Principal Controls & Automation Engineer

What Manufacturing Engineering contributes to Cardinal Health

Engineering is responsible for developing manufacturing processes production floor layouts and associated tools. Reviews new designs for manufacturability. Designs process improvements to reduce product cost process cycle time and improved product quality.

Job Summary

The Principal Controls & Automation Engineer position is responsible for the project management specification design installation and start-up of plant processes and support equipment. The incumbent will lead projects to reduce operating cost through cost reduction (VIPs) improved process control and machine reliability as well as projects that introduce new products or processes (Capital projects) to the plant. The incumbent will also provide necessary leadership and mentoring to the Technical Group.

Responsibilities

• Hands on process improvements with manufacturing instruments to solve technical problems.

• Perform studies of existing conditions related to the problem presented and analyze required changes to achieve increased production output and/or reduce product defects and waste.

• Ability to redesign existing machine components to improve performance. This may include adding or modifying sensors brackets or stations.

• Project Management of Capital Acquisition Request (CAR) projects. Responsibilities include:

• Provide project definition capital and expense estimates and project timeline.

• Ensure project is completed on schedule and within budget.

• Review mechanical design for safety quality efficiency and reliability.

• Ensure new equipment provided to manufacturing location meets all applicable safety and environmental requirements.

• Ensure completion of technical documentation spending schedules resource requirements system mechanical drawings and as-built assembly drawings.

• Perform validations as required.

• Adhere to plant policies/procedures and rules GMPs ISO 13485 regulations and good housekeeping procedures.

• Plan construct and develop operating procedures for devices according to assigned project requirements.

• Use and understand Statistical based software and Quality tools (i.e. Process Maps C&E Matrix FMEA and Design of Experiments) for warranting process changes or continuous improvements.

• Efficient use of CAD based software for various plant manufacturing engineering applications.

• Perform project presentations to the plant staff and other personnel as required.

• Contribute as a Team Leader or Champion of CAPA projects as directed.

• Work with Corporate Engineering R&D and OEM Departments as needed to support new equipment or product lines.

• Have the ability to indirectly lead project teams.

• Write Engineering Change Requests (ECRs).

• Regularly write and execute Validation protocols.

• Ability to perceive simple solutions to a broad concept of problems.

• Experienced on electrical design and schematic per IEC and NFPA standards.

• Solid knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) HMIs Servos Robotics Sensors and Vision systems

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (BS) in Engineering or equivalent from an accredited four (4) year college or university preferred

• 3 years related work experience preferred

• Familiar with automation hardware/software of Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Fanuc Universal Robot Cognex Keyence SMC and other major automation brands preferred

• Minimum of 3 years of experience on PLC ladder logic preferred 5 years

• Proficiency with Studio 5000 RSLogix 500 Insight Explorer and AutoCAD preferred

What is expected of you and others at this level

• Applies advanced knowledge and understanding of concepts principles and technical capabilities to manage a wide variety of projects

• Participates in the development of policies and procedures to achieve specific goals

• Recommends new practices processes metrics or models

• Works on or may lead complex projects of large scope

• Projects may have significant and long-term impact

• Provides solutions which may set precedent

• Independently determines method for completion of new projects

• Receives guidance on overall project objectives

• Acts as a mentor to less experienced colleagues

Anticipated salary range:$70400 to $116580 a year

Bonus eligible:No

Benefits:Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.

• Medical dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan
• Health savings account (HSA)
• 401k savings plan
• Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Work-Life resources
• Paid parental leave
• Healthy lifestyle programs

Application window anticipated to close:4/17/2026 *if interested in opportunity please submit application as soon as possible.

The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including but not limited to a candidates geographical location relevant education experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.

Candidates who are back-to-work people with disabilities without a college degree and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race religion color national origin ancestry age physical or mental disability sex sexual orientation gender identity/expression pregnancy veteran status marital status creed status with regard to public assistance genetic status or any other status protected by federal state or local law.

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