Job Description

About the Role
Title:
Principal Controls Engineer
Job Type Full time
Work Experience Principal 12+ years
Industry Engineering
Salary $145,000 to $ c
City Centennial
State/ProvinceColorado
Country United States
Zip/Postal Code 80112
Overview
As a Principal Controls Engineer at Atlas OT, you will set the technical direction for integrated automation and controls solutions across a wide range of industries, including energy, manufacturing, food and beverage, water/wastewater, oil and gas, renewables, and more. You will serve as the final technical authority on complex programs involving RTU, PLC, flow computer, SCADA, and DCS systems—shaping how Atlas OT designs, programs, procures, tests, and deploys Operational Technology at scale.
This role owns the company’s engineering standards and long-range technology roadmap. You will guide the engineering team from Associate through Lead levels, resolve the most difficult technical challenges, and partner with leadership on business development and strategic pursuits. You’ll apply deep expertise across electrical, instrumentation, and controls engineering to support full-service solutions—including panel design, FAT testing, and managed SCADA services—while protecting quality, safety, and profitability.
This is more than a senior engineering role—it is a technical leadership and authority position for an engineer ready to define standards, mentor teams, win strategic accounts, and deliver automation excellence on a global scale.
Duties
Define and own Atlas OT’s ongoing 5-year technology roadmap and long-range Operational Technology strategy
Serve as the final technical authority on complex, multi-platform programs and the escalation point for high-stakes technical disputes and major failures
Establish, approve, and govern global code libraries and internal programming standards (IEC 61131-3), ensuring consistent adoption across all engineering levels
Architect and approve secure OT network designs, including IDMZ, firewalls, and compliance with IEC 62443 cybersecurity standards
Set and enforce engineering quality standards; review and approve work from Associate Engineers through Lead Engineers and guide their adherence to established standards
Lead advanced process control, alarm rationalization, and safety system optimization across the project portfolio
Partner with Sales and Project Management to estimate project hours and bills of materials (BOMs) for strategic and high-complexity pursuits
Play a key role in business development presentations to win strategic accounts
Approve critical technical deliverables such as functional specifications, programming logic, and final system designs
Design and consult on solutions that span multiple industries (for example, Oil & Gas and Food & Beverage) and represent Atlas OT as a recognized industry authority
Mentor and develop engineers across the team, building technical capability and reinforcing Atlas OT standards and values
Uphold and continuously improve quality assurance processes, ensuring compliance with industry and company standards
Requirements
Skills Mastery
Expert in all five IEC 61131-3 programming languages, with ownership and governance of internal code libraries and template standards
Subject matter expert (SME) across multiple automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, Ignition, Phoenix Contact, etc.)
Proven ability to architect, approve, and direct complex, multi-platform control systems across multiple sites and industries
Deep knowledge of UL, NEC, ISA, and IEC standards; expertise in process safety and functional safety systems
Proficiency with ERP/MES integration, cloud technologies (MQTT), and scripting (Python, C#, VBA)
Deep experience designing and securing OT networks to industry standards (IEC 62443)
Leadership in advanced process control and alarm rationalization strategy
Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking, with the ability to set the standard for clear and accurate technical documentation
Skilled in quality management, standards governance, and cross-functional collaboration
High-level consulting, negotiation, and executive communication skills
Work Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; advanced credentials preferred (Master’s degree, ISA CAP, PE License – Control Systems, or recognized industry Fellow status)
Minimum of 20,000 project hours logged, including multi-site system architecture and technical oversight of major programs (10+ years experience)
Prior experience developing and reviewing control narratives, P&IDs, and safety instrumented systems (SIS)
Demonstrated industry authority preferred (e.g., published white papers, conference speaking, or ISA/IEEE committee membership)
Experience mentoring engineers and building a knowledge-sharing culture across the team
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel as needed
Drug-free workplace compliance required
Benefits
Atlas OT employees are the best, and as such get the best benefits. Our total compensation plan provides pay above average for our industry as validated by independent third parties. We also provide many opportunities for bonus compensation for those willing to put in extra hours, refer friends and new clients.
Hybrid / Flexible schedule work
Company sponsored training and certifications
PPE Reimbursement Program
$50/month Cell Phone Reimbursement
Paid Time off for all Federal Holidays (11 total)
120 hours / year of accrued Paid Time Off (inclusive of 10 Vacation and 5 sick days)
Merit Based Rewards and Bonuses such as
Quarterly Bonus
Employee recognition
New Employee Referral Bonus
Pick your tax advantage bonus - elect to get tax-free contributions to education expenses such as tuition assistance, dependent care, and retirement.
Large group medical, vision and dental coverage with:
75% of employee's premium covered by Atlas OT
50% of employee's + dependent premium if eligible covered by Atlas OT
For HSA eligible plans, employer HSA contribution equal to employee contribution up to federally allowable limits
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer contributions matching employee contributions up to 5% or federally allowable limits.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Perks Program
Voluntary Employee Programs, including:
Pet Insurance
Critical Illness
Accident Plan
Legal Shield
ID Shield