Principal Engineer Jobs in Kentucky
Principal Engineer jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, and the Northern Kentucky corridor near Cincinnati, with consistent demand across manufacturing systems, defense technology, and civil infrastructure. Companies like Ashland, Brown-Forman, and Lexmark have deep roots in the state and regularly fill principal engineer roles across software, process, and mechanical disciplines. The market skews toward senior contributors with hands-on domain expertise, particularly in industrial controls, structural systems, and enterprise software architecture. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Principal Engineer JobsOverview
Open roles13
Top employerPPL Corporation
Top cityLouisville, KY
Cities hiring5
Work type50% Remote
Top industryEnergy
Showing 5 of 13+ Principal Engineer jobs
Principal Engineer, Intelligent Factory
We won't show you this job again
Added 2d ago
Reynolds Consumer Products
Principal Engineer, Intelligent Factory
Louisville, Kentucky
Added 2d ago
Engineer Senior - Engineer Principal
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Added 4d ago
American Electric Power
Engineer Senior - Engineer Principal
Louisa, Kentucky
Added 4d ago
Principal, Full Stack Engineer (Node, Python, Angular/ React)
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Added 1w ago
Fidelity Investments
Principal, Full Stack Engineer (Node, Python, Angular/ React)
Covington, Kentucky
Added 1w ago
Engineer Senior Principal (Artillery Cannon Production)
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Added 1w ago
BAE Systems USA
Engineer Senior Principal (Artillery Cannon Production)
Louisville, Kentucky
Added 1w ago
Principal AI Engineer
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Added 3w ago
Humana
Principal AI Engineer
Louisville, Kentucky
Added 3w ago
Added 2d ago
Principal Engineer, Intelligent Factory
Reynolds Consumer Products·Louisville, Kentucky
Job functions:
$144k - $214k/yr
Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering
1,001-5,000 employees
Job Description
Overview:
We currently have an opportunity for a Principal Engineer, Intelligent Factory at our Louisville plant in Louisville, KY. This position will travel up to 25% and support the Hot Springs, AK, Bellwood, VA, and Wheeling, IL plants in addition to the Louisville plant.
Responsibilities:
Join Reynolds Consumer Products…and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!
We currently have an opportunity for a Principal Engineer, Intelligent Factory at our Louisville plant in Louisville, KY. This position will travel up to 25% and support the Hot Springs, AK, Bellwood, VA, and Wheeling, IL plants in addition to the Louisville plant.
The Principal Intelligent Factory Controls Engineer is a highly experienced individual contributor responsible for advancing manufacturing automation, equipment connectivity, and Intelligent Factory technologies across RCP Cooking and Foil operations. This role develops and implements scalable manufacturing technology solutions that enable data-driven decision making, operational visibility, and digital transformation initiatives. Leveraging deep expertise in controls engineering, industrial connectivity, and manufacturing systems integration, the position solves complex technical challenges, develops reusable engineering solutions, and influences the adoption of standards and best practices that improve manufacturing performance, reliability, and business outcomes across multiple facilities.
You Will Have the Opportunity to Make Great Things Happen!
Manufacturing Technology Leadership
- Develops and implements manufacturing automation, connectivity, and Intelligent Factory solutions that improve operational performance, manufacturing visibility, and business outcomes.
- Solves complex manufacturing technology challenges, developing solutions that are scalable, reliable, supportable, and aligned with business goals.
- Serves as a recognized subject matter expert for controls, automation, industrial connectivity, and manufacturing systems integration, influencing technical direction across facilities.
Intelligent Factory Architecture & Integration
- Leads the design and deployment of integrated manufacturing technology architectures that connect production assets with Intelligent Factory platforms, enabling real-time visibility and data-driven decision making.
- Ensures manufacturing systems, machine data, and operational technologies are effectively integrated to support enterprise analytics, performance management, and digital transformation initiatives.
- Establishes reusable technical approaches that accelerate deployment, improve consistency, and reduce complexity across manufacturing operations.
Operational Performance Enablement
- Designs and delivers machine connectivity and automation solutions that enable accurate performance measurement, operational visibility, and data-driven decision-making.
