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Associate Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior BAS Engineer - Onsite San Jose, CA

San Jose, CA · On-site

$113.70K - $150K/yr

Associate or bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, HVAC technology, or equivalent field; or equivalent hands-on experience in controls, HVAC, or automation, PLC.

Controls Specialist

Lodi, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Associate or bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field or at least five years of experience in electrical/industrial controls. * Experience with project ...

Controls Technician III

San Jose, CA · On-site

$34.81 - $52.21/hr

Position Summary The Controls Engineering Technician supports the operation, maintenance, and ... Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands-on experience in Electrical ...

Controls Technician III

San Jose, CA · On-site

$34.81 - $52.21/hr

Position Summary The Controls Engineering Technician supports the operation, maintenance, and ... Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands-on experience in Electrical ...

... our associates. You Have: * Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related Engineering fields. * 3+ ... Proficiency in troubleshooting control systems and an understanding of process controls * Ignition ...

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Showing results 1-20

Associate Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$95.3K

$129.3K

How much do associate controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate controls engineer in California is $95,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industry-standard software such as AutoCAD or Rockwell Automation tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and resolve technical challenges. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient control solutions, ensuring system reliability, and driving project success in automated environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Controls Engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Associate Controls Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and software engineering backgrounds. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as each team may use different technical jargon and have distinct priorities. Additionally, balancing project timelines while integrating control systems with hardware and software components can require strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Proactively seeking feedback and participating in cross-functional meetings can help Associate Controls Engineers bridge gaps and contribute effectively to project success.

What does an Associate Controls Engineer do?

An Associate Controls Engineer assists in designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used in manufacturing or industrial settings. They work with senior engineers to implement automation solutions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently. Their tasks often include programming controllers, testing system performance, and supporting the integration of new technologies. This role typically requires knowledge of electrical engineering, programming languages like PLC, and a strong attention to detail.

What is the difference between Associate Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectAssociate Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in related engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting design, testing, and troubleshootingMore independent, leading projects, and system integration
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, and industrial facilitiesSimilar industries, with increased responsibilities

The main difference between an Associate Controls Engineer and a Controls Engineer lies in experience and responsibility level. Associate Controls Engineers typically support and assist in projects, focusing on learning and executing tasks under supervision. Controls Engineers take on more independent roles, managing projects and system design. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but Controls Engineers usually have more hands-on experience and leadership responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Controls Engineer jobs in California? For Associate Controls Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Controls Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Controls Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Controls & Automation Engineer

Verus Associates, Inc

Concord, CA • On-site

$87.10K - $115.20K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 hours ago


Job description

Description:

Company Overview - Verus


Verus is a boutique engineering and technical services firm specializing in industrial automation, controls, SCADA systems, business process engineering and consulting for a wide array of industries. We have expertise in all aspects of systems integration including electrical design, instrumentation, control panel design/build, programming, and commissioning. Since the company’s founding in 2015, Verus has grown to a team of 40 engineers with 4 locations in California, Nevada, Idaho and Oregon. We are growing and looking for the right candidate to join our team.


Industries Served:

  • Power Generation
  • Mining
  • Food and Beverage
  • Oil and Gas
  • Municipal Waste/Wastewater
  • Manufacturing
  • Maritime

Hiring Location: Concord, CA

Requirements:
  • 3+ Years experience in Automation & Controls Engineering
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited school OR equivalent experience.
  • Licensed as a professional engineer.PLC and DCS Programming from modification to executing from scratch.
  • HMI/SCADA programming from stand-alone to redundant distributed
  • Implement Historians and reporting
  • Server and computer setup/configuration
  • Develop control narratives
  • Develop testing plans
  • Specify and configure instruments
  • Commissioning of systems (some remote travel required)
  • Preparing specifications for purchasing of software and servers.
  • Estimating software, labor, and implementation costs for budget preparation.

Platforms

  • Wonderware Sys Platform
  • Wonderware Intouch
  • Wonderware Historian
  • Rockwell Logix/Studio5000
  • Rockwell FT ViewSE Studio
  • Rockwell Historian
  • Schneider Control Expert
  • Schneider Citect
  • OSI Pi
  • IA Ignition
  • Networking
  • Alarm Rationalization
  • VMWare vSphere
  • Cybersecurity
  • Safety - Process or Discrete
  • Siemens TIA Portal
  • Siemens WinCC OA
  • Batching
  • Delta V
  • ABB 800xA, Infi90
  • Honeywell Experion LX