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Automation Controls Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HADRIAN

Automation Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$130K - $220K/yr

The Role We are hiring a generalist Automation Controls Engineer to join Hadrian's Special Projects team, standing up customer production lines that span custom tooling, robotic cells, and integrated ...

HADRIAN

Automation Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$130K - $220K/yr

The Role We are hiring a generalist Automation Controls Engineer to join Hadrian's Special Projects team, standing up customer production lines that span custom tooling, robotic cells, and integrated ...

Howmet

Automation Controls Specialist

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Ensure that the instruments and controls comply with all internal and external health and safety ... Experience in automation and or fabrication * Preferred Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree ...

Dennis Group

Automation/Controls Engineer III

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$86K - $112K/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 ...

Archer

Sr. Automation Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

About The Role: As part of Archer's mission to scale production of our cutting-edge eVTOL aircraft, we are seeking an Sr. Automation Controls Engineer to help design and build manufacturing ...

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Automation Controls information

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, PLC programming, and industrial automation, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools and systems like Siemens, Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI/SCADA software, and certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated systems that drive efficiency and productivity in manufacturing and industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Automation Controls professionals when integrating new equipment into existing systems?

Automation Controls professionals often encounter challenges when integrating new equipment, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, maintaining consistent communication protocols, and minimizing downtime. Troubleshooting these issues requires strong problem-solving skills and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineers, IT specialists, and production staff. Staying updated on the latest industry standards and technologies is also essential for successful integration and ongoing system optimization.

What is the difference between Automation Controls vs Electrical Technicians?

AspectAutomation ControlsElectrical Technicians
CertificationsPLC, DCS, or automation system certificationsElectrical licenses, OSHA certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation system setupsConstruction sites, electrical maintenance
Industry UsageIndustrial automation, process controlElectrical installation and repair

Automation Controls specialists focus on designing, programming, and maintaining automation systems like PLCs and DCS, primarily in manufacturing environments. Electrical Technicians handle electrical wiring, troubleshooting, and repairs across various settings. While both roles require electrical knowledge, Automation Controls professionals specialize in automation technology, making their skills more aligned with modern industrial systems.

What are automation controls?

Automation controls refer to the systems and devices used to manage, command, direct, or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems in industrial and manufacturing processes. These controls typically include hardware and software components such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), sensors, and actuators. The primary goal of automation controls is to increase efficiency, safety, and reliability while reducing manual intervention and operational costs. People working in automation controls design, program, install, and maintain these systems across various industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Controls jobs in California? The most popular types of Automation Controls jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls jobs in California? For Automation Controls jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Controls jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Controls jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automation Controls jobs? Cities in California with the most Automation Controls job openings:
Automation Controls jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Automation Controls Engineer

HADRIAN

Los Angeles, CA

$130K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future
Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and up to 2x cheaper. By combining advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we are reinventing how America produces its most critical parts.
We're accelerating our mission with the launch of Factory 3 in Mesa, Arizona, a 290,000-square-foot facility creating 350 new jobs. We are expanding rapidly to support thousands of future hires, launching Hadrian Maritime to expand into naval production, and introducing a Factory-as-a-Service model that delivers complete systems instead of individual parts.
Hadrian is backed by leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz, our fast-growing team is united around reindustrializing American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond.
The Role
We are hiring a generalist Automation Controls Engineer to join Hadrian's Special Projects team, standing up customer production lines that span custom tooling, robotic cells, and integrated machine vision. This is an end-to-end role: you will own controls architecture from requirements through PLC / robot / HMI code, panel design, commissioning on the floor, and handoff to production.
You'll work directly with manufacturing engineers, tooling engineers, software engineers, and program managers to take new cells from concept to run-off against aggressive customer timelines. High performers grow into Staff Controls Engineer / Tech-Lead roles, setting architecture across multi-cell programs.
What You'll Do
  • Own controls design for new robotic, CNC, and tooling cells from concept through run-off
  • Write and deploy PLC applications on Siemens or other hardware, with reusable libraries and standards
  • Tune and commission multi-axis motion as needed - servos, VFDs, and steppers - and integrate the sensors and safety devices that make it reliable
  • Spec and Design electrical panels, architect the industrial networks (EtherCAT, PROFINET, OPC UA) that tie cells and lines together
  • Build operator HMIs and lead risk assessments
  • Commission on the floor and drive structured root-cause analysis to solve issues
  • Mentor engineers and technicians; codify what works into shared libraries and playbooks

What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (electro-mechanical preferred) or equivalent experience
  • 3-6 years delivering automated cells end-to-end in industrial manufacturing
  • PLCs & motion - Production experience with Beckhoff and/or Siemens, plus hands-on servo / VFD tuning and commissioning
  • Robotics - Programmed a major ecosystem (ABB, Fanuc, Kuka, etc.); comfortable simulating cells before hardware exists
  • Electrical & networks - Cabinet / panel design to NFPA 79 and UL 508A; fluent across EtherCAT, PROFINET, and OPC UA
  • Sensors & safety - Confident selecting and integrating digital/analog sensors and safety devices; can run a risk assessment and defend a PL rating against ISO 13849
  • Commissioning - Strong practical skills on the floor: wrenching, reading schematics, tracing variables, and finding root cause fast
  • Excellent written and verbal communication; works well with ME, tooling, and software partners

Nice to Have
  • High-level programming (C# or Python) to close platform gaps
  • Machine vision experience (Cognex, Keyence, Zivid, LMI)
  • HMI development in Ignition or WinCC
  • MES / API integration (REST, MQTT, OPC UA)

Compensation
For this role, the target salary range is $130,000-$220,000 (actual range may vary based on experience). This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Benefits for Full-time Employees
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees
  • 401k
  • Relocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need.
  • Flexible vacation policy

ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .
Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the Company's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled candidates and employees, including for candidates or employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

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