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Principal Control Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Control Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

The team is seeking an exceptional control systems engineer with broad skills to design and develop the next generation of camera technology. Description As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will ...

Apple

Control Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The team is seeking an exceptional control systems engineer with broad skills to design and develop the next generation of camera technology. Description As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will ...

MSCCN

Control Systems Engineer

Orange, TX · On-site

Control Systems Engineer As the Control Systems Engineer you will be responsible for managing, coordinating and developing all aspects of Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems and Distributive ...

Thermo Systems

... control systems integration partner, delivering world-class automation solutions in the District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering ...

Thermo Systems

... control systems integration partner, delivering world-class automation solutions in the District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering ...

Andritz

ANDRITZ has an immediate opportunity for a skilled Control Systems Engineer to support the design, development, and delivery of industrial automation and control system solutions. In this role, you ...

Thermo Systems

Control Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

... control systems integration partner, delivering world-class automation solutions in the District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering ...

Apple

Control Systems Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$181K - $318K/yr

The team is seeking an exceptional control systems engineer with broad skills to design and develop the next generation of camera technology. Description As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will ...

LLNL

Control Systems Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

We have multiple openings for a Control Systems Engineer . You will provide engineering solutions for developing, implementing, and maintaining control systems hardware in the National Ignition ...

EquipmentShare

Control Systems Engineer

Columbia, MO · On-site

The Control Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, integration, and standardization of control systems across EquipmentShare's Advanced Solutions fleet, including power generation, energy ...

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All JobsPrincipal Control Systems Engineer Jobs

Principal Control Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$21K

$149.2K

$224.5K

How much do principal control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal control systems engineer in the United States is $149,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical team dynamics and collaboration expectations for a Principal Control Systems Engineer?

As a Principal Control Systems Engineer, you will often lead multidisciplinary teams that include other engineers, project managers, and technicians. You’ll be responsible for setting technical direction, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring that control system designs meet project requirements. Collaboration with clients and other departments, such as process, electrical, and mechanical engineering, is common to ensure seamless integration of systems. Regular meetings, design reviews, and clear communication are integral to the role, fostering a cooperative and solution-oriented work environment.

Is EEe a high paying job?

A Principal Control Systems Engineer is generally a high-paying role within engineering, with salaries often exceeding industry averages due to specialized skills in control theory, automation, and experience with tools like MATLAB or PLCs. Compensation varies based on location, experience, and industry, but it is considered a well-paying career path for qualified professionals.

What does a principal Controls Engineer do?

A principal Controls Engineer designs, develops, and oversees control systems for industrial processes or machinery. They analyze system requirements, create control strategies, and ensure integration with hardware and software, often using tools like PLCs, SCADA, or DCS. They also lead technical teams, review system performance, and ensure compliance with safety and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Control Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Control Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in automation, process control, and instrumentation, typically supported by an engineering degree and extensive experience in control systems design and integration. Proficiency with PLCs, DCS platforms, SCADA systems, and knowledge of relevant industry standards or certifications (such as ISA or PE) is essential. Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are critical for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of complex industrial processes in highly regulated environments.

What is the difference between Principal Control Systems Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Control Systems EngineerControl Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with professional certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee teams, strategic planningDesign, develop, and test control systems
Industry UsageUsed across industries like manufacturing, aerospace, energyCommonly employed in similar industries for system development
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior roles and responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level control system design roles

The Principal Control Systems Engineer typically holds a senior position with leadership responsibilities, overseeing projects and teams, while the Control Systems Engineer focuses on designing and implementing control systems. Both roles require similar technical credentials and are used across various industries, but they differ mainly in scope and seniority.

What is a Principal Control Systems Engineer?

A Principal Control Systems Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing complex control systems that automate and optimize industrial processes. They lead engineering teams, ensure compliance with industry standards, and provide technical guidance on control system architecture and implementation. Their role often includes project management, troubleshooting, and collaborating with clients and stakeholders to deliver reliable and efficient automation solutions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Control Systems Engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or large-scale manufacturing can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, reflecting the seniority and complexity of the role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Control Systems Engineers in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or manufacturing can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High salaries often reflect specialized skills in automation, control system design, and proficiency with tools like PLCs and SCADA systems.
More about Principal Control Systems Engineer jobs
What states have the most Principal Control Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Control Systems Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Control Systems Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Control Systems Engineer jobs are:
Principal Control Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Control Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,214 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

Apple

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 662 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something.
The Camera Systems Engineering Group develops systems, calibration, and correction procedures to maintain high image quality over a wide range of use cases and component variation. Past projects have addressed autofocus, image stabilization, position sensing and stereo imaging. The team is seeking an exceptional control systems engineer with broad skills to design and develop the next generation of camera technology.
Description
As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will be involved in determining requirements and specifications for control systems, systems-level analysis and modeling of control systems, developing robust control strategies, guiding design and construction of prototypes to assess user impact, defining tests and procedures, and the documentation of requirements and rationale.
Minimum Qualifications
BS degree and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems, or related technical field
Experience in dynamic modeling, control theory, and/or state-space analysis including feedback control design
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for control system design and/or real-time control system implementation
Preferred Qualifications
MS/PhD in Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field with focus on control system design and implementation.
Experience with estimation theory, Kalman filtering, and state-space modeling
Experience with real-time control implementation using microcontrollers, DSP processors, and embedded C/C++ programming
Experience with one or more of the following: autofocus control systems, optical image stabilization, inertial stabilization, precision positioning systems, or machine learning/computer vision algorithms for camera controls
Experience with actuator control including Shape Memory Alloy (SMA), Piezoelectric (PZT), voice coil motors, or MEMS devices
Experience with test equipment including dynamic signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, and frequency response analyzers
Experience with multidisciplinary engineering teams and take ownership of complex problems

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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