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Principal Controls Engineer

Bloom Energy · San Jose, CA

Apply on Bloom Energy ↗
Level
Senior
Team
Controls
Base pay
$176k–$254k
Experience asked
8+ years
Industry
Industrial
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A senior controls role at Bloom Energy (industrial) in San Jose, CA. Own controls architecture and technical direction for major product programs.

They ask for
8+ years
Tools it names
Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Automation
Base pay
$176k–$254k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

How this role compares

Against 74 other live controls postings in California.

Base pay
About 43% above similar roles

Typical $123k–$179k, from 50 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
More than usual (8+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 63%
  • PLC 43%
  • Python 43%
  • ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 37%
  • Robotics 29%
  • New product launch 21%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 8+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone on the team first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Bloom Energy

    We found 9 people at this company and state: 8 on the team, 1 leaders, plus 1 likely hiring manager. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

    Write to Jignesh → (free)
  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Bloom Energy in San Jose

5 other open roles at this site · 9 people we found on the controls team.

Full description from Bloom EnergyAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

  • ◆Own controls architecture and technical direction for major product programs.
  • ◆Develop control algorithms, sequencing logic, diagnostics, and fault-handling strategies.
  • ◆Define system

requirements

and interfaces across software, electrical, mechanical, and systems teams.

  • ✓Lead integration, commissioning, and product validation activities.
  • ✓Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of complex field and product issues.
  • ✓Analyze operational data to improve performance, reliability, and maintainability.
  • ✓Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans.
  • ✓Mentor engineers and establish controls engineering best practices.
  • ✓Support product roadmap planning and key technical decisions.
  • ✓Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, service, and program management teams throughout the product lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

  • ✓BS/MS/PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • ✓8+ years of controls engineering experience in complex industrial, power, automotive, aerospace, or automation systems.
  • ✓Strong understanding of control theory, system dynamics, and embedded control systems.
  • ✓Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and model-based development.
  • ✓Experience with real-time software, system integration, and validation.
  • ✓Demonstrated technical leadership on large, cross-functional programs.

Preferred Qualifications

  • ✓Experience with distributed energy, power generation, microgrids, or industrial automation.
  • ✓Knowledge of diagnostics, condition monitoring, and data-driven control strategies.
  • ✓Experience supporting products from concept through field deployment.
  • ✓Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled diagnostics and advanced automation technologies.
Show full description ↓

At Bloom Energy, our vision for a world powered by clean, reliable, and affordable energy is more than just a dream—we’re making it reality.

For over two decades, we’ve been at the forefront of the global energy transition, pioneering solutions that empower critical industries to thrive in a rapidly digitizing, energy-intensive world. From revolutionizing power for AI-driven data centers to ensuring resilience for hospitals, electric grids, manufacturing facilities, and utilities, our solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) technologies are redefining what’s possible by delivering energy abundance for all. With more than 30,000 fuel cell modules deployed worldwide, we are the trusted partner for Fortune 100 companies and innovators alike. Our cutting-edge solutions enable unparalleled “time-to-power” capabilities, reliability, and sustainability, ensuring our customers remain ahead in a world where soaring energy demand and intensifying energy scarcity are rapidly becoming the new norm.

At Bloom, we thrive on collaboration, bold thinking, and relentless innovation. We believe that, together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future while tackling the most pressing challenges of the 21st century.

We are looking for a Principal Controls Engineer to join our team in one of today’s most exciting technologies. This role will report to Sr. Director, Controls Engineering and based in San Jose, CA

This is a fully on-site, in office role.

Job Description

Success Profile

  • •Strong systems thinker with excellent technical judgment.
  • •Ability to influence without direct authority.
  • •Comfortable leading through ambiguity and complex technical challenges.
  • •Passion for mentoring and developing engineering talent.

About Bloom Energy

At Bloom Energy, we strive toward a 100% renewable future. Our Energy Servers are adaptable to new and innovative fuels while already acting as a cleaner and far more resilient source of power than existing solutions. We see hydrogen as a significant game-changer in the world’s energy usage, and Bloom Energy fuel cells and electrolyzers will be the industry standard for clean, efficient, and reliable energy production. We anticipate being able to work in concert with other renewable energy technologies to create a comprehensive system that will change the way energy in the world is produced, stored, transmitted, and used. For more information visit: www.bloomenergy.com .

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