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Principal Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Invio Automation

Principal Controls Engineer

Webster, NY · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

DESCRIPTION The Principal Controls Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for providing advanced controls engineering expertise across multiple automation projects at Invio Automation.

Invio Automation

Principal Controls Engineer

Webster, NY · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

DESCRIPTION The Principal Controls Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for providing advanced controls engineering expertise across multiple automation projects at Invio Automation.

Raya Workforce

Principal Controls Engineer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$96K - $124K/yr

Principal Controls Engineer Location : Petaluma, CA Work Type : Fulltime/Onsite Work Authorization : Only US Citizens/Green Card Holders Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Principal ...

Beyond the Dome

Principal Controls Engineer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

The Principal Controls Engineer will be one of the primary technical contributors to our first product--you will be a critical part of taking the current system all the way to a disruptive product.

Fluence

Principal Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$52 - $66.50/hr

Role Overview We are looking for a Principal Controls Software Engineer with a passion for software design and extensive experience with power engineering, MathWorks Matlab/Simulink, Agile Scrum ...

Bloom Energy

Principal Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$176K - $253K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Controls Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to Sr. Director, Controls Engineering and based in San Jose, CA ...

Baxter Healthcare

Principal Controls Engineer

Marion, NC · On-site

$112 - $154/hr

As a Principal Controls Engineer , you have a wide array of career choices, but are motivated by the opportunity to work in a company that supports innovation, professional development, and a ...

Fluence

Principal Controls Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$43.25 - $55.25/hr

Role Overview We are looking for a Principal Controls Software Engineer with a passion for software design and extensive experience with power engineering, MathWorks Matlab/Simulink, Agile Scrum ...

BAXTER

Principal Controls Engineer

Asheville, NC · On-site

As a Principal Controls Engineer , you have a wide array of career choices, but are motivated by the opportunity to work in a company that supports innovation, professional development, and a ...

BAXTER

Principal Controls Engineer

Marion, NC · On-site

As a Principal Controls Engineer , you have a wide array of career choices, but are motivated by the opportunity to work in a company that supports innovation, professional development, and a ...

Fluence

Principal Controls Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$43.25 - $55.25/hr

Role Overview We are looking for a Principal Controls Software Engineer with a passion for software design and extensive experience with power engineering, MathWorks Matlab/Simulink, Agile Scrum ...

BAXTER

Principal Controls Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

As a Principal Controls Engineer , you have a wide array of career choices, but are motivated by the opportunity to work in a company that supports innovation, professional development, and a ...

Bloom Energy

Principal Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$176K - $253K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Controls Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to Sr. Director, Controls Engineering and based in San Jose, CA ...

101 Bloom Energy

ND · On-site

$176.30 - $253.70/hr

We are looking for a Principal Controls Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to Sr. Director, Controls Engineering and based in San Jose, CA.

Socket.dev

Principal Controls Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Our Principal Controls Engineers ensure that solutions are innovative, reliable, and aligned with customer requirements, while mentoring engineers and project managers and supporting business ...

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Principal Controls Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal controls engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal controls engineer?

A Principal Controls Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing control systems used to operate machinery and processes in various industries. They lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure that control systems meet safety, reliability, and efficiency standards. Principal Controls Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate new technologies, troubleshoot complex automation issues, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Their work is critical in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and automotive, where precise control and automation are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal controls engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Controls Engineer, you need advanced expertise in control system design, automation engineering, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, HMI software, and industry standards like IEC 61131 is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and clear communication are critical soft skills for managing projects and mentoring teams. These competencies ensure the successful delivery of complex automation solutions, operational efficiency, and technical leadership within engineering organizations.

What are some common challenges principal controls engineers face when managing complex automation projects?

Principal Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation technologies with legacy systems, ensuring that all safety and compliance standards are met, and coordinating across multidisciplinary teams. They must also address unexpected troubleshooting issues quickly to minimize downtime, and effectively communicate technical requirements to both engineering and non-technical stakeholders. Successfully managing these challenges requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both hardware and software controls systems.

