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Principal Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$103.20K - $129K/yr

As a Principal Controls Engineer you will develop the control system design for each project. You will report to the GOS Manager; Control and Information System Engineering and be located at our ...

Principal Controls Engineer

North Canton, OH

$74.30K - $96.20K/yr

The Controls & Machine Design Engineer will deliver controls and design support across manufacturing assets - including heat treatment, finish grinding, automation, and end-of-line processing ...

Principal Controls Engineer

North Canton, OH · On-site

$74.30K - $96.20K/yr

The Controls & Machine Design Engineer will deliver controls and design support across manufacturing assets -- including heat treatment, finish grinding, automation, and end-of-line processing ...

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Principal Controls Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal controls engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 can make $500,000 a year?

Principal Controls Engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or high-tech manufacturing can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often involves overseeing complex automation systems, working in high-demand environments, and possessing expertise in control systems, PLCs, and SCADA tools.

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.

More about Principal Controls Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Controls Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Controls Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Controls Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Controls Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Controls Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Controls Engineer jobs include:

Principal Controls Engineer - Siemens

Barry Wehmiller Group

Dallas, TX

$82.60K - $106.80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 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 Controls Engineer - Siemens

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 Controls 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 Siemens specialist, you will be the firm's technical authority on Siemens automation platforms, working with industry leading experts and participating in key industry events.

You will play a critical leadership role within Design Group's Control System Integration Practice. You will collaborate with seasoned leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts to deliver innovative, top-tier solutions to our clients and help define the direction and standards for controls in industries ranging from food & beverage to automotive, pharmaceutical, and industrial chemicals.

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.

  • Serve as a subject matter expert and technical authority for the firm for Siemens process and packaging control systems, with mastery in Step7, TIA Portal, and WinCC.
  • Spearhead project teams through complex automation project life cycles using Siemens platforms, ensuring technical excellence and accountability across all phases-from conceptual design to site startup and client handover. Ensure that project delivery meets quality, schedule, and cost targets and that solutions comply with all regulatory, safety, and security standards.
  • Mentor, develop, and review the work of engineers at all levels, elevating the technical expertise of the organization in Siemens technologies.
  • Support the development and implementation of firmwide standards and best practices for Siemens-based process automation and controls in manufacturing environments.
  • Partner directly with key clients to understand needs, define project requirements, articulate Siemens-based solutions, and build lasting relationships based on trust and delivery of world-class outcomes.
  • Champion client-focused innovation, evaluating new Siemens technologies and creative approaches to deliver exceptional value, quality, and performance.
  • Participate in business development strategy, project opportunity reviews, and proposal preparation for high-value and complex Siemens automation projects.

What You'll Bring

  • Minimum of 15 years of controls engineering experience, including significant project leadership roles and client-facing responsibilities in manufacturing environments.
  • Expertise with Siemens PLC programming (S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, S7-1500 series), TIA Portal, SIMATIC STEP 7 software
  • Working knowledge of PCS7 distributed control systems
  • Competency with WinCC and WinCC Unified for HMI/SCADA development
  • Proficiency with Siemens PROFINET and PROFIBUS networking protocols
  • Experience with Siemens drives, motion control systems, and SIMATIC safety systems
  • Substantial experience with process instrumentation, industrial networking, Siemens PLC/SCADA architectures, and integration with process systems.
  • Demonstrated history of leading teams in the successful delivery of Siemens-based automation projects.
  • Outstanding communication skills with the ability to inspire teams, engage with clients at executive and plant levels, and convey complex technical information clearly to all audiences.
  • Experience with proposal development, project estimation, and scope definition for Siemens controls projects.
  • Aptitude for troubleshooting, creative problem solving, and delivering innovative technical solutions in demanding environments.
  • Recognition as a technical leader or subject matter expert in professional or industry settings; participation in practice groups, conferences, or standards committees is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel as required for project and client needs, including installations, startup support, strategic meetings, training, and industry events.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering (Master's and/or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred).

Our culture and commitment to our people is what sets us apart. We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the individual and collective success of our professionals. Our model and entrepreneurial mindset offer a rewarding, challenging, and highly flexible path. As a Principal Controls Engineer, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program, Individual Development Plans, and Career Path resources and tools. You will be surrounded by exceptional talent who will support your development as both a world-class engineer and a highly effective leader.

Feel like you're on the path to becoming a Principal Controls Engineer but you're not quite there yet? We'd love to connect with you to see if we can take you from where you are today and grow you into a Design Group Engineering Consultant.

#LI-EPS


 

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