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Automation Controls Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Interface and manage installation contractors during construction * Researching Automation/Controls materials and best practices * Supporting talent growth within our organization * Provide coaching ...

As our Sr. Automation Controls Engineer, you'll be responsible for ensuring that our manufacturing ... Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines. * Strong interpersonal skills to ...

As our Sr. Automation Controls Engineer, you'll be responsible for ensuring that our manufacturing ... Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines. * Strong interpersonal skills to ...

As our Sr. Automation Controls Engineer, you'll be responsible for ensuring that our manufacturing ... Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines. * Strong interpersonal skills to ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Controls Manager information

What is an automation controls manager?

Automation Controls Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated control systems within manufacturing or industrial environments. They manage teams of engineers and technicians, ensure that control systems operate efficiently and safely, and coordinate improvements to increase productivity. Typically, they also work on troubleshooting and upgrading control hardware and software, while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Their role is crucial in optimizing automated processes and minimizing downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation controls manager?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Manager, you need expertise in control systems engineering, PLC programming, industrial automation, and typically a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI software, industry-standard PLCs (such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens), and relevant certifications like ISA CAP are essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills help manage teams and facilitate cross-departmental collaboration. These competencies ensure the reliable design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems that drive operational efficiency and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by automation controls managers when overseeing multidisciplinary teams?

Automation Controls Managers often coordinate between engineering, IT, and operations departments, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communication styles. Managing projects that involve both hardware and software components requires strong organizational skills and the ability to translate technical requirements across disciplines. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving automation technologies while ensuring team members receive proper training is a key aspect of the role. Successful managers foster collaboration by promoting open communication and cross-functional problem-solving.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Manager vs Automation Technician?

AspectAutomation Controls ManagerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP)Associate degree or technical diploma, certifications like Siemens or Allen-Bradley technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees automation projects, manages teams, coordinates with engineering and managementPerforms hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automation systems
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, industrial facilities, and large-scale automation settingsCommon in factories, plants, and maintenance departments

The Automation Controls Manager focuses on overseeing automation projects and managing teams, requiring higher-level credentials and strategic responsibilities. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles the technical installation and maintenance tasks. Both roles are essential in automation environments but differ in scope and seniority.

What do Automation Controls Managers get paid?

Automation Controls Managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often require knowledge of PLC programming, control systems, and relevant certifications, which can influence compensation levels.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Manager jobs in California?

For Automation Controls Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Controls Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Automation Controls Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automation Controls Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Controls Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Dennis Group

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description Job Summary As a design build engineering firm and general contractor that designs and builds food and beverage processing facilities, Dennis Group's Automation/Controls Engineers work closely with our process, packaging and building engineers to meet our clients' expectations in startup, commissioning, and qualifying their food and beverage production facilities. The role requires regular onsite presence to ensure necessary diagnoses, troubleshooting, and operational startup of our client's production lines, equipment, and facilities. Our automation & controls engineers are frequently facing engineering challenges in applying standard engineering techniques to design, develop, and maintain instrumentation or control systems. Both software and hardware design and troubleshooting skills and abilities is required for this role. Typical responsibilities include, but not limited to: Responsibilities Handles complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level engineer, team lead, or manager With general supervision, designs and troubleshoot both software and hardware necessary for control systems utilizing PLCs for integration of manufacturing systems. Automates manufacturing processes through the use of instrumentation or controls systems. Design, diagnose, and troubleshoot network infrastructures - Ethernet, DeviceNet, AS-i, Profibus etc. Develops new PLC applications, interfaces, or embedded controls Develops new or modifies existing set-up and commissioning of new facilities or upgrading of existing facilities Design, specify, wire, and procure control panel equipment, e.g. safety circuits, I/O, networks, etc. Design, specify, and procure electrical equipment, e.g. MCCs, panelboards, transformers, etc. Create design basis document & scope of work Develop functional descriptions and analysis documents devices Understand size and placement of control/electrical panels Specify, procure, configure, and troubleshoot controls hardware and field instrumentation Assist with coordinating with other engineer disciplines Troubleshoots and resolves malfunctions and makes recommendations that will improve efficiency or quality of operations Create commissioning and start-up checklist Observe rough-in construction for compliance with plans, specs, and details Project primary client technical contact Develop bid documentation for Electrical, Automation, and Low Voltage (network, security) vendors Documents specifications and operating procedures Interface and manage installation contractors during construction Researching Automation/Controls materials and best practices Supporting talent growth within our organization Provide coaching and/or mentoring to a subordinate group when directed by supervisor. Required Education Skills and Experience Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field 8+ years of experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, GE Fanuc, Honeywell Systems. 8+ years of experience in Visual Basic, SQL, MS ACCESS Database programming skills a plus 8+ years of experience with Design and implement process network infrastructure (Ethernet, Device Net, Control Net, ProfiBus, etc.) 8+ years of experience in an industrial manufacturing setting Database programming skills a plus Proficiency with MS Office and AutoCAD Required This role is client facing, those successful in this role are professional, self-motivated, and energetic individuals with excellent communication and inter-personal skills. Must meet travel requirement - you will spend significant time in our client's facilities during installation and startup/commissioning/qualification phases of a project - 35% to 50% of any given time of the year. Physical Requirements Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Prolonged periods of standing and walking during installation, commissioning and startup. Must be able to lift-up to 30 pounds at times. Travel Requirement Up to 50% travel required to visit project site and other offices. About Us We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For the past three decades, we've focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping your favorite brands put your favorite foods in the grocery store. Simply put, food isn't one thing we do, it's all we do. Dennis Group offers competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience. We provide comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off including an open vacation policy, as well as bonus, profit-sharing, and retirement plans. Dennis Group is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.