Advanced Controls Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Job Title: Contract Controls Engineer
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Zip Code: 95060
Start Date: Right Away
Job Type: Contract
Pay Rate: $60 - $71.87/hr.
Keywords: #ContractControlsEngineer #SantaCruzJobs #PCBA
We provide a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering a pay range of $60 - $71.87/hr. however, Belcan considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law.
Position Summary:
An advanced aerospace manufacturing team is seeking a hands-on Contract Controls Engineer to support the design, integration, modification, and commissioning of production and R&D equipment. The engineer will work primarily with thermal-process equipment such as autoclaves, ovens, and related systems that require precise heating and controlled cooling. The role combines controls programming, HMI/SCADA development, electrical design, panel work, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-moving project environment.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell platforms.
* Build and maintain Ignition applications, with emphasis on Perspective and Edge.
* Create control solutions from scratch when required and adapt proven components from existing systems when appropriate.
* Design electrical control panels, develop schematics, select components, and support panel build and field installation activities.
* Integrate new production and R&D equipment into established Rockwell and Ignition architectures.
* Support equipment commissioning, debugging, process optimization, and production-readiness activities.
* Integrate machine-safety devices and controls in accordance with applicable requirements and safe engineering practices.
* Collaborate closely with controls engineers, equipment engineers, technicians, and manufacturing stakeholders across multiple California sites.
Core Qualifications
* Practical controls or automation engineering experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, or process automation.
* Hands-on experience with Ignition and Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLC platforms.
* Ability to program, configure, or architect a control system from the ground up.
* Experience with control-panel design, electrical schematics, component selection, and panel build or installation support.
* Strong troubleshooting skills across PLC logic, instrumentation, electrical systems, HMI/SCADA, and connected equipment.
* Ability to work onsite at least 50% of the time and support projects in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, and Marina.
* Collaborative, adaptable working style suited to a small, close-knit engineering team and rapidly changing project priorities.
Preferred Experience:
* Ignition Perspective and Edge development experience.
* Beckhoff PLCs and TwinCAT; FactoryTalk or related Rockwell software.
* Autoclaves, ovens, furnaces, thermal-processing equipment, or other temperature-controlled process systems.
* FANUC robotics, industrial safety systems, commissioning, or equipment integration.
* Experience from aerospace, automotive, food processing, pharmaceutical, HVAC, or another process-equipment environment.
Education:
A degree in electrical engineering, controls, automation, mechatronics, or a related discipline is helpful but not required. Equivalent hands-on experience and demonstrated technical capability will be considered.
If you are interested in this role, please apply via the apply now link provided. Our overriding goal is to provide quality staffing solutions that help people, organizations, and communities succeed. Belcan is a leading provider of qualified personnel to many of the world's most respected enterprises. We offer excellent opportunities for contract, temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments. We are the employer of choice for thousands worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at Belcan.com
Belcan is a leading provider of qualified personnel to many of the world's most respected enterprises. We offer excellent opportunities for contract, temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments. We are the employer of choice for thousands worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at Belcan.com