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Principal Control Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Control Systems Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$200K - $250K/yr

About the Role A Control Systems Engineer will take the lead in designing, developing, and commissioning SCADA/BMS/EPMS systems for industrial applications. Expectation is this individual will ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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Principal Control Systems Engineer information

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$21K

$149.2K

$224.5K

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

As of Jun 4, 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 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 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.

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.

Which engineers make $100,000?

Principal Control Systems Engineers often earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills in automation, control theory, and proficiency with tools like MATLAB or PLC programming. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and company size, but this role typically offers compensation at or above this level for experienced professionals.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Principal Control Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,214 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Principal Engineer - Control Systems

Principal Engineer - Control Systems

Bechtel

Reston, VA

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Bechtel rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 351 rated engineering


Job description

Requisition ID: 290945 

  •  Relocation Authorized: None 
  • Telework Type: Part-Time Telework 
  • Work Location: Reston, VA
Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. 

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report. 

Project Overview:

Several combined cycle power projects are currently planned to be developed and executed by Bechtel over the next 5-10 years. During the development phase of these projects, teams will be organized to support multiple projects concurrently.

Following project award, dedicated project teams will be formed and the Principal Engineer Electrical will have functional oversight for the combined cycle power projects.

Job Summary:

The Principal Engineer - Control Systems will support the development and execution of combined cycle power projects in the Control Systems discipline. In this role, you will utilize individual technical knowledge to interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate the engineering technical aspects for complex power projects. You will participate in project planning, proposal review, and will own the engineering elements of capital estimates. Your technical guidance and recommendations will ensure engineering aspects meet project requirements and remain within scope and budget.

In this role, you will be responsible for establishing the technical investigations and client interviews, to determine work scope and cost estimates for a project’s control systems aspects. You will have oversight of design, development, modification, evaluation, and constructability reviews of control systems instrumentation and equipment. Your technical expertise will ensure the unique and complex requirements of a combined cycle power project’s control systems design aspects are met. 

"This position is designated as part-time telework per our global telework policy and will require at least three days of in-person attendance per week at the assigned office or project. Weekly in-person schedules will be determined by the individual and their supervisor, in consultation with functional or project leadership”  #LI-JL1 

Major Responsibilities:
  • Leads the design, development, modification and evaluation of control system components and processes utilizing relevant Engineering Department Procedures (EDPs), design standards and guides, and Bechtel Standard Application Programs (BSAPs)
  • Communicates complex technical issues and recommends solutions to upper management
  • Develops conceptual designs for Control Systems engineering projects or projects having specialized or unique requirements
  • Supports preparation of estimates, staffing needs and schedules
  • Interviews client personnel to determine their needs, develops scope for cost estimates for services and participates in proposal preparation and presentation
  • Prepares or oversees the preparation of discipline estimates and work plans in accordance with project scope, schedule, and budget, and supports implementation and assists with performance reporting
  • Coordinates with client representatives, as directed, to obtain their approval of on Control Systems aspects of the work
Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Requires bachelor's or master's degree (or international equivalent) in Electrical or Control Systems Engineering or closely related field and 13-15 years of relevant experience​ 
  • Must have at least 10 years prior experience working on control systems design for combined cycle fossil power plants
Required Knowledge and Skills:
  • Ability to develop logic diagrams and control philosophies for equipment and system operation on combined cycle power plants,
  • Ability to optimize selection and sizing of control valves for steam, water and gas services
  • Ability to select and specify instrumentation for measurement of process parameters including temperature, pressure and flow for steam, water and gas services
  • Experience with layout and design of control rooms and control room HMI equipment
  • Working knowledge of control system design codes and standards including ISA, IEEE, and ASME.
  • Ability to work with and read Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
  •  Experience with SCADA and DCS programming for power plant control systems
  •  Willingness and ability to take business trips to India
Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com


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