Controls Systems Engineer III - IN

At Blentech, our mission is to provide process and equipment solutions that deliver safe, economical, nutritional, and good-tasting foods to the world. Blentech is the industry leader, pioneering revolutionary food processing systems trusted by the world's leading food manufacturers. Our cutting-edge solutions fuse unparalleled engineering, advanced automation, and deep process expertise, guaranteeing our partners maximized throughput, flawless consistency, and unmatched operational excellence. With a proud, nearly 40-year legacy, we remain fiercely committed to delivering premium equipment, proudly engineered and manufactured in the heart of Sonoma County, CA.

We are seeking a seasoned Principal Controls Systems Engineer to serve as the primary commercial and technical bridge between our customers and our internal teams. This is a highly visible, growth-oriented role where you will act as a consultant and revenue driver, identifying opportunities to expand project scope, upsell automation solutions, and maximize customer value. Beyond providing technical leadership for complex automation architectures and functional designs, you will actively own the sales lifecycle for controls and upgrades—from initial technical consultations to negotiating final scopes. We are looking for an entrepreneurial engineer who balances deep automation expertise with a proactive sales mindset, dedicated to transforming customer needs into revenue-generating, scalable control solutions. This role is based out of our Indiana office.

What Success Looks Like

• Increase scope of customer projects through improvements, larger systems, upgrades of the customer and Blentech integration
• Robust and scalable automation architectures that align with customer vision and Blentech standards.
• Clear translation of vague requirements into precise Technical Scope of Work and Design Specifications.
• Effective leadership of customer design reviews, ensuring technical alignment and proactive change management.
• Successful delivery of complex custom programming and high-level support for system startups.

Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development

• Identify and drive sales initiatives for industrial controls and system upgrades.
• Serve as a self-starter, responsible for generating revenue within tight timeframes, with a target of $1M in additional revenue through hardware, software, and system upgrades once ramped up.
• When not actively focused on sales, provide technical assistance to Service and Commissioning work centers.
• Expected travel: 50%.

Technical Leadership & Customer Relations

• Serve as the main technical point of contact for automation and software discussions post-PO.
• Lead design reviews and workshops to validate system functionality and interface requirements.

Architecture & Framework Design

• Define complete system architectures, including hardware selection and software stack requirements.

Scope & Project Management

• Manage technical scope, identify change orders, and negotiate technical trade-offs with customers.
• Translate high-level requests into Technical Scope of Work and Functional Design Specifications (FDS).

Development & Support

• Provide high-level startup support and train customers on system architecture philosophy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming (Rockwell/Siemens), HMI/SCADA design, and industrial protocols.
• Exceptional ability to explain complex control logic to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven track record of building client trust while managing project scope.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to "solutionize" on the fly during technical workshops.
• 5+ years of experience in pharma or food industrial controls.
• Sales experience selling controls and upgrades in industrial applications.
• Basic level understanding of PLC / SCADA / ladder logic (dedicated support teams are available for deep technical work).
• Ability to thrive in a flexible work environment.
• Ability to travel 50% of the time domestically or internationally
• Experience with Ignition