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

Ozinga

Senior Electrical Controls Technician

Mokena, IL

$81K - $101K/yr

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: • Analyze overall plant systems and their operations ... programming, installations, and maintenance practices a plus Skills/Abilities: • Ability to work ...

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

Principal Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$76.2K

$151.7K

$218.9K

How much do principal controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,100.00 and $178,200.00 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.

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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,658 per year, or $72.9 per hour.

Principal Engineer - Instrumentation & Controls

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

GTI
See more jobs at GTIexternal

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Green Thumb Industries rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

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Job description

General Summary
GTI Energy, the nation's leading research, development, deployment, and training organization serving energy markets, has an opportunity for an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer in our Research & Engineering group.
Why GTI Energy?
GTI Energy is where complex energy challenges meet bold solutions. With expertise in energy research, technology development, and business innovation, partners across every sector trust us to build and demonstrate solutions for better-performing energy systems. Guided by systems thinking, collaboration, and innovation, we are focused on driving progress that matters for people everywhere.
Being part of the GTI Energy team means being surrounded by people that are passionate and purpose driven, empowered to continuously learn, ask hard questions, and leverage their knowledge and experience to drive toward a greater purpose.
We offer generous benefits, competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. We prioritize and maintain a respectful culture, and we ensure reasonable accommodation is made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.
Work Location
The position will be based in the Chicagoland area at the GTI Energy Headquarters. This is a laboratory-based position that typically requires in-person work 5 days a week. While local candidates are preferred, GTI Energy provides relocation assistance for the right candidate.
Primary Responsibilities
This position is with a group of engineers and scientists that bring technological solutions to a broad range of energy project developers, utility companies, and end-users. The candidate must be able to apply engineering practices to the development and deployment of instrumentation, controls, and connected systems. The candidate must be able to work within the structure of an overall project team while being able to work independently on sub-tasks. Position responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Work with, train and assist in mentoring a team of engineers working on data logging solutions and control systems in support of laboratory and field site demonstrations and evaluations of energy technology.
  • Develop cost estimates and provide input on proposals for work in support of projects.
  • Research and identify components, hardware and software that match requirements.
  • Document work in written, graphical, and presentation form.
  • Assist in the hands-on development, construction and commissioning of instrumentation and control systems onsite in GTI Energy's laboratory facilities and off-site for field demonstration projects five days a week.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
  • Familiarity with analytical tools such as MATLAB, PowerBI, or Python
  • Familiarity with data management tools such as ParcView or PI
  • Familiarity with wireless protocols such as LoRaWAN, LTE, Monit
  • Familiarity with protocols such as CAN, MQTT, or HART
  • Familiarity with Process & Instrumentation Diagrams
  • Familiarity with Process Instrumentation Specification and Procurement
  • Experience in producing controls
  • Experience managing or mentoring technical personnel

Required Education and Experience
  • A minimum of 10+ years of relevant, professional-level work experience after a B.S.; 8+ years of relevant, professional-level work experience after an M.S.; 5+ years of relevant, professional-level experience after a Ph.D.
  • Experience with automation programming of National Instruments LabVIEW or Allen Bradley PLCs
  • Experience with instrumentation, flow meters, and troubleshooting of control systems
  • Experience with industrial protocols such as MODBUS, OPC, or Ethernet
  • Experience in producing and modifying wiring diagrams for control systems

Pay Transparency
The salary range for this position is $130,000 - $170,000 USD annually. This salary range is GTI Energy's good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, GTI Energy's business or organizational needs and an individual's relevant experience, education, qualifications, certifications, skills, seniority, geographic location, and/or performance. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus. The range listed is just one component of GTI Energy's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, paid time off, and region-specific benefits.
EEO Statement
GTI Energy is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please e-mail us at HumanResources@gti.energy and we'll work with you to meet your accessibility needs. You must have legal authorization to work for GTI Energy on your date of hire with no further action required by GTI Energy. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and give consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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