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Automation Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automationtechies

Control Engineer

San Diego, CA

$88K - $114K/yr

Our client's Control Engineers design, develop, and commission automation solutions across a wide range of industries while working with cutting-edge technologies. Engineers in this position ...

Automationtechies

Control Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Our client's Control Engineers design, develop, and commission automation solutions across a wide range of industries while working with cutting-edge technologies. Engineers in this position ...

Graybar

Industrial Automation Sales Manager

Dublin, CA · On-site

$140K/yr

Lead and develop high-tech automation/control team including Technical Specialists, Sales Engineers, Quotation Specialists, and others, as required. * Collaborate with customers, suppliers and ...

Hill International

Automation Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Hill International is seeking an Automation Engineer in Berkeley, California Hill is seeking an ... Develop software interfaces to control hardware and prepare detailed design documentation.

Graybar

Industrial Automation Sales Manager

Dublin, CA · On-site

$140K/yr

Lead and develop high-tech automation/control team including Technical Specialists, Sales Engineers, Quotation Specialists, and others, as required. * Collaborate with customers, suppliers and ...

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All JobsAutomation Control Engineer JobsAutomation Control Engineer Jobs in California

Automation Control Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$105.7K

$160.9K

How much do automation control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation control engineer in California is $105,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $121,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Automation Control Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectAutomation Control EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Automation, Control Systems, or Electrical Engineering; certifications like PLC or SCADABachelor's in Electrical Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilities, industrial settingsPower plants, electrical design firms, industrial sites
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower, construction, electronics

Automation Control Engineers focus on designing and maintaining automated systems and control processes, often working with PLCs and SCADA. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry. While both roles require electrical knowledge, Automation Control Engineers specialize in automation technology within industrial environments.

How does an automation control engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Automation Control Engineers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as production and maintenance teams, to design, implement, and optimize automated systems. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as engineers must integrate control systems with other disciplines and ensure seamless operation within the larger production environment. Regular meetings, design reviews, and troubleshooting sessions are common, enabling the team to address challenges quickly and maintain project timelines. Building strong professional relationships and understanding each team's needs can greatly improve project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation control engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and process automation, often requiring a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and relevant industry certifications such as ISA or Siemens is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams help set top candidates apart. Mastery of these skills ensures reliable system performance, smooth integration of automated solutions, and efficient troubleshooting in complex industrial environments.

What is an automation control engineer?

An Automation Control Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining systems that control automated processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. They work with technologies like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), sensors, and robotics to optimize and streamline production or operational workflows. Their work ensures efficiency, safety, and reliability in automated systems. Automation Control Engineers often collaborate with other engineers and technicians to implement and troubleshoot control solutions.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Control Engineer jobs in California?

For Automation Control Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Control Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Control Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Automation Control Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automation Control Engineer job openings:

Automation Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Control Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Automation Engineer, Biotech Facilities & Engineering

3 Key Consulting

Newbury Park, CA • On-site

$58 - $68/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer, Biotech Facilities & Engineering (JP15096) Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320 Business Unit: Facilities & Engineering Employment Type:Contract Duration: 3 years with possible conversion to FTE Rate: $58 - $68/hour - W2 with benefits or Market Rate for highly qualified candidates. Posting Date: 3/9/2028. Note: Fully Onsite - Standard 8am-5pm Working hours. 3 Key Consulting is hiring!We are recruiting a Principal Automation/Control Engineer for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biotechnology company. Ideal candidate: Must have background in within Life sciences specifically Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering. Emerson Delta-V DCS Programming Experience, Rockwell Automation SCADA and PLC Experience, Compliance with regulatory requirements such as 21 CFR Part 11, Minimum of Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotech Engineering, or related life science engineering. The company Manufacturing and Clinical Supply (MCS) - Facilities & Engineering (F&E) Automation team, is looking for Engineers to support Clinical & Commercial Plant Automation programs and Capital projects, including complex and challenging automation initiatives that require a solid understanding of various automation platforms, integration between different platforms, analytical problem-solving techniques, project management, product lifecycle management, and operational excellence. They will require an extensive understanding and background in capital construction projects, design, programming, implementation, and lifecycle management of manufacturing process controls, automation, and field instrumentation technologies. Job Description & Responsibilities:
  • Support automation capital project software development testing, commissioning activities etc.
  • Support day to day operations of the plant for automation related issues including on call rotation every 7-8 weeks.=
  • Support Plant Automation team and participate in the preparation and implementation of detailed design, scope, schedule in partnership with cross functional teams.
  • Support Plant Automation team during the project implementation of new automation solutions including DeltaV Distributed Control System (DCS), Rockwell Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA) related hardware, software, network infrastructure, and electronic Rt-reporting scope across various projects.
  • Support Plant Automation team during the post-implementation activities including operationalization of the new assets by extending hyper-care support, training the System Owners, and Manufacturing team, revising the SOPs, and training documents, delivering spare parts list, updating Maximo assets and Amgen CMDB systems.
  • Ensure compliance to Amgen Engineering and Operational standards, specifications, and procedures as applicable during the project design and implementation.
  • As applicable to the capital project scope, represent Plant Automation team and support new continuous improvements by performing automation engineering assessments, implementing automation system configuration changes, and supporting engineering and process qualification runs.
  • Support a safe working environment by complying with all pertinent environmental health/safety practice, rules, and regulations.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotech Engineering, or related life science engineering.
  • Knowledge and experience in capital project lifecycle management including conceptual design, scope, resource estimate & cost estimate development, business case development, detailed design, engineering, commissioning, validation, and project execution, as it relates to Plant Automation and process control systems with GMP biopharmaceutical production facility equipment/systems in support of Drug Substance, Drug Product plant operations.
  • Has five or more years combined experience with the following automation systems:
    • Emerson Delta-V DCS system.
    • Rockwell Automation SCADA and PLC Platform.
    • ABB Robot and Mitsubishi roller bottle machine
    • Emerson Delta-V DCS system.
    • Electronic Batch Reporting Systems Design and implementation experience.
    • Process Control Network design including network segregation.
    • Process Control Systems: Virtual Infrastructure design and implementation.
    • System Integration using OPC, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, and DeviceNet technologies.
    • Compliance to regulatory requirements such as 21 CFR Part 11, ASTM 2500, S88, S95 and GAMP.
Top Must Have Skill Sets: 1. Must have direct programming experience in Rockwell and/or Emerson and/or HMI and/or Allen Bradley 2. Life Sciences GMP experience 3. Experience with supporting automation capital projects (qualification, testing) Basic Qualifications: Masters degree and 5 years of experience OR Bachelors degree and 7 years of experience OR Associates degree and 12 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 14 years of experience Why is the Position Open? Supplement additional workload on team Interview Process: One Phone screen with Hiring Manager and One Panel Interview with team. Both Virtual. We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to resumes@3keyconsulting.com.If you decide that you're not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.

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