About this opportunity
Atlas OT LLC lists this Principal Controls Engineer opportunity in northern, Kentucky. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Centennial, United States | Posted on 10/07/2026
As a Principal Controls Engineerat Atlas OT, you will set the technical direction for integrated automation andcontrols 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 programsinvolving RTU, PLC, flow computer, SCADA, and DCS systems—shaping how Atlas OTdesigns, programs, procures, tests, and deploys Operational Technology atscale.
This role owns the company’sengineering standards and long-range technology roadmap. You will guide theengineering team from Associate through Lead levels, resolve the most difficulttechnical challenges, and partner with leadership on business development andstrategic pursuits. You’ll apply deep expertise across electrical,instrumentation, and controls engineering to support full-servicesolutions—including panel design, FAT testing, and managed SCADA services—whileprotecting quality, safety, and profitability.
This is more than a senior engineering role—it is atechnical leadership and authority position for an engineer ready to definestandards, mentor teams, win strategic accounts, and deliver automationexcellence 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
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 Engineeringrequired; advanced credentials preferred (Master’s degree, ISA CAP, PE License– Control Systems, or recognized industry Fellow status)
Minimum of 20,000 project hourslogged, including multi-site system architecture and technical oversight ofmajor programs (10+ years experience)
Prior experience developing andreviewing control narratives, P&IDs, and safety instrumented systems (SIS)
Demonstrated industry authoritypreferred (e.g., published white papers, conference speaking, or ISA/IEEEcommittee membership)
Experience mentoring engineersand building a knowledge-sharing culture across the team
Must possess a valid driver’slicense and be willing to travel as needed
Drug-free workplace compliancerequired
Atlas OTemployees are the best, and as such get the best benefits. Our totalcompensation plan provides pay above average for our industry asvalidated by independent third parties. We also provide manyopportunities for bonus compensation for those willing to put inextra hours, refer friends and new clients.
Company sponsoredtraining and certifications
PPE Reimbursement Program
$50/month CellPhone Reimbursement
Paid Time off forall Federal Holidays (11 total)
120 hours / year ofaccrued Paid Time Off (inclusive of 10 Vacation and 5 sick days)
Merit Based Rewardsand Bonuses such as
Quarterly Bonus
Employee recognition
New EmployeeReferral Bonus
Pick your taxadvantage bonus - elect to get tax-free contributions toeducation expenses such as tuition assistance, dependent care,and retirement.
Large groupmedical, vision and dental coverage with:
75% ofemployee's premium covered by Atlas OT
50% of employee's+ dependent premium if eligible covered by Atlas OT
For HSA eligibleplans, employer HSA contribution equal to employeecontribution up to federally allowable limits
401(k) RetirementSavings Plan with employer contributions matching employeecontributions up to 5% or federally allowable limits.
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.