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Principal Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Baxter

Senior Principal Controls Engineer

Round Lake, IL · On-site

$128K - $176K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline preferred). * 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. * Ability to work ...

Baxter

Senior Principal Controls Engineer

Round Lake, IL · On-site

$128K - $176K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline preferred). * 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. * Ability to work ...

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All JobsPrincipal Controls Engineer Jobs

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 Jul 21, 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 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.

More about Principal Controls Engineer jobs
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Principal Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal (Electrical) Controls Engineer, Product Engineering

Principal (Electrical) Controls Engineer, Product Engineering

ON.energy

Houston, TX • On-site

$132K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

ON.energy is building the power infrastructure that makes the AI era possible. As AI demand surges past what the grid and traditional data centers can support, ON.energy provides a new class of power technology proven at gigawatt scale and trusted by the world's leading cloud and AI companies. Our systems are already deployed across 2.5 GW of hyper-scale campuses, validated by top U.S. national labs, and certified for grid-safe operation by major utilities. With real products in the field, we're scaling faster than the grid can, transforming power from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage for the companies building the future.
We're looking for Principal Controls Engineer with project-based engineering experience to lead network-and-controls-related hardware product design, documentation, project-specific technical compliance and support the development activities related to these products. This is a product focused role-we need someone who can speak fluently about both network architecture and industrial control systems, ideally have experience in mission critical applications, and interface with IT, software, project, commissioning and O&M engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Support the business development team by providing technical proposals e.g. network diagrams that meet the customer's needs.
  • Collaborate across control systems, SCADA, and IT teams to ensure complete and secure connectivity
  • Integrate and support industrial protocols like Modbus, DNP3, and OPC-UA
  • Compile product technical information packages for the project engineering team.
  • Co-lead review and validation of network/controls product-related topics during the project execution phase.
  • Maintain technical documentation including as-built drawings
  • Support product development by capturing design improvement feedback from the different project phases: design, commissioning and O&M.
  • Support product development by recommending design approaches and vendors of the main equipment.
  • Participate in product design sprints with the development team.
  • Participate in the product's commissioning phase.

Required Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or similar technical field.
  • 12+ years of hands-on controls engineering experience in project-based or industrial settings.
  • Proven experience in project network deployments, not just operations
  • Strong grasp of protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, VPNs)
  • Significant experience with control systems and operational technology (OT)
  • Ability to produce and read network and control architecture drawings
  • Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical teams.
  • Willing to travel up to 20% for product FAT inspection and site commissioning witnessing.

Preferred Experience
  • Certifications: ISA CAP/CCST, Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider or similar
  • Experience with BESS, SCADA, EMS, Safety Systems or utility-scale infrastructure
  • Background in energy, utility, or data center environments

For US-based roles - What you'll get:
  • Competitive salary + annual performance-based bonus eligibility
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays

For Mexico-based roles - What you'll get:
  • Competitive salary + annual performance bonus eligibility
  • Christmas Bonus (Aguinaldo): 30 days
  • Major medical expenses and life insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays (per local policy)

For all roles:
  • Professional development and growth opportunities
  • Opportunity to grow with a mission-driven team shaping the future of clean energy
  • Equal Opportunity: ON.energy is committed to equal employment opportunity and to maintaining a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
  • Accommodations: If you need an accommodation during the application process, email recruitment@onenergystorage.com
  • Benefits vary by role and location and are subject to change.

Apply