SR Principal/Principal Engineer, Automation

Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim

St Joseph, MO, USA

Posted on Jun 22, 2026
Description

As an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, you will actively contribute to the discovery, development, and delivery of our products to our patients and customers. Our global presence provides opportunity for all employees to collaborate internationally, offering visibility and opportunity to directly contribute to the companies' success. We realize that our strength and competitive advantage lie with our people. We support our employees in several ways to foster a healthy working environment, meaningful work, mobility, networking, and work-life balance. Our competitive compensation and benefit programs reflect Boehringer Ingelheim's high regard for our employees.

The Senior Principal Engineer, Automation will serve as an Automation Process-specific Subject Matter Expert (SME) for one or more aspects of the aseptic manufacturing process System Integration, including but not limited to Active Ingredient Production, Filling, Freeze Drying, and Packaging.

The incumbent’s expertise is applied by providing direct manufacturing support and troubleshooting of with the targeted Automation system architecture as well as serving as technical and/or overall lead for capital projects involving the installation of new or modification of existing automation system, equipment and/or utilities.

Duties & Responsibilities

SR Principal Engineer

  • Demonstrates and directly applies SME-level mastery of automation system/control process-specific engineering principles in solving vaccine manufacturing challenges varying in both scope and complexity
  • Capability to lead cross functional teams in day-to-day operations or as members of a project team. Team composition is junior engineers, technicians, etc
  • Accountable for goal development and assessment of reports
  • Develops the Automation strategy to support business needs of area of responsibility
  • Leads automation system development, modification, and optimization efforts on a large scale and drives actions that require the buy-in and support from multiple other functions including but not limited to Operations, Quality, Project Engineering, and Maintenance (PME)
  • Cross-functional leadership capability is essential
  • Supports manufacturing in troubleshooting automation and control system with equipment issues on a large-scale
  • Drives the communication of the auto integrated system between stakeholder to identify issues with the manufacturing process and find long term solutions to these issues
  • Identifies improvements to manufacturing process. Improvements may include mechanical, automation, or workflow
  • Works with manufacturing and capital engineering on the development of future capital projects and on the development of requirements for the project
  • Responsible for User Requirement Specification development
  • Leads small scale capital projects up to around $1M annual spend, primarily those with heavy technical components
  • Accountable for following capital process procedures and execution of project regarding cost and schedule
  • On larger capital projects, works with Capital Engineering and Equipment Vendors to ensure process requirements are communicated and built into the equipment/system design
  • Develops specifications (user, functional, and detailed design) for equipment and automation of the equipment
  • Develops and maintains overall knowledge of Automation system platform, IT infrastructure, automation manufacture integrated system/control
  • Provides training on automation integrated system and/or equipment modifications as required for new or existing equipment/processes.
  • Acts as Subject Matter Expert for production equipment and processes for Capital Engineering, Production, Business Process Science, Quality Assurance, and Maintenance
  • Educates and mentors other engineers, technicians, etc. to foster a continuous effort to bring others to the same level of expertise


Principal Engineer

  • Manages capital and expense projects ensuring sustainable growth of site automation technologies
  • Maintains building automation system including lifecycle management, modification and troubleshooting in compliance with BIAH SOPs and current industry standards
  • Researches and evaluates potential automation projects to determine feasibility
  • Provides data and proposals to management to guide site investment strategy
  • Develops and implements site automation improvement initiatives
  • Acts as automation and controls subject matter expert on large capital projects
  • Supports day to day site automation and controls needs, minimizing production loss
  • Produces and implements CAPA plans to prevent future occurrences
  • Leads root cause analysis initiatives as related to automation topics
  • Conducts research on new technologies, gains competency and trains others after implementation


Requirements

SR Principal Engineer

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering


OR

  • Minimum seven (7) years of System Control field experience


Integrator level capability in the following:

  • Low voltage controls (relays, safety circuits, drives, etc.)
  • Devices and interface technologies (sensors, IO modules, fieldbus, and networking)
  • PLC programming including ladder, function block and structured text
  • RS Logix experience is preferred
  • HMI/SCADA systems
  • Automation Network infrastructure knowledge of IT4OT design requirements
  • MES and MES MI design requirement


Proficiency in the following:

  • Building automation systems is experience is preferred
  • Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing in a cross functional team
  • Good project management and organizational skills


Principal Engineer

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Control Systems field with four (4) years professional experience


Integrator level capability in the following:

  • Low voltage controls (relays, safety circuits, drives, etc.)
  • Devices and interface technologies (sensors, IO modules, fieldbus and networking)
  • PLC programming including ladder, function block and structured text
  • RSLogix experience is preferred
  • HMI/SCADA systems
  • FactoryTalk View experience is preferred


Proficiency in the following:

  • Mechanical design methods and techniques using 3D CAD software
  • SolidWorks experience is preferred
  • Building automation systems
  • Siemens Insight or Desigo experience is preferred
  • Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing in a cross functional team
  • Good project management and organizational skills


Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction
  • Must be willing to take a drug test and post-offer physical (if required)
  • Must be 18 years of age or older


Desired Skills, Experience And Abilities

Our Company

Why Boehringer Ingelheim?

With us, you can develop your own path in a company with a culture that knows our differences are our strengths - and break new ground in the drive to make millions of lives better.

Here, your development is our priority. Supporting you to build a career as part of a workplace that is independent, authentic and bold, while tackling challenging work in a respectful and friendly environment where everyone is valued and welcomed.

Alongside, you have access to programs and groups that ensure your health and wellbeing are looked after - as we make major investments to drive global accessibility to healthcare. By being part of a team that is constantly innovating, you'll be helping to transform lives for generations.

Want to learn more? Visit https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com