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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Automation Controls Engineer information

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$45.4K

$96.9K

$138.7K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 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 are Automation Controls Engineers?

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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What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in CA? For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Automation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,900 per year, or $46.6 per hour.
Principal Automation & Controls Engineer

Principal Automation & Controls Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

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. At a principal level, you'll not just be implementing automation and controls projects, you'll help shape how K2 approaches these types of projects - setting standards, requirements, design process, and determining what automation looks like at K2. 

This role is built for someone who wants to help own the future of satellite manufacturing, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants to take high levels of ownership You'll draw on your deep technical intuition, contribute to systems that scale, and have core impact in increasingly complex challenges as we push towards higher-rate production in an environment unlike anywhere else. 

Responsibilities 

  • Own the company roadmap of production automation across hardware and control layers, working closely with mechanical, electrical, and production engineers 
  • Conceive, 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 
  • Shape and 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 
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers, raising the technical bar across the team to help achieve our automation and production goals 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or other relevant engineering discipline 
  • 4+ years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing, production, or hands-on engineering environment 
  • 6+ years of experience working in industrial automation and controls in a production environment, including full-stack ownership 
  • Strong hands-on aptitude and willingness to work directly with hardware on the production floor 
  • In-depth knowledge of precision assembly and electromechanical fabrication processes 
  • Ability to generate and review engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation 
  • Experience setting up a manufacturing/production floor for first article builds through at rate production 

Nice to Have 

  • Full-stack and state of the art 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 $175,000 - $200,000 + 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 
K2 Space logo

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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