Principal Controls Engineer

Bloom Energy; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 254,000; Full time

Job summary

Bloom Energy seeks a Principal Controls Engineer to own control architecture and lead major product programs in San Jose, CA. You will develop control algorithms, sequencing logic, diagnostics, and fault-handling strategies for on-site deployment in complex industrial systems.

Responsibilities include defining system requirements, leading integration and validation, performing root-cause analyses, and mentoring engineers.

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.

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.

Skills

Control theory

System dynamics

Embedded control

MATLAB/Simulink

Model-based development

Real-time software

System integration

Validation

Technical leadership

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Computer Engineering, or related field

Job 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

• 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.

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. Bloom Energy's mission is to make clean, reliable energy affordable for everyone in the world. With roots in NASA's Mars Program, the company’s founder, chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. K.R. Sridhar, developed an innovative fuel cell technology that is shifting the energy paradigm and redefining the electric power market. The Bloom Energy Server is a distributed electric power solution built for the digital age and capable of delivering highly reliable, uninterrupted, 24x7 constant power that is also clean and sustainable.

Bloom Energy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit.

We are committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities.

All qualified applicants, will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Bloom Energy makes reasonable accommodations, consistent with applicable laws, for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee with a disability, who can perform the essential job functions, unless undue hardship would result.

Salary Ranges: $176,300.00 - $253,700.00

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