manual manufacturing processes and improve production efficiency

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of experience with an advanced degree
Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience (ladder logic, structured text, or similar controls languages)
Hands‑on controls engineering experience in automated manufacturing environments
Experience integrating robotics and automated equipment within production lines
Background in equipment commissioning, controls debugging, and production support
Experience supporting validation and regulated manufacturing environments
Vendor coordination or technical leadership experience in automation projects
Automation development, equipment design, or deployment experience in medical device or comparable industries (automotive, aerospace, defense, etc.)
For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.

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
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 ProgrammingTroubleshootingControls EngineeringRobotics IntegrationEquipment CommissioningControls DebuggingAutomation DevelopmentProduction SupportValidation ExperienceControls Architecture Development

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipVendor CoordinationCollaboration