- Ensures manufacturing data is accurate, reliable, and capable of supporting key performance indicators, operational analytics, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Identifies and implements opportunities to increase efficiency, reliability, productivity, and process performance through technology-enabled solutions.
Innovation & Technology Advancement
- Evaluates, develops, and operationalizes emerging manufacturing technologies that create measurable business value and support long-term Intelligent Factory strategy.
- Leads technical proof-of-concept and pilot initiatives, validating technologies and establishing scalable deployment approaches for broader adoption.
- Advances the foundational controls, sensing, and connectivity capabilities required to support future manufacturing intelligence, advanced analytics, and AI-driven initiatives.
Enterprise Standards & Technical Governance
- Establishes and promotes standards, best practices, and technical frameworks that improve consistency, maintainability, and supportability across manufacturing facilities.
- Provides technical oversight and guidance for manufacturing technology investments, ensuring solutions align with architectural, operational, and cybersecurity requirements.
- Captures and applies organizational learning to strengthen future implementations and drive continuous improvement of engineering practices.
Cross-Functional Partnership & Technical Consultation
- Partners with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, IT/OT, OEMs, and system integrators to deliver manufacturing technology solutions that meet business and operational objectives.
- Provides expert consultation on complex technical challenges, driving resolution of issues with significant operational impact.
- Facilitates knowledge transfer and technical capability development to ensure successful adoption and long-term support of implemented solutions.
You Will Love It Here If…
- You listen, learn, and evolve
- You thrive in a fast-paced environment
- You put safety first, always
- You are passionate about collaboration, teamwork, and achieving shared goals
- You believe in treating all people with respect, operating ethically, and growing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace
- You are committed to improving our impact on local communities and creating positive experiences
Education/Experience
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, manufacturing systems integration, or related manufacturing technology disciplines.
Preferred
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
- Experience supporting digital transformation, operational excellence, or Intelligent Factory initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Demonstrated experience leading complex manufacturing technology challenges involving PLCs, industrial networks, machine connectivity, SCADA, MES, historians, manufacturing data systems, and operational technology (OT) environments.
- Proven ability to independently develop, implement, and support enterprise-scale technical solutions that deliver measurable operational and business value across multiple manufacturing facilities.
- Experience providing technical guidance, mentoring, and subject matter expertise to engineers, plant resources, OEMs, system integrators, and cross-functional project teams.
- Advanced knowledge of industrial automation, controls engineering, manufacturing systems integration, and operational technology (OT) environments.
- Expertise with PLCs, HMI/SCADA platforms, industrial networking, machine connectivity, and manufacturing data systems.
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0, IIoT, advanced analytics, AI-enabled manufacturing technologies, and digital transformation initiatives.
Competencies
- Strategic Mindset - Anticipates future technical and market needs and translates insights into engineering strategies and long-term growth opportunities.
- Decision Quality - Evaluates technical feasibility, strategic fit, business potential, risk, and financial return to guide priorities and investments.
- Drives Results - Advances engineering, commercialization, cost reduction, and operational programs to achieve business commitments.
- Manages Complexity – Effectively navigates complex technical, operational, and organizational challenges by integrating information from multiple sources and developing practical, scalable solutions.
- Collaborates – Builds productive partnerships across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, IT/OT, vendors, and leadership teams to align stakeholders and achieve shared objectives.
- Communicates Effectively – Conveys complex technical concepts and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders, building alignment and driving informed decision-making.
Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn!
Apply today to join a fast-growing innovative company!
Apply today to join a fast-growing innovative company!
Not a good fit but know someone who is? Please refer them!
No unsolicited recruiter or agency inquiries, please.
RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Posted Salary Range: USD $144,100.00 - USD $214,350.00 /A Bonus Eligibility: Role is eligible for 25% annual incentive provided the business meets financial goals and the individual meets their performance goals, subject to plan administration guidelines.No unsolicited recruiter or agency inquiries, please.
RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Reynolds Consumer Products
Principal Engineer, Intelligent Factory
Louisville, Kentucky
Added 2d ago1,001-5,000 employees
Job functions:
$144k - $214k/yr
Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering
Job Description
Overview:
We currently have an opportunity for a Principal Engineer, Intelligent Factory at our Louisville plant in Louisville, KY. This position will travel up to 25% and support the Hot Springs, AK, Bellwood, VA, and Wheeling, IL plants in addition to the Louisville plant.
