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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Automation & Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... Own hands-on buildout, activation, and qualification of automation and controls projects across the ...

Dennis Group

Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Our automation & controls engineers are frequently facing engineering challenges in applying standard engineering techniques to design, develop, and maintain instrumentation or control systems. Both ...

Divergent

Staff Automation & Controls Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$171K - $235K/yr

Purpose The Staff Automation & Controls Engineer will develop flexible robotic manufacturing & automation systems core to the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). The ideal candidate has a ...

Divergent

Staff Automation & Controls Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$171K - $235K/yr

Purpose The Staff Automation & Controls Engineer will develop flexible robotic manufacturing & automation systems core to the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). The ideal candidate has a ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomation Controls Engineer JobsAutomation Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Automation Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$45.4K

$96.9K

$138.7K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in California is $96,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $109,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation controls engineer?

Automation Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems that automate manufacturing and industrial processes. They typically work with hardware and software such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and robotic systems to ensure efficient and reliable operation of automated equipment. Their responsibilities include programming control systems, troubleshooting electrical and control issues, and collaborating with other engineers to optimize production processes. Automation Controls Engineers play a crucial role in improving productivity, safety, and quality in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy.

What does an automation controls engineer do?

Automation controls engineers help create the layout of electrical and mechanical control systems. In this role, you may help program an automation process, modify existing programming when necessary, and help ensure the company is using the safest and most productive system possible for its needs. You may also be responsible for creating training documentation to show employees how to control and adjust their operations. Most automation control engineers work in manufacturing plants and similar companies where physical automation is used to speed up production tasks. This job should not be confused with automation programming outside of the manufacturing sector, such as software programming.

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

To thrive as an Automation Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure reliable system integration, efficient troubleshooting, and successful collaboration in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges automation controls engineers face when working on new system integrations?

Automation Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as compatibility issues between legacy equipment and new control systems, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, and software), and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Troubleshooting unforeseen problems during testing phases and maintaining clear documentation are also frequent hurdles. Proactive communication and thorough planning help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth integration projects.

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

AspectAutomation Controls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering; certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in manufacturing, automation, and control system settingsWorks in various sectors including power, construction, and manufacturing, often focusing on electrical systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in automation, process control, and manufacturing industriesUsed across power generation, construction, and industrial sectors

Automation Controls Engineers focus on designing, programming, and maintaining control systems for automation processes, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope involving electrical system design and analysis. Both roles require strong technical skills and often overlap in industrial settings, but their primary responsibilities and certifications differ.

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Automation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,900 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Automation & Controls Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and production engineers to ensure seamless production automation across hardware and control layers

  • Design and develop production tooling electromechanical automation assemblies either in-house or through vendors

  • Own hands-on buildout, activation, and qualification of automation and controls projects across the production line spanning machine design, robotics, computer vision, and other systems

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role 

You'll be at the heart of bringing the production system to life. K2 has a strong push to vertically integrate our production system, which means you'll work side-by-side with the production and engineering team to concept, develop, and roll out various automation projects to support this vision.   

This role is built for someone who learns quickly, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants to take ownership early. You'll develop deep technical intuition, contribute to systems that scale, and grow into increasingly complex challenges as we push towards higher-rate production in an environment unlike anywhere else. 

Responsibilities 

  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and production engineers to ensure seamless production automation across hardware and control layers 
  • Design and develop production tooling electromechanical automation assemblies either in-house or through vendors 
  • Own hands-on buildout, activation, and qualification of automation and controls projects across the production line spanning machine design, robotics, computer vision, and other systems 
  • Implement our HMI strategy and PLC automation in a way that makes machines easy to operate with repeatable results 
  • Understand build flow, production reliability, and process control to implement strategies to increase production takt rate and first pass yield 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or other relevant engineering discipline 
  • 2+ years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing, production, or hands-on engineering environment 
  • Strong hands-on aptitude and willingness to work directly with hardware on the production floor 
  • Exposure to precision assembly or electromechanical integration processes 
  • Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation 
  • Experience setting up a manufacturing/production floor for first article builds 

Nice to Have 

  • Hands-on experience with industrial automation hardware & controls, PLC/HMI/Robotics software control stacks, electrical and fluid schematics 
  • Exposure to space, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments 
  • Experience designing automation systems for manufacturability 
  • Demonstrated experience developing production processes from the ground up including driving design improvements for manufacturing 
  • Experience working closely with technicians and build tooling 
  • Familiarity with CAD software (NX or equivalent) and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Base salary range for this role is $100,000 – $140,000 + equity in the company 
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level 
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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