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Principal Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Raya Workforce

Principal Controls Engineer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$96K - $124K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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.

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 ...

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 ...

NextGenEnergyJobs

Principal Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Mentor engineers and establish controls engineering best practices. * Support product roadmap planning and key technical decisions. * Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, service, and program ...

Raymond West

Principal Control Engineer

Cypress, CA · On-site

$81K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Raymond West is seeking a skilled and motivated Principal Controls Engineer to join our Systems ... The Controls Engineer will lead development projects for the team to develop novel solutions for ...

City Brewing Co

Controls Engineer

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Summary Controls Engineers are key to ensuring the success and efficiency of our highspeed ... Advanced knowledge of electrical systems, control power and drives, sanitary control principals ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Controls Engineer JobsPrincipal Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Principal Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

How much do principal controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal controls engineer in California is $145,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Controls Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Principal Controls Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Controls Engineer jobs in California?

For Principal Controls Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Controls Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Controls Engineer jobs in California are:

Principal Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Controls Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,292 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Principal Controls Engineer

Raya Workforce

Petaluma, CA • On-site

$96K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title: 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 Controls Engineer to help develop, improve, and support advanced industrial process systems. This role involves designing and programming control systems, supporting field operations, troubleshooting equipment, and helping scale products from development to manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
•    Design, program, test, and troubleshoot control systems and controls hardware. 
•    Support pilot projects and field operations. 
•    Provide electrical and controls support for laboratory equipment. 
•    Assist with manufacturing and product development efforts. 
•    Improve system performance, reliability, and cost efficiency. 
•    Work with pumps, heaters, motors, instrumentation, and process equipment. 
•    Design control panels, wiring systems, and automation solutions. 
•    Support system startup, commissioning, and field troubleshooting. 
•    Develop and maintain PLC and SCADA programs. 
•    Implement safety systems and controls best practices.
Required Qualifications
•    Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. 
•    Extensive experience in process control, power generation, combustion, manufacturing, multiphase fluid systems, or related industries. 
•    Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial process equipment. 
•    Experience with safety system design and implementation. 
•    Experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, AVEVA, or similar SCADA and controls platforms. 
•    Strong PLC programming skills using Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and/or Function Blocks. 
•    Experience with MODBUS, Profinet, and industrial communication protocols. 
•    Experience working with PLCs, HMIs, drives, I/O modules, and controls hardware. 
•    Experience with control panel and wiring design. 
•    Experience supporting field pilot operations. 
•    Experience working in industrial R&D environments, preferably with hardware-based products or startups. 
Preferred Qualifications
•    Experience with process and controls simulation. 
•    Leadership or team management experience. 
•    Experience with high-pressure and/or high-temperature systems such as SCWO, oil & gas, nuclear, or aerospace systems. 
•    Experience using Autodesk, SolidWorks, Ansys, Python, or similar engineering software. 
Ideal Candidate
•    Hands-on problem solver with strong troubleshooting skills. 
•    Detail-oriented and focused on quality and safety. 
•    Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. 
•    Able to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. 
•    Self-driven, innovative, and capable of solving complex technical challenges. 
 
Benefits
  • Competitive compensation package
  • Equity/stock option opportunity
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and company holidays