Senior Principal Automation Controls Engineer

At Bloom Energy, our vision for a world powered by clean, reliable, and affordable energy is more than just a dream—we’re making it reality. 

For over two decades, we’ve been at the forefront of the global energy transition, pioneering solutions that empower critical industries to thrive in a rapidly digitizing, energy-intensive world. From revolutionizing power for AI-driven data centers to ensuring resilience for hospitals, electric grids, manufacturing facilities, and utilities, our solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) technologies are redefining what’s possible by delivering energy abundance for all. With more than 30,000 fuel cell modules deployed worldwide, we are the trusted partner for Fortune 100 companies and innovators alike. Our cutting-edge solutions enable unparalleled “time-to-power” capabilities, reliability, and sustainability, ensuring our customers remain ahead in a world where soaring energy demand and intensifying energy scarcity are rapidly becoming the new norm. 

At Bloom, we thrive on collaboration, bold thinking, and relentless innovation. We believe that, together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future while tackling the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. 

We are looking for a Senior Principal Automation Controls Engineer to join our team in one of today’s most exciting technologies.  This role will report to Senior Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and based in Newark, DE.  This is a fully on-site, in office role 5 days a week.

Role and Responsibilities: 

Controls & Automation

• Design, program, and implement automation systems (PLC, HMI, SCADA) to support production and assembly operations.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize automation controls to ensure system reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with internal teams and integrators to define control architectures, safety standards, and communication protocols.

MES / Manufacturing IT Systems

• Lead or support the deployment and configuration of MES systems and ensure integration with ERP and shop-floor systems.
• Align MES functions with production workflows (traceability, work instructions, quality data, OEE).
• Support evaluation and deployment of digital manufacturing platforms (e.g., Tulip, Ignition, or similar).

Data & Analytics

• Develop and maintain data collection, visualization, and analysis systems for process and performance improvement.
• Utilize machine, process, and MES data to identify bottlenecks, improve yield, and support data-driven decisions.
• Establish standards for connectivity (OPC UA, MQTT, REST APIs) and data integrity.

Machine Vision Systems

• Specify, design, and implement machine vision and inspection systems for in-line quality assurance and process control.
• Evaluate and select appropriate hardware (cameras, lighting, lenses) and software platforms (Cognex, Keyence, Halcon, OpenCV, etc.).
• Integrate vision systems with automation and MES infrastructure for real-time feedback and data capture.
• Collaborate with quality and process engineering to develop vision algorithms for defect detection, measurement, and verification.
• Maintain and continuously improve vision system performance through testing, calibration, and data analysis.

Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead technical aspects of automation and digitalization projects from concept through production launch.
• Partner with IT, production, and global engineering teams to harmonize standards and architectures.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) with digital and automated manufacturing solutions.

Key Competencies

• Systems Thinking & Integration
• Technical Leadership
• Data-Driven Problem Solving
• Continuous Improvement
• Innovation in Automation & Vision
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Skills and Experience:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (Master’s degree preferred).

• 8+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, automation, MES, or machine vision system integration.
• Strong programming experience with PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, etc.) and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Hands-on experience implementing machine vision systems for inspection, measurement, or guidance.
• Familiarity with MES and data systems integration, and knowledge of SQL or Python for data processing.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Ignition Perspective, Grafana, etc.).

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills across automation, vision, and data systems.
• Excellent collaboration and communication with cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and manage vendor interactions.

Bloom Energy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We are committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. All qualified applicants, will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability. Bloom Energy makes reasonable accommodations, consistent with applicable laws, for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee with a disability, who can perform the essential job functions, unless undue hardship would result.

At Bloom Energy, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with a large employer contribution, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match, generous Mental Health Support services, Legal services, virtual Physical Therapy access, and Fertility & Family Forming benefits.

Bloom Energy is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The total compensation for this position includes standard company benefits and is based on various factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience.