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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

PM Group

Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$102K - $120K/yr

The Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for ensuring that manufacturing processes and utilities are maintained and operating efficiently. This individual will be leading the maintenance of ...

PM Group

Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA

$102K - $120K/yr

The Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for ensuring that manufacturing processes and utilities are maintained and operating efficiently. This individual will be leading the maintenance of ...

Ambient Enterprises

Controls Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$80 - $105K/hr

CONTROLS DESIGN ENGINEER DMG, subsidiary of Ambient Enterprises: We are a recognized industry ... Technical execution lead in implementation of building automation and energy management solutions ...

Ambient Enterprises

Controls Engineer

Orange, CA · Hybrid

$80 - $105K/hr

CONTROLS DESIGN ENGINEER DMG, subsidiary of Ambient Enterprises: We are a recognized industry ... Technical execution lead in implementation of building automation and energy management solutions ...

Niagara Bottling

Automation Engineer I

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$82.01 - $118.92/hr

Qualifications * 0‑2 years of experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing. * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.

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All JobsAutomation Controls Engineer JobsAutomation Controls Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$48K

$102.4K

$146.6K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Riverside, CA is $102,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $115,300.00 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 Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,435 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Anduril Industries

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$100K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 hours ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,264 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM


Anduril's Manufacturing Technology, Maritime Team is seeking a Sr. Automation Controls Engineer to join our team. The Maritime Manufacturing Technology Team is responsible for rapidly developing and implementing manufacturing technologies and processes for cutting-edge defense hardware, including deployable static and moving surface, undersea and sea to air vehicles and scaling these products in our new manufacturing facilities.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Sr. Automation Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing advanced control systems for automated manufacturing equipment and processes. The right person for this role has extensive experience with industrial automation control systems, including programming PLCs, HMI development, and system integration across a range of manufacturing applications. If you are passionate about creating innovative control solutions that optimize manufacturing processes and enable next-generation production capabilities, this role is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Design and develop PLC-based control systems for automated manufacturing equipment, robotic cells, and integrated production lines.
  • Write, test, and debug PLC programs for various platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.) to control manufacturing processes.
  • Develop intuitive HMI interfaces that optimize operator efficiency and provide real-time process visibility.
  • Create documentation for control systems, including electrical schematics, control narratives, and operator instructions.
  • Integrate manufacturing equipment with higher-level systems, including MES, SCADA, and data collection platforms.
  • Implement data acquisition systems that capture process parameters for analysis and continuous improvement.
  • Troubleshoot and optimize existing control systems to improve reliability and performance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop control requirements for new manufacturing processes.
  • Support commissioning and startup of new automated equipment, including debugging and optimization.
  • Implement industry best practices for control system security, reliability, and maintainability.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies in industrial automation and control systems.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 8+ PLC Programming , define specs ,development from scratch & Troubleshooting: Fluent in programming from scratch and live troubleshooting across variety of PLCs, Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix and FANUC PMC. Siemens and Beckhoff , etc.
  • Demonstrated expertise with major PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.) and associated programming software.
  • SCADA/HMI Initiate ,define architecture and Development , Ignition Platform: Full-cycle SCADA delivery on Ignition: tag provider design, UDT architecture, Perspective development, gateway scripting, named queries, historian configuration, and alarm pipeline setup. End-to-end ownership from device connectivity through validated historian tags. FactoryTalk View ME/SE , FT Optix experience is welcome too.
  • Industrial Architecture & Networking: Strong understanding of SCADA architecture and common industrial communication protocols. Able to configure and maintain OPC-based connectivity across mixed equipment.
  • Multi-Protocol Integration: Bridges heterogeneous controllers and CNC equipment into a unified SCADA/historian layer.
  • Documentation & Standards Development Develops and maintains programming standards, SOPs, and SCADA design documentation.
  • Independent development , Commissioning & Maintenance Self-motivated. Developing , programming , troubleshooting systems end-to-end with minimum support . Equally effective working independently or at pace within a dynamic cross-functional team.
  • Define technical specifications and interface directly with vendors and OEMs 
  • Safety Assessment (Plus) Performance Level (PL) and Category assessment per ISO 13849.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience CNC & Robotics (Plus) Experience with CNC machine integration and robotic cell coordination.
  • Knowledge of motion control systems and servo applications.
  • Experience with machine vision systems and their integration with control systems.
  • Background in SCADA systems and data acquisition architectures.
  • Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts and IIoT implementations.
  • Experience with simulation tools for control system validation.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for industrial control systems.
  • Experience in maritime or defense manufacturing environments.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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