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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

As an Automation, Instrumentation and Controls (AIC) Engineer at CRB, you are essential to the creation of purposeful, high-performance processes and facilities that have a positive, lasting ...

This person will be an engineering professional with hands-on experience in Automation and Controls ... Understand and document current Automation and Controls Systems, identify areas for improvement ...

This person will be an engineering professional with hands-on experience in Automation and Controls ... Understand and document current Automation and Controls Systems, identify areas for improvement ...

Vast is looking for a(n) Controls & Automation Engineer II , reporting to the Manager, Controls & Automation , to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build ...

Controls Engineer

Newport Beach, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Education and/or Experience Bachelor's Degree in Automation Engineering or related field, 6-9 years ... Controls costs and thinks in terms of profit, loss and added value. Is committed to the ...

Controls Engineer

Newport Beach, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Education and/or Experience Bachelor's Degree in Automation Engineering or related field, 6-9 years ... Controls costs and thinks in terms of profit, loss and added value. Is committed to the ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$48.8K

$104.2K

$149K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Irvine, CA is $104,151.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,600.00 and $117,200.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Automation Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Automation Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,392 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Automation Engineer IV

CRB

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Company Description

CRB's over 1,200 expert professionals drive innovative, life-changing and life-saving solutions for manufacturers in the life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our mission, vision, and core values put client satisfaction and employee experience at the center of everything we do.

As an AEC Firm we proudly specialize in industries that inherently carry important social responsibility - we recognize our impact and influence in the communities we serve and pursue corporate responsibility through the lens of people, community, and planet. From oncology and rare disorders to COVID-19 or alternative proteins, our design and construction projects are pioneering solutions addressing important issues such as food scarcity and global health.

Job Description

As an Automation, Instrumentation and Controls (AIC) Engineer at CRB, you are essential to the creation of purposeful, high-performance processes and facilities that have a positive, lasting impression on people, our clients and the community. Your experience allows you to execute and lead large projects through all phases of design, documentation and administration, as well as actively support large projects within a multi-discipline team setting. You will leverage your creativity with your knowledge of mechanical system controls, process automation controls and regulatory standards to solve problems that balance technical and design excellence. 

About the Role 

The Senior Automation Engineer has a thorough understanding of the development and field implementation of documents through all project phases, sizes and levels of complexity. Their knowledge and skill set is expanding to more complex and larger control systems such as those with advanced hardware and networks for reliability, or integrated Safety Systems. This individual has stronger interest in managing or working with the technical aspects of projects as opposed to overall staff or project management roles performed by the Lead Automation Engineer and may focus on and develop expertise around technologies or applications.

Responsibilities

  • Interfaces with clients and external partners.  
  • Plans and directs work and manages a project budget from a discipline design perspective on large complex projects. 
  • Supports Project Manager in proposal development, man-hour planning and project scheduling for the discipline scope of work on large/complex projects. 
  • Possesses advanced experience conducting and leading field surveys of existing conditions and support of field reporting.  
  • Identifies and resolves intermediate non-compliant existing conditions during site walks and construction field surveys. 
  • Develops intermediate internal discipline design and engineering training presentations.  
  • Develops construction drawing packages and writes construction specifications on advanced and complex projects with little oversight.  
  • Provides lead and advanced support of construction activities such as RFI responses, submittal reviews, punch list development and construction progress reports. 
  • Conducts quality checking of documents for intermediate and complex projects (e.g., technical verification of design calculations and documentation) and drives overall project quality.  
  • Provides mentorship to discipline Engineer I, II and III and/or Designer I and II.  
  • Leads a team of discipline staff in the execution of advanced projects, discipline design and engineering.  
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in discipline-specific field of study (ChemE, ME or EE)  
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience, preferably in a design firm setting  
  • Knowledge of Control System Application software development methodologies 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional Engineer registration 
  • ISA Certified Automation Professional 
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit  
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office  
  • Proficiency in discipline-specific software  
  • Advanced knowledge of GMP manufacturing environments 
  • Advanced experience with performing instrumentation and controls engineering calculations, and developing and implementing instrumentation and control system design  
  • Advanced experience with implementing fundamental design aspects of control system schematics, panel fabrication drawings and field wiring plans design  
  • Advanced experience developing Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) 
  • Advanced experience with the electrical code  
  • Advanced experience with other applicable industry standards  
  • Advanced experience with applicable mechanical and building codes  
  • Intermediate experience and knowledge of designing Safety Instrumented Systems 
  • Proficient with advanced internal and external cross-discipline project team coordination  
  • Proficient with advanced coordination with construction trade partners, vendors and manufacturers  
  • Proficient with advanced design calculations with limited supervision  

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

CRB is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Employment is contingent on background screening.

CRB does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of CRB without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of CRB. Please, no phone calls or emails.

CRB offers a complete and competitive benefit package designed to meet individual and family needs.

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.