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Principal Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cardinal Health

Principal Controls Engineer

Jacksonville, TX · On-site

$70.40K - $110.55K/yr

Job Summary The Principal Engineer, Manufacturing leads large capital engineering and product design projects. This job oversees the design of products. The job leads project teams to improve product ...

Baxter

Principal Controls Engineer

Marion, NC · On-site

As a Principal Controls Engineer , you have a wide array of career choices, but are motivated by the opportunity to work in a company that supports innovation, professional development, and a ...

Cardinal Health

Principal Controls Engineer

Jacksonville, TX · On-site

$70.40K - $110.55K/yr

Job Summary The Principal Engineer, Manufacturing leads large capital engineering and product design projects. This job oversees the design of products. The job leads project teams to improve product ...

Baxter

Principal Controls Engineer

Round Lake, IL · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Automation engineer that supports process and automation improvements in a manufacturing site. Resources will collaborate with Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Quality to drive improved ...

Rise Technical

Senior Control Engineer

Old Saybrook, CT · On-site

$98.40K - $129.80K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer, Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Automation Controls Engineer, Staff Controls Engineer, Principal Controls Engineer, PLC Programmer, PLC Engineer, Allen Bradley ...

Baxter

Senior Principal Controls Engineer

Round Lake, IL · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Automation engineer that supports process and automation improvements in a manufacturing site. Resources will collaborate with Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Quality to drive improved ...

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$74K

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$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.

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Principal Controls Engineer jobs near you
Principal Controls Engineer

Principal Controls Engineer

Cardinal Health

Jacksonville, TX • On-site

$70.40K - $110.55K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Cardinal Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 309 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 865 rated healthcare providers

Job description

What Manufacturing Engineering contributes to Cardinal Health Engineering is responsible for performing research and analyses to develop design options for components, products, systems and processes. Manufacturing Engineering is responsible for developing manufacturing processes, production floor layouts and associated tools. Reviews new designs for manufacturability.

Designs process improvements to reduce product cost, process cycle time and improved product quality. Job Summary The Principal Engineer, Manufacturing leads large capital engineering and product design projects. This job oversees the design of products.

The job leads project teams to improve product design. The job is also responsible for project budgets. This job leads teams as necessary but is not a people manager.

Responsibilities Leads product design engineering and drives both improvements and cost savings. Ensures regulatory compliance of engineering designs. Reviews and approves finances behind any engineering design changes and implementations.

Collaborates with Marketing and Sales to identify areas of product improvement. Delegates engineering work to junior engineer and staff. Qualifications 4-8 years of experience, preferred Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent work experience, preferred What is expected of you and others at this level Applies comprehensive knowledge and a thorough understanding of concepts, principles, and technical capabilities to perform varied tasks and projects May contribute to the development of policies and procedures Works on complex projects of large scope Develops technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems Solutions are innovative and consistent with organization objectives Completes work; independently receives general guidance on new projects Work reviewed for purpose of meeting objectives May act as a mentor to less experienced colleagues Anticipated salary range: $70,400 - $110,550 a year Bonus eligible: No Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.

Medical, dental and vision coverage Paid time off plan Health savings account (HSA) 401k savings plan Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) Short- and long-term disability coverage Work-Life resources Paid parental leave Healthy lifestyle programs Application window anticipated to close: 6/15/2026 *if interested in opportunity, please submit application as soon as possible. The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's geographical location, relevant education, experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.

Candidates who are back-to-work, people with disabilities, without a college degree, and Veterans are encouraged to apply. Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day.

Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. Apply.

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About Cardinal Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cardinal Health Innovative Delivery Solutions With over 45 years of experience in helping hundreds of hospital and outpatient pharmacies, we provide access to best practice strategies and tactics to control costs, improve workflow and enhance safety. Cardinal Health Innovative Delivery Solutions is one of the largest employers of acute-care pharmacist in the United States. Cardinal Health is the employer of choice for pharmacists because we offer a variety of career opportunities in pharmacy leadership, clinical specialties, remote order entry, business management, medication therapy management and more.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dublin, OH, US

Year founded

1971

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