Principal Control Systems Engineer

Principal Control Systems Engineer - Remote

Location: Remote (U.S.-based)

Travel: Up to 25% (occasional peaks for FATs or design milestones)

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience, Bonus and Travel Reimbursement

Employment: Full Time | Direct Hire

Who We Are

Thermo Systems is a global leader in control systems integration, delivering automation solutions across District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Our culture—The Thermo Way—is built on connection, adaptability, and excellence. We foster trust through collaboration, integrity, and accountability—ensuring every employee, customer, and partner succeeds.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a seasoned industry leader with deep technical mastery in industrial automation and mission-critical systems to serve as the Program Architect for our Mission Critical program. In this role, you'll own the technical direction and innovation roadmap for a global data center controls portfolio. You'll act as the senior-most technical authority—defining standards, driving quality, mentoring senior engineers, and shaping future capabilities such as digital twin strategy and advanced data integration. This is a hands-on, strategic engineering leadership role—not a heavy people-management position. You'll partner closely with project execution and engineering management teams, ensuring consistent technical excellence across all deployments.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Strategic influence: Define the long-term technical vision for Thermo's Mission Critical program.
• Architectural ownership: Shape process standards, design frameworks, and system innovation.
• Thought leadership: Stay ahead of commoditization by introducing next-gen solutions like digital twins and advanced analytics.
• Collaboration without bureaucracy: Partner with strong PM and EM teams who handle day-to-day delivery, freeing you to focus on direction and outcomes.
• Flexibility: Fully remote work with travel only as needed (approx. 25%).

What You'll Do

• Set technical direction: Establish standards, templates, and best practices across the Mission Critical controls portfolio.
• Own system architecture: Guide design for PLC/SCADA/DDC systems, network topology, I/O, and integration strategies.
• Provide expert oversight: Serve as a senior technical resource during design, FAT/SAT, and commissioning.
• Innovate for the future: Lead initiatives in digital twin, virtualization, and data-driven operational efficiency.
• Mentor and elevate: Coach senior engineers and technical leads, fostering scalable, repeatable engineering excellence.
• Partner for success: Work closely with leadership and business development to align solutions with customer goals and emerging technologies.

What You Bring

• Experience: 20+ years in industrial automation or controls, including 5+ years in technical or architectural leadership.
• Expertise: Deep domain knowledge in Mission Critical systems, data center automation, and integrated SCADA/BMS platforms.
• Technical Skills:
• PLC/SCADA/DDC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, AVEVA/Wonderware, Ignition, Schneider)
• Open protocols (BACnet, Modbus, OPC UA, SNMP) and network design
• FAT/SAT, commissioning (Levels 1–5), and large-scale project integration
• Education: B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Controls Engineering—or equivalent technical experience.
• Credentials: PE license and/or industry certifications (ISA/IEC 62443, PMP, GAMP, or vendor certifications).
• Soft Skills: Strategic thinker, calm under pressure, strong communicator, and skilled at guiding teams through complex challenges.
• Work Authorization: Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Fit for duty required at all times.

What You'll Get

• Competitive salary and annual bonuses
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive health benefits with multiple low-cost options
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional certification support
• A flexible, team-oriented culture with strong leadership backing and growth potential

Our Culture

At Thermo Systems, we live by our three core values every day:

• Drive Employee Success – Support, empower, and inspire growth.
• Drive Customer Success – Take ownership, communicate proactively, and deliver excellence.
• Drive Financial Strength – Execute efficiently and continuously improve.

We lead with integrity, trust, and collaboration, building a workplace where engineers thrive and innovation flourishes.

Learn more at

Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.