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Bay Area Startup Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Milwaukee, WI

$82K - $106K/yr

Participate in field testing, commissioning, and startup activities * Travel to client sites for controls-related work What we're looking for: * Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical ...

AMBE Engineering LLC

Controls Engineer

Van Wert, OH · On-site

$75K - $98K/yr

Perform on-site commissioning, startup, and debug of automated systems. * Troubleshoot control ... RFID systems * Safety devices (area scanners, light curtains, safety controllers) * I/O Link ...

Aegis Worldwide

Controls Engineer

Lawrenceville, GA

$52.88 - $62.50/hr

Industrial Vision Controls Engineer Location: Lawrenceville, GA Job Type: Direct-Hire, Full-Time ... The engineer will support design, programming, integration, startup, troubleshooting, and ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Participate in field testing, commissioning, and startup activities * Travel to client sites for controls-related work What we're looking for: * Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Denver, CO

$85K - $110K/yr

Participate in field testing, commissioning, and startup activities * Travel to client sites for controls-related work What we're looking for: * Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical ...

Beacon Engineering Resources

Controls Engineer

Seattle, WA

$95K - $122K/yr

Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation Commissioning We are seeking a Controls Engineer to ... Familiarity with startup and commissioning processes * Excellent troubleshooting and communication ...

Beacon Engineering Resources

Controls Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation Commissioning We are seeking a Controls Engineer to ... Familiarity with startup and commissioning processes * Excellent troubleshooting and communication ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Participate in field testing, commissioning, and startup activities * Travel to client sites for controls-related work What we're looking for: * Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical ...

Converge Resources

Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL

$86K - $111K/yr

Greater Chicago Area Position Type: Full-Time | Onsite with Travel (~25%) Industry: Industrial ... Key Responsibilities Manage controls projects from kickoff through commissioning and final startup ...

M W Watermark Llc

Controls Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

... light curtains & area scanners, pressure & level transmitters and proximity sensors.System ... Occasionally perform onsite startup, debug, and validation of automated equipment at customer ...

Tekberry

Controls Engineer III

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

Controls Engineer III Pay Rate Range: $60.00 - 65.00/hr (DOE) Employment Type: Contract (12 Months ... This role will focus on the design, implementation, startup, commissioning, and optimization of ...

K&