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Principal Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

MSI Express, Inc.

Senior Controls Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

ROLE PURPOSE/ POSITION SUMMARY The Senior Controls Engineer will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of sophisticated controls and automation systems, serving as a principal figure in ...

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All JobsPrincipal Controls Engineer JobsPrincipal Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Principal Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$76.3K

$151.8K

$219.1K

How much do principal controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,200.00 and $178,300.00 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Controls Engineers in specialized industries or senior leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in automation, robotics, or industrial control systems. High compensation often reflects leadership responsibilities, complex project management, and working in high-demand sectors such as aerospace or energy.

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

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 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 often work with automation tools like PLCs and SCADA systems. This role typically requires strong technical skills, experience in control system design, and relevant certifications or degrees in engineering.

What engineers make 200,000 a year?

Principal Controls Engineers and other senior engineering roles in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and company size, with high-demand skills in automation, control systems, and project management often commanding higher salaries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Controls Engineers and other senior engineering roles in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often correlates with working in high-demand industries, managing complex projects, or holding executive-level positions.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Principal Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Principal Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Principal Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Controls Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $151,772 per year, or $73 per hour.

Principal Controls Engineer- Data Center

Paper Converting Machine

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Us:

BW Design Group is a fully integrated architecture, engineering, construction, system integration, and consulting firm committed to helping our clients realize their most critical goals from Strategy to Commercialization. As the only firm born from a manufacturing technology company to become an independent and fully integrated firm, we combine deep domain expertise in the manufacturing environment with an approach that is built to serve the dynamic needs of our clients. Rooted in our distinct culture of Truly Human Leadership, we cultivate the leaders who will define tomorrow and partner with our clients in the food & beverage, life sciences, industrial, and advanced technology industries to build the future of manufacturing and technology.


 

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.


 

Job Description:

Principal Data Center Automation Engineer

Who You'll Work With

You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1500 professionals, and work in teams and directly with our clients doing work that is shaping the world around us. You will be welcomed into a rapidly growing business and team and empowered to make an impact. You will be valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world-class professional consultant and surrounded by leaders who are committed to creating an environment that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment.

When you join Design Group as a Principal Data Center Automation Engineer, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. Design Group is widely known as an industry leader, recognized as a top system integrator, ranking #9 in the 2025 System Integrator Giants; as a Rockwell Platinum Integrator, the highest designation given to Rockwell partners; and as an Ignition Enterprise Premier Integrator. As a part of this team, you will learn from industry leading experts and may even have the chance to be an active participant in industry events like the Ignition Build-A-Thon which Design Group won in 2023!

As a Principal Data Center Automation Engineer, you will play a pivotal leadership role within Design Group's Control System Integration Practice. You'll collaborate with experienced engineers, power systems specialists, and subject matter experts to deliver innovative, high-reliability automation and monitoring solutions tailored for mission-critical data center environments. In this role, you'll help shape the technical direction and set standards for Building Automation Systems (BAS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), and integrated control architectures-driving operational excellence, scalability, and energy efficiency across client portfolios.

What You'll Do

You'll work individually and in teams to support capital projects and implement solutions for our clients. Together, you will help our clients make critical changes to improve their performance and realize their most important goals.

  • Act as the firm's subject matter expert in Data Center Building Automation Systems (BAS/BMS) and Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), with deep expertise in platforms such as Rockwell Studio 5000, Inductive Automation Ignition, Tridium Niagara, Schneider EcoStruxure, and industry standards like BACnet and Modbus.
  • Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through the full lifecycle of complex BAS and EPMS projects-from requirements gathering and system architecture through implementation, commissioning, and client turnover-ensuring compliance with quality, schedule, and budget targets.
  • Develop and mentor engineering talent, providing technical leadership, peer reviews, and growth opportunities to elevate the team's capabilities in automation, power systems integration, and data center infrastructure.
  • Drive the development of enterprise-wide standards and best practices for building automation and power monitoring, focusing on scalability, cybersecurity, redundancy, and operational efficiency in data center applications.
  • Serve as a strategic partner to clients, translating technical needs into engineered solutions, communicating effectively with stakeholders, and building long-term relationships through the consistent delivery of high-value results.
  • Champion innovation in BAS/EPMS technologies, continuously evaluating emerging tools, protocols, and strategies to improve system resilience, energy efficiency, and fault diagnostics.
  • Support business development efforts, including technical input for proposal development, and contributing to long-term growth strategies focused on mission-critical facilities.

What You'll Bring

  • Minimum of 15 years of progressive engineering experience in building automation, electrical power monitoring systems (EPMS), and integrated controls within mission-critical environments-especially data centers-including significant leadership and client-facing responsibilities.
  • Deep expertise in BAS and EPMS platforms, such as Rockwell Studio 5000, Inductive Automation Ignition, Tridium Niagara, Schneider EcoStruxure, and industry standards like BACnet and Modbus.
  • Extensive experience with field instrumentation, industrial networking, PLC/DDC system integration, Panel Design and SCADA architectures used for environmental and electrical system monitoring.
  • Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams in the successful design, implementation, and commissioning of complex BAS and EPMS solutions across multiple projects.
  • Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to interface effectively with both technical teams and executive-level clients, translating technical requirements into strategic solutions.
  • Strong background in proposal development, cost estimation, and scope definition for automation and monitoring system projects, with an emphasis on scalability, resilience, and lifecycle performance.
  • Analytical mindset with advanced troubleshooting abilities, capable of resolving complex operational challenges and delivering innovative, reliable, and secure solutions.
  • Recognized thought leader or subject matter expert in the BAS/EPMS space, with contributions to industry groups, standards bodies, or technical conferences considered a plus.
  • Flexibility and willingness to travel for project execution, client engagements, commissioning activities, and industry events.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (Master's degree and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred).
  • Knowledge of datacenter/mission critical commissioning requirements L1-L5.
  • Experience with datacenter and mission critical greenfield construction.

What Sets Us Apart

At Design Group, our people-first culture is what makes us different. We foster a work environment rooted in respect, accountability, and a deep investment in the growth of our team members. Our entrepreneurial model and flexible career paths provide rewarding challenges and the autonomy to build a career aligned with your goals.

As a Principal Automation Engineer- Data Centers, you'll integrate with an established and growing team delivering a high volume of work for leading hyperscale clients. The goal of this role is to support that momentum-driving consistent delivery, deepening client relationships, and helping scale our involvement across the firm. You'll have access to development resources, mentorship, and peer support as part of a team that's shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

Not quite a Principal Engineer yet but heading in that direction? Let's connect. We're passionate about helping professionals grow into leaders-and we'd love to explore how we can support your journey.

The approximate pay range for this position is $150k-$220k. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position.

#LI-CG1


 

At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.


 

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.


Company:

Design Group

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