Principal Automation Engineer

PEAK Technical Staffing

Monrovia, CA

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Agile Programming Methodologies, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Automation Engineering, Backlog Prioritization, Best Practices, Code Reviews, Communications Protocols, Computer Science, Computer Vision, Cross-Functional, DevOps, Diagnostics Solutions/Software, Distributed Computing, Documentation, Embedded Systems, Flexible Spending Accounts, High Reliability, Human Machine Interface (HMI), Inference Engine, Lift/Move 25 Pounds, Machine Learning, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Microsoft .NET, Microsoft C# (C Sharp), Microsoft Windows Azure, Motion Control, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Network Systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Project Engineering, Project Management Software, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Quality Assurance, Rockwell Automation, Safety Standards, Safety Systems, Sales, Schedule Development, Software Architecture, Software Development, Software Engineering, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), System Integration (SI), TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), Technical Leadership, Windows Forms (WinForms), Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)

LOCATION

Monrovia, CA

POSTED

6 days ago

#Eng-IT-01

We are seeking a Principal Automation Engineer to serve as the senior technical authority for software architecture, advanced controls, machine vision, AI/ML systems, and high-reliability industrial automation platforms.

This role operates with minimal supervision and sets the technical direction across multidisciplinary engineering teams. The Principal Engineer will lead architecture decisions, software development, and system integration for complex automation projects including SCADA, PLC, motion control, IIoT, and machine learning applications.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role, not a people-management position.

Key Responsibilities:
Engineering & Automation Development

Architect and develop advanced software systems for industrial automation, motion control, machine vision, SCADA, and safety systems
Design SCADA / HMI systems for visualization, alarms, diagnostics, and remote operation
Develop plant-wide data acquisition and networking systems (FactoryTalk, IIoT, MQTT, OPC-UA)
Build machine learning and AI applications using PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, or HALCON
Develop computer vision systems for inspection, anomaly detection, and automation optimization
Design real-time integrations with PLCs, CNCs, motion controllers, and industrial networks
Implement industrial communication protocols (Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, Serial, Fieldbus)
Integrate edge AI hardware, accelerators, and embedded inference engines
Ensure compliance with UL, CE, NFPA, and industrial safety standards
Develop operator interfaces using .NET, WinForms, WPF, and industrial HMI platforms
Establish software architecture standards, reusable libraries, and frameworks
Use Azure DevOps for task tracking, backlog management, and code review

Project Engineering:

Work cross-functionally with engineering, production, QA, sales, and program management
Prepare software interface documentation and functional specifications
Develop project schedules and track software development progress
Prepare engineering release and compliance documentation

Technical Leadership:

Mentor controls and software engineers on architecture and best practices
Recommend improvements to software development methodology
Guide adoption of new automation, AI, and machine-vision technologies

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field
Master’s or PhD preferred
10+ years of experience in automation, controls, or software architecture
Expert-level C# and .NET development experience
Strong experience with Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000, RSLogix 500/5000)
Deep knowledge of industrial automation, controls, SCADA, and distributed systems
Experience with FactoryTalk View and PLC-to-software integration
Experience with machine vision, AI/ML, or computer vision systems
Experience with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, Serial, etc.)
Project management training (PMI, Agile, etc.) preferred

Benefits PEAK's benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care Savings Account (DCA), and 401K plan.PEAK believes that taking care of our team is essential for success and we are proud to provide benefits that enhance both your well-being and your future. Additionally, our associates may be eligible for Paid Sick Leave as required by Federal, State, or local laws. Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) PEAK Technical Staffing is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. PEAK does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We encourage all individuals to apply. Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) The physical and mental requirements described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the position, including sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, andlifting upto 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidate Privacy To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://peaktechnical.com/privacy-policy/and https://peaktechnical.com/ca-residents-privacy-rights/ AI Recruiting Disclosure We use AI-assisted tools to help review applications and compare your experience to job requirements, but all hiring decisions are made by human recruiters. You may request a human-only process or opt out of automated communication at any time. Required notices and our latest bias audit are available on our website: www.peaktechnical.com/ai-disclosure.

About the Company

PEAK Technical Staffing

For over 50 years, PEAK has excelled in providing comprehensive staffing and workforce solutions. We go beyond traditional staffing to offer a holistic, on-demand workforce model, addressing every facet of your workforce needs.

COMPANY SIZE

500 to 999 employees

INDUSTRY

Staffing/Employment Agencies

FOUNDED

1968

WEBSITE

http://www.peaktechnical.com