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The differences between lead controls engineers and principal engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a lead controls engineer and a principal engineer. Additionally, a principal engineer has an average salary of $130,213, which is higher than the $99,296 average annual salary of a lead controls engineer.
The top three skills for a lead controls engineer include C++, PLC and technical support. The most important skills for a principal engineer are java, architecture, and python.
| Lead Controls Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,296 | $130,213 |
| Hourly rate | $47.74 | $62.60 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 57,348 | 312,683 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A Control Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and management of control dynamic systems in an aircraft or machinery company. They inspect and monitor all types of equipment and ensure all processes are running correctly and safely. Their role is to design a control panel and involves other engineers who operate and implement the said system. They also teach them how the procedure goes and how to deal with the possible problem that can encounter. Other duties include supervising the procurement of ICT equipment, installation, and meeting deadlines for the needed repair.
A principal engineer is responsible for monitoring the overall design phase of the construction process, including coordinating with the client for progress and updates, as well as performing adjustments as needed based on clients' specifications and requirements. Principal engineers also inspect the materials and resources used to ensure that the project stays within the budget goals and set timeframe. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in preparing reports and training new staff.
Lead controls engineers and principal engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Controls Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Average salary | $99,296 | $130,213 |
| Salary range | Between $79,000 And $123,000 | Between $95,000 And $177,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Antonio, TX | San Mateo, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Rivian | Grubhub |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a lead controls engineer and a principal engineer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Controls Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between lead controls engineers' and principal engineers' demographics:
| Lead Controls Engineer | Principal Engineer | |
| Average age | 45 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.5% Female, 12.5% | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.6% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 5% |