What is the difference between Principal Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Controls EngineerControls Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; PE license optional
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee design and implementation, coordinate teamsDesign, develop, and troubleshoot control systems under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in large-scale manufacturing, automation, and industrial facilitiesCommon in manufacturing, automation, and process industries

The Principal Controls Engineer typically holds more experience, leads projects, and oversees teams, while Controls Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems. Both roles require similar technical credentials and are integral to automation projects, but the Principal role involves higher-level responsibilities and leadership.

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Principal Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Controls Engineer

Invio Automation

Webster, NY • On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Invio Automation rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

399th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

DESCRIPTION
The Principal Controls Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for providing advanced controls engineering expertise across multiple automation projects at Invio Automation. This role serves as a subject matter expert for PLCs, HMI, motion control, robotics integration, safety systems, and industrial networking, and provides technical direction to ensure consistent, high-quality controls solutions across the organization.
The Principal Controls Engineer works closely with Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, and Field Service teams to support project execution from concept through commissioning. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining controls standards, solving complex technical challenges, and supporting the successful delivery of custom automation systems.
The position requires the ability to lead through influence, provide technical mentorship to controls engineers, and act as a key escalation point for complex system issues. Our goal is to exceed expectations and ensure our internal and external customers receive an exceptional experience at Invio Automation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide advanced technical leadership and subject matter expertise for controls engineering across multiple projects
  • Develop, maintain, and standardize controls engineering practices, including PLC programming standards, HMI design, and system architecture
  • Support development of controls concepts during proposal, design, and estimating phases
  • Lead technical problem-solving efforts for complex controls, electrical, and system integration issues
  • Provide guidance on PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control, vision systems, safety systems, and industrial networking
  • Review and support controls design, programming, and commissioning activities to ensure consistency and quality
  • Serve as escalation point for complex field or integration issues during installation, debug, and startup
  • Collaborate with Project Management and Engineering to ensure controls deliverables align with project scope, schedule, and budget
  • Support commissioning activities and customer acceptance testing as needed
  • Mentor and develop controls engineers and support technical training initiatives across the organization
  • Evaluate new technologies and provide recommendations for continuous improvement in controls systems and software tools
  • Support cross-functional coordination between Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field Service teams
  • Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for technical issues
  • Ensure adherence to company engineering standards, safety requirements, and best practices
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to controls design, programming efficiency, and system reliability
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be a highly experienced controls engineering professional with deep technical expertise and the ability to lead through influence rather than direct authority. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, project-based automation environment.
The Principal Controls Engineer must be capable of independently resolving complex technical challenges while supporting and elevating the capabilities of the broader engineering team.
Other Skills and Abilities:
  • Expert-level knowledge of industrial automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control, and safety systems
  • Strong ability to troubleshoot complex integrated control systems in manufacturing and field environments
  • Deep understanding of electrical schematics, control panel design, and system architecture
  • Ability to lead technical discussions and influence engineering direction across teams
  • Strong mentoring and coaching skills for developing engineering talent
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with ability to work under pressure
  • Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Ability to manage multiple technical priorities across concurrent projects
  • Experience with industrial communication protocols and networked control systems
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to technical detail
  • Ability to support commissioning and field troubleshooting activities as required
  • Willingness to travel to customer sites and Invio facilities as needed
EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field required.
Minimum of 5+ years of experience in industrial automation controls engineering, including PLC programming, system integration, and commissioning of complex automation systems.
Equivalent combination of education and advanced technical experience may be considered.
Compensation
Salary Range: $150,000 – $180,000 annually
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, experience, education, etc.
Bonus Eligibility: This position is eligible for participation in the Company's Annual Incentive Plan (AIP), subject to plan terms.
INVIO AUTOMATION’S CORE VALUES
  • We take pride in the reliability of our team and the difficult problems we solve for customers.
  • We deliver real customer value that positively impacts the lives of those around us.
  • We are dependable. Relationships and trust matter.
  • Our ingenuity and desire to improve lives will complement our suite of solutions.
  • We strive to demonstrate that our attention to detail does not start or end with the solutions we engineer and deliver.
  • We believe exceptional service is better demonstrated than said.

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