{"id":485722,"url":"https://alion.io/job/tarkett-principal-controls-engineer","title":"Principal Controls Engineer","company":{"id":3672,"name":"Tarkett","domain":"tarkett-group.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/tarkett","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":80,"open_postings":21,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.81,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":44,"computed_at":"2026-11-05T05:54:30Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"lead","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Dalton, United States","United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":105000,"max_usd":212000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":1961},"experience_years_min":10,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-03T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-03","last_verified_at":"2026-11-05T13:48:10Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":63,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":63},"description":"Job Description - Principal Controls Engineer\nPosition Summary:\nWe are looking for a Principal Controls Engineer who will serve as the senior technical authority for industrial automation and control systems across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role is responsible for defining, governing, and continuously improving the controls architecture, standards, and best practices that support safe, reliable, and efficient flooring manufacturing operations.\nThe Principal Controls Engineer leads the design and implementation of complex automation systems for capital projects, major upgrades, and brownfield improvements while providing technical leadership, mentorship, and escalation support to controls engineers, technicians, and integrators. This position partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Maintenance, IT, and external vendors to ensure automation solutions align with business objectives, cybersecurity standards, and long-term operational sustainability.\nKey Responsibilities:\nTechnical Authority & Architecture Ownership:\nServe as the principal technical authority for PLC, HMI, industrial networking, and data integration platforms across multiple manufacturing plants.\n\nDefine, maintain, and enforce enterprise-wide standards for control system architecture, programming practices, HMI design, and documentation.\n\nEvaluate and approve automation platforms, system designs, and technology roadmaps to ensure scalability, reliability, and long-term supportability.\n\nControl System Design & Capital Projects:\nLead the controls scope for capital projects, equipment installations, and major process upgrades from concept through commissioning and handover.\n\nDevelop functional specifications, control philosophies, network architecture, and system layouts for complex manufacturing systems.\n\nProvide technical leadership during commissioning, startup, and production ramp-up to ensure stable and predictable system performance.\n\nPLC, HMI & Software Strategy:\nWrite, debug, and modify PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) code for control systems to optimize production efficiency and quality.\n\nCreate Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications for monitoring and controlling machinery.\n\nOversee the development, review, and optimization of PLC programs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens.\n\nEstablish structured programming methodologies to improve code quality, reusability, and long-term maintainability.\n\nDefine HMI standards focused on usability, operator effectiveness, and consistent visualization across manufacturing lines.\n\nManufacturing Data & Integration:\nArchitect and support data collection systems, historians, and integration with manufacturing and business systems.\n\nEnable data-driven decision-making by supporting OEE, downtime analysis, quality metrics, and performance monitoring.\n\nCollaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate control systems with other manufacturing equipment and systems, ensuring seamless production flow.\n\nTroubleshooting & Reliability Leadership:\nAct as the highest-level escalation point for complex controls and automation-related issues impacting safety, quality, or production.\n\nLead advanced root cause analysis efforts and implement permanent corrective actions to eliminate chronic equipment issues.\n\nDrive proactive reliability improvements through system redesign, standardization, and failure prevention strategies.\n\nDocumentation:\nMaintain comprehensive documentation of control system designs, modifications, and troubleshooting procedures.\n\nSafety & Compliance:\nEnsure all control systems comply with applicable safety standards, regulatory requirements, and corporate policies.\n\nSupport machine safety initiatives, risk assessments, and validation activities to maintain a safe manufacturing environment.\n\nChampion safe automation design principles throughout project and operational activities.\n\nMentorship & Technical Leadership:\nMentor and guide controls engineers and technicians through technical coaching, design reviews, and knowledge sharing.\n\nProvide technical oversight for system integrators and OEMs to ensure adherence to company standards and expectations.\n\nInfluence continuous improvement culture through technical leadership rather than direct authority.\n\nContinuous Improvement:\nIdentify and implement automation-driven opportunities to improve throughput, quality, uptime, and operating cost.\n\nSupport long-term automation strategy and technology roadmaps aligned with business growth and modernization goals.\n\nDrive standardization and replication of best practices across facilities.\n\nRequired Qualifications:\nBachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).\n\n10+ years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.\n\nExtensive experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms.\n\nStrong expertise in HMI development, industrial networking, and control system architecture.\n\nWorking knowledge of electrical schematics, motor controls, VFDs, and industrial communication protocols.\n\nDemonstrated ability to lead technical decisions, influence stakeholders, and mentor less experienced engineers.\n\nStrong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex system-level issues.\n\nExcellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, and IT functions.\n\nAdditional Skills & Experience:\nCertification in PLC programming or industrial automation.\n\nExperience supporting high-speed, high-volume manufacturing operations, preferably in the flooring or building products industry\n\nMulti-site manufacturing support experience.\n\nExperience with data historians, manufacturing analytics, MES/MOM systems, or digital transformation initiatives.\n\nFormal training or certification in PLCs, industrial automation, or machine safety.\n\nExposure to Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or continuous improvement frameworks applied to automation systems.\n\nWhat We Offer\nA commitment that Safety is #1\n\nCompetitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options!\n\nCareer growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.\n\nResponsible Manufacturing - Protecting Our Planet for the Future\nWe utilize renewable energy and a closed loop recycled water process.\n\nWe are committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and water consumption.\n\nWe are the only flooring company recognized by the Asthma and Allergy foundation.\n\nWho we are:\nWith a history of more than 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sport surface solutions, generating turnover of €3.3 billion in 2025. The Group hasclose to 12,000 employees, 25 R&D centers, 8 recycling centers and 33 production sites. Tarkett creates and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, stores and sports fields, serving customers in over 100 countries. To build “The Way to Better Floors,” the Group is committed to circular economy and sustainability, in line with its Tarkett Human-Conscious Design® approach.\nwww.tarkett-group.com\nTarkett is an equal opportunity employer. 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