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

Principal Software Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

Principal Software Engineer (T6) Role Summary The Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical ... Ensure solutions are production-ready and supportable, with appropriate documentation, controls ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Batavia, IL ยท On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

The (ISD) Principal Mechanical Engineer leads and contributes to projects in areas such as design ... Design of plumbing systems and code experience * HVAC "Controls/DDC" background desired

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,778.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,200.00 and $178,400.00 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Principal Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
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 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $151,778 per year, or $73 per hour.

Principal/Sr. Principal Power Supply Engineer

SwiftCruit

Rolling Meadows, IL โ€ข On-site

$108.80 - $163.20/hr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work โ€” and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

The Power Design Engineering role involves full life-cycle product development on architectures ranging from radio frequency electronic warfare (RFEW), infrared countermeasures (IRCM) and imaging systems, and real-time embedded control systems. The Power Design Engineer provides concept-to-production development, test, and integration of these technology areas:

  • High efficiency, switch-mode power supply architectures for image processing, embedded processing, and Receiver/Exciter designs
  • Subsystem/module circuit designs for custom and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) systems, involving COTS & MIL-STD interfaces.
  • Regulatory compliance to DoD customer requirements, such as MIL-STD-704, 461, 464 & DO-160 and TEMPEST

Principal/Sr. Principal Power Design Engineer will design and develop power conversion architectures using the latest technologies from Linear Technology, Texas Instruments, and other integrated circuit device manufacturers to support the following applications: gigabit serial interfaces, Radio Frequency (RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, and embedded processing platforms. Typical power outputs range from less than 1mW to greater than 10kW. Power Design Engineers work with system, sub-system, and hardware engineers to develop requirements, architect new circuit design topologies, and printed wiring board layouts. Designs are verified through spice simulation, laboratory verification, and formal qualification to electrical and mechanical environmental requirements, electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) requirements and EMI/EMC compliance requirements. Design support is continuous from requirements definition through integration and test; and maintenance of design documentation and configuration management is required throughout the product life cycle.

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This position is full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location

This position can be filled at the Principal or Sr. Principal Level:

Basic Qualifications for Principal Power Engineer:
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 5 years of power electronics design experience or 3 years of power electronics design experience with a masterโ€™s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline.
  • Switch Mode Power Supply circuit design experience, including schematic capture through test and integration.
  • Hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex power systems, including various switch-mode topologies and linear regulators.
  • Ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or more team members.
  • Familiarity with documentation, revision control and review systems like DOORS, ClearCase and ClearQuest.
  • Proven skills to include team leadership, mentoring others, communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally, being adaptable, creative, collaborative, and comfortable working independently and enjoys solving difficult problems.
  • US Citizen and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Power Engineer:
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 8 years of power electronics design experience or 6 years of power electronics design experience with a masterโ€™s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline.
  • Switch Mode Power Supply circuit design experience, including schematic capture through test and integration.
  • Hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex power systems, including various switch-mode topologies and linear regulators.
  • Ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or more team members.
  • Familiarity with documentation, revision control and review systems like DOORS, ClearCase and ClearQuest.
  • Proven skills to include team leadership, mentoring others, communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally, being adaptable, creative, collaborative, and also comfortable working independently and enjoys solving difficult problems.
  • US Citizen and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • An advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, focused on Power Conversion, with a minimum 5 years of power electronics design experience.
  • Working knowledge of Electronic Warfare system/hardware
  • Recent power supply design experience utilizing circuit-related tools including Cadence Concept/Allegro, and LTSPICE
  • Working knowledge of designing high frequency magnetics including transformers, coupled inductors, EMI chokes and common mode filters.
  • Working experience with documentation, revision control and review systems similar to DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest
  • Proven skills to include project planning, communicating with all levels of an organization, adaptable, creative, collaborative, and comfortable working independently.
  • Current Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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