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Weekend Principal Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Principal Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

$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 · 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

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Batavia, IL · 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

Controls Technician

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$29.50 - $38.75/hr

In addition, he/she shall report to and interact on a regular basis with the engineering team ... Willingness to work flexible hours, occasional weekends. Licenses and Certifications: * Valid US ...

Controls Technician

Merrillville, IN

$29.50 - $38.75/hr

In addition, he/she shall report to and interact on a regular basis with the engineering team ... Willingness to work flexible hours, occasional weekends. Licenses and Certifications: * Valid US ...

Showing results 41-60

Weekend Principal Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$76.2K

$151.7K

$218.9K

How much do weekend principal controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend 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 does a Weekend Principal Controls Engineer do?

A Weekend Principal Controls Engineer is a senior-level engineer responsible for overseeing and managing control systems, such as automation and instrumentation, during weekend shifts. Their duties include ensuring the reliability and performance of control systems, troubleshooting issues, leading maintenance or upgrade projects, and mentoring other engineers or technicians. They play a key role in maintaining operational efficiency and safety, especially during non-standard work hours when issues may arise. Typically, they work in industries like manufacturing, energy, or process plants that require continuous operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Weekend Principal Controls Engineer?

To thrive as a Weekend Principal Controls Engineer, you need deep expertise in automation, control systems engineering, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by extensive industry experience. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial network protocols, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or ISA CAP are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating projects and troubleshooting under time constraints. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring reliable system performance and efficient operations during critical weekend shifts.

What are the unique challenges and benefits of working as a Weekend Principal Controls Engineer compared to a standard weekday schedule?

Working as a Weekend Principal Controls Engineer often involves overseeing critical maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades when production is paused or at reduced capacity. This allows for more hands-on involvement with equipment and fewer interruptions from regular operations. However, it can also mean working independently or with a smaller team, requiring strong problem-solving skills and self-sufficiency. The role typically offers a quieter work environment and may come with premium pay or additional flexibility, but it’s important to be comfortable with less direct management support and off-hour responsibilities.

What is the difference between Weekend Principal Controls Engineer vs Weekend Controls Engineer?

AspectWeekend Principal Controls EngineerWeekend Controls Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, professional control systems certificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree, relevant control system experience
Work EnvironmentLead role in control system design, troubleshooting, and project oversightAssist in control system maintenance, testing, and support tasks
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, energy, and industrial facilities for complex control projectsCommon in similar industries for operational support and routine tasks

The Weekend Principal Controls Engineer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, overseeing control system projects and leading teams, whereas the Weekend Controls Engineer focuses on supporting and maintaining existing systems. Both roles require relevant technical skills, but the principal position involves more leadership and advanced expertise.

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:

What are popular job titles related to Weekend Principal Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Weekend Principal Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weekend Principal Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Weekend Principal Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Principal FPGA/Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL

$139K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 - 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.This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

The Multi-domain Sensing, Targeting, and Survivability Division (MSTS), located in the Northwest Chicago suburbs, develops operational Electronic Warfare (EW) and targeting systems that provide situational awareness, self-protection, and offensive electronic attack capability to platforms across the spectrum from visible light IR to millimeter wave RF. By joining us, you'll work on projects that help safeguard our nation related to land forces, rotary wing survivability systems, international and U.S. military electronic warfare systems, communications systems, missile warning systems and sensors, infrared counter-measure systems (IRCM), automatic test equipment, modeling and simulation, and situational awareness programs.

The Principal/Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer role involves full life-cycle product development from system concept and requirements through design, implementation, test verification, production, field support while working in integrated product teams spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management. Digital subsystem and circuit card designs utilize the latest FPGA technologies from all major vendors and device families including Xilinx, Altera, and Actel, and support high speed interfaces, Radio Frequency (RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing and interfaces.

As a Principal/Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer, you will join our diverse team and be responsible for research, design, and development of digital hardware products. Your expertise in digital component design and analysis, modeling and simulation, circuit level design and test, and project leadership are desired for this position. Research, designs, develops, and tests a variety of electronic equipment and systems, including radar and radiation detection equipment; radio, television and other communications equipment and systems; circuitry components; analog and digital computers; and control and test equipment.

This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

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

This position may be filled at either a Principal or Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer level based on the qualifications listed below.

Basic Qualifications for a Principal FPGA DesignEngineer:

- Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 5 years of digital electronics design experience or 3 years of digital electronics design experience with a Master's degree in a technical field or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.

- Digital circuit design experience, including simulation & schematic capture through test and integration

- Prior hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex digital subsystems, such as complex circuit card development involving FPGAs, and/or embedded processors, and/or high-speed interfaces.

- Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or less team members.

- Demonstrated ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.

- Familiarity with documentation revision control and review systems similar to DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.

- US Citizenship

- Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer:

- Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 8 years of digital electronics design experience or 6 years of digital electronics design experience with a Master's degree in a technical field or in lieu of a degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.

- Extensive digital circuit design experience, including simulation & schematic capture through test and integration.

- Extensive hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex digital subsystems, such as complex circuit card development involving FPGAs, and/or embedded processors, and/or high speed interfaces

- Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or more team members.

- Demonstrated ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.

- Familiarity with documentation, revision control and review systems similar to DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.

- US Citizen

- Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering with a minimum 12 years of digital electronics design experience.

- Working knowledge of Electronic Warfare systems.

- Experience in Aerospace and/or Defense industries.

- Recent circuit card design experience utilizing circuit-related tools including Cadence Concept, Allegro, and/or Mentor DxDesigner, Expedition.

- Working experience with ClearCase/ClearQuest and DOORS Current Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance.

- 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

Primary Level Salary Range: $119,600.00 - $179,400.00The 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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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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 - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939