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Principal Controls Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

YOUR MISSION We are seeking an experienced Principal Compliance Engineer to lead the design and ... Integrate technical controls to support monitoring, logging, and alerting consistent with RMF and ...

Principal Mission Cloud Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$205 - $305/hr

YOUR MISSION As a Principal Mission Cloud Engineer, you will be a critical technical expert ... Document cloud architectures, configurations, and security controls to support achievement and ...

Data Engineer, Principal

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$117.10 - $130.87/hr

... hire a Data Engineer, Principal for its Data Services team. This organization provides the ... Implement data quality, validation, observability, lineage, and governance controls embedded ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Controls Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$77.8K

$154.8K

$223.4K

How much do principal controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal controls engineer in Colorado is $154,804.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,600.00 and $181,900.00 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.

Infographic showing various Principal Controls Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,804 per year, or $74.4 per hour.

Principal Electrical Engineer, Global

Vantage Data Centers

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$165 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

## Principal Electrical Engineer, GlobalApplylocations: Denver, Coloradotime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: R23404# **About Vantage Data Centers**Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the worldโ€™s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.**Position Overview**This position will be based on-site at our office in Denver, CO. in alignment with our flexible work policy. (3 days on site required, 2 days flexible).Vantage Data Centers is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to own all aspects of Electrical Engineering for our new age data center designs, ensuring that this discipline operates as an integrated part of the global product platform.You will be accountable for the integrity, usability and evolution of standards, reference designs, approved variants and technical guidance across these areas. This includes defining where the platform must remain standard, where regional variation is appropriate, and how exceptions are governed when delivery realities require adaptation.You will also own the mechanisms that connect design intent to project delivery across this discipline โ€” including design governance, cross-discipline decision-making, readiness for handover, and the feedback loops that ensure field, commissioning and operational experience strengthens the next version of the platform.**Essential Job Functions****Energy storage and generation*** Lead integration of energy storage into data center electrical infrastructure to support resiliency, peak demand management, and operational flexibility* Assess on-site generation solutions, including standby, prime power, and hybrid distributed systems, to support business, reliability, and sustainability goals* Develop electrical strategies that integrate BESS, distributed generation, and advanced controls into mission-critical environments* Provide technical leadership on interconnection, protection, and control philosophies for generation and energy storage assets* Develop standards and design criteria for generation and energy storage topology, controls, safety, and commissioning**Product development*** Participate in the product development lifecycle from concept through implementation* Work closely with Operations to balance cost-effective design solutions with long-term operational sustainability* Develop and set minimum requirements for complete sequences of operation across designed systems* Drive standards for electrical commissioning efforts**Design quality and delivery*** Review program-level design plans, equipment selections, and system submittals* Ensure consistent execution through effective coordination and handoff to internal teams and external partners adapting the program prototype for site-specific use* Work across engineering disciplines to deliver streamlined, practical solutions aligned with Operations and business needs* Partner with regional product enablement teams to implement product intent consistently across projects and regions* Support documentation handoff and coordination with regional teams and external consultants for site adaptation of global prototypes**Engineering analysis*** Apply engineering analysis tools and professional judgment to evaluate loads, lighting levels, and short-circuit currents* Perform or guide the following studies: + Load analysis and failure scenario calculations + Short-circuit and overcurrent protection device coordination studies + Arc flash mitigation studies + Distribution analysis, including voltage drop and underground duct bank heat effect (Neher-McGrath) calculations + Lighting photometric studies**Job Requirements*** Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, from an accredited university or college* Substantial experience in electrical power design and construction required, 10+ years preferred* Data Center and/or mission critical experience is required* Proficient in AutoCAD, Excel, Word, AmpCalc, ETAP, and PSCAD modeling software* Working knowledge of critical power infrastructure within a data center* Travel is expected to be 15โ€“25% and may increase over time as business needs evolve.**Desired Qualifications*** Masterโ€™s degree in Electrical Engineering* Professional license* Experience in global, multi-region organizations operating with common standards and governed variants.* Familiarity with industrialized delivery concepts such as evidence-based readiness, repeatable handover practices, and continuous improvement loops.**Physical Demands and Special Requirements**The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.**Additional Details*** Salary Range: $165,000-$180,000 + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)* This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.* Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.#LI-SM2We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each otherโ€™s strengths and respecting each otherโ€™s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity EmployerVantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.Weโ€™ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soonโ€”weโ€™re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do! #J-18808-Ljbffr