Responsibilities:
Join Reynolds Consumer Products…and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!
We currently have an opportunity for a Principal Engineer, Intelligent Factory at our Louisville plant in Louisville, KY. This position will travel up to 25% and support the Hot Springs, AK, Bellwood, VA, and Wheeling, IL plants in addition to the Louisville plant.
The Principal Intelligent Factory Controls Engineer is a highly experienced individual contributor responsible for advancing manufacturing automation, equipment connectivity, and Intelligent Factory technologies across RCP Cooking and Foil operations. This role develops and implements scalable manufacturing technology solutions that enable data-driven decision making, operational visibility, and digital transformation initiatives. Leveraging deep expertise in controls engineering, industrial connectivity, and manufacturing systems integration, the position solves complex technical challenges, develops reusable engineering solutions, and influences the adoption of standards and best practices that improve manufacturing performance, reliability, and business outcomes across multiple facilities.
You Will Have the Opportunity to Make Great Things Happen!
Manufacturing Technology Leadership
- Develops and implements manufacturing automation, connectivity, and Intelligent Factory solutions that improve operational performance, manufacturing visibility, and business outcomes.
- Solves complex manufacturing technology challenges, developing solutions that are scalable, reliable, supportable, and aligned with business goals.
- Serves as a recognized subject matter expert for controls, automation, industrial connectivity, and manufacturing systems integration, influencing technical direction across facilities.
Intelligent Factory Architecture & Integration
- Leads the design and deployment of integrated manufacturing technology architectures that connect production assets with Intelligent Factory platforms, enabling real-time visibility and data-driven decision making.
- Ensures manufacturing systems, machine data, and operational technologies are effectively integrated to support enterprise analytics, performance management, and digital transformation initiatives.
- Establishes reusable technical approaches that accelerate deployment, improve consistency, and reduce complexity across manufacturing operations.
Operational Performance Enablement
- Designs and delivers machine connectivity and automation solutions that enable accurate performance measurement, operational visibility, and data-driven decision-making.
- Ensures manufacturing data is accurate, reliable, and capable of supporting key performance indicators, operational analytics, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Identifies and implements opportunities to increase efficiency, reliability, productivity, and process performance through technology-enabled solutions.
Innovation & Technology Advancement
- Evaluates, develops, and operationalizes emerging manufacturing technologies that create measurable business value and support long-term Intelligent Factory strategy.
- Leads technical proof-of-concept and pilot initiatives, validating technologies and establishing scalable deployment approaches for broader adoption.
- Advances the foundational controls, sensing, and connectivity capabilities required to support future manufacturing intelligence, advanced analytics, and AI-driven initiatives.
Enterprise Standards & Technical Governance
- Establishes and promotes standards, best practices, and technical frameworks that improve consistency, maintainability, and supportability across manufacturing facilities.
- Provides technical oversight and guidance for manufacturing technology investments, ensuring solutions align with architectural, operational, and cybersecurity requirements.
- Captures and applies organizational learning to strengthen future implementations and drive continuous improvement of engineering practices.
Cross-Functional Partnership & Technical Consultation
- Partners with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, IT/OT, OEMs, and system integrators to deliver manufacturing technology solutions that meet business and operational objectives.
- Provides expert consultation on complex technical challenges, driving resolution of issues with significant operational impact.
- Facilitates knowledge transfer and technical capability development to ensure successful adoption and long-term support of implemented solutions.
You Will Love It Here If…
- You listen, learn, and evolve
- You thrive in a fast-paced environment
- You put safety first, always
- You are passionate about collaboration, teamwork, and achieving shared goals
- You believe in treating all people with respect, operating ethically, and growing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace
- You are committed to improving our impact on local communities and creating positive experiences
Education/Experience
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, manufacturing systems integration, or related manufacturing technology disciplines.
Preferred
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
- Experience supporting digital transformation, operational excellence, or Intelligent Factory initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Demonstrated experience leading complex manufacturing technology challenges involving PLCs, industrial networks, machine connectivity, SCADA, MES, historians, manufacturing data systems, and operational technology (OT) environments.
- Proven ability to independently develop, implement, and support enterprise-scale technical solutions that deliver measurable operational and business value across multiple manufacturing facilities.
- Experience providing technical guidance, mentoring, and subject matter expertise to engineers, plant resources, OEMs, system integrators, and cross-functional project teams.
- Advanced knowledge of industrial automation, controls engineering, manufacturing systems integration, and operational technology (OT) environments.
- Expertise with PLCs, HMI/SCADA platforms, industrial networking, machine connectivity, and manufacturing data systems.
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0, IIoT, advanced analytics, AI-enabled manufacturing technologies, and digital transformation initiatives.
Competencies
- Strategic Mindset - Anticipates future technical and market needs and translates insights into engineering strategies and long-term growth opportunities.
- Decision Quality - Evaluates technical feasibility, strategic fit, business potential, risk, and financial return to guide priorities and investments.
- Drives Results - Advances engineering, commercialization, cost reduction, and operational programs to achieve business commitments.
- Manages Complexity – Effectively navigates complex technical, operational, and organizational challenges by integrating information from multiple sources and developing practical, scalable solutions.
- Collaborates – Builds productive partnerships across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, IT/OT, vendors, and leadership teams to align stakeholders and achieve shared objectives.
- Communicates Effectively – Conveys complex technical concepts and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders, building alignment and driving informed decision-making.
Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn!
Apply today to join a fast-growing innovative company!
Apply today to join a fast-growing innovative company!
Not a good fit but know someone who is? Please refer them!
No unsolicited recruiter or agency inquiries, please.
RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Posted Salary Range: USD $144,100.00 - USD $214,350.00 /A Bonus Eligibility: Role is eligible for 25% annual incentive provided the business meets financial goals and the individual meets their performance goals, subject to plan administration guidelines.No unsolicited recruiter or agency inquiries, please.
RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
See All 13 Principal Engineer Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Louisville
8 jobsLexington
2 jobsLouisa
1 jobFlorence
1 jobCovington
1 jobPrincipal Engineer Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal engineer jobs across Kentucky.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering with ten or more years of progressive technical experience
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and set technical direction
- Deep expertise in at least one domain such as systems integration, civil infrastructure, or software architecture
- Experience delivering complex projects from design through commissioning or production release
- Strong communication skills for presenting technical decisions to executive and non-technical stakeholders
- Familiarity with Kentucky industry standards in manufacturing, defense contracting, or regulated utilities
Principal Engineer Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal engineer in Kentucky?
Most principal engineer roles in Kentucky require a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline followed by a decade or more of progressively senior technical work. For civil, structural, or environmental roles, Kentucky requires licensure as a Professional Engineer through the Kentucky State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, which involves passing the FE and PE exams. Software and systems roles in industry typically require demonstrated leadership of large technical projects rather than a state license.
Which companies hire principal engineers in Kentucky?
Companies currently hiring principal engineers in Kentucky include PPL Corporation, Humana, and Xometry, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Kentucky's concentration of advanced manufacturing, defense contractors, and regional corporate headquarters makes the state a steady market for senior engineering talent.
Which Kentucky cities have the most principal engineer jobs?
Louisville, Lexington, and Louisa account for the largest share of principal engineer openings in Kentucky. Louisville drives demand through its manufacturing base, logistics infrastructure, and corporate headquarters, while Lexington pulls from its technology and biomedical sectors, and Northern Kentucky benefits from its proximity to Cincinnati's large employer network and distribution corridor.
Are there remote principal engineer jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the discipline. About 100% of principal engineer openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the role's mix of desk-based architecture work and on-site requirements. Software architecture and systems design roles tend to be most remote-eligible, while roles in manufacturing, civil infrastructure, or on-site technical oversight typically require a local presence.
How can I get hired as a principal engineer in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving up from a senior engineer role within a large Kentucky employer rather than entering at the principal level directly. Companies like Lexmark and manufacturers in the Louisville and Lexington corridors run structured development programs that advance engineers from senior to staff and principal levels over time. Building a record of leading a significant project end-to-end, earning a PE license through the Kentucky State Board if you are in a licensed discipline, and targeting staff engineer or technical lead postings as an intermediate step are the most effective moves.
Where can I find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings across industries and disciplines. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 13 Principal Engineer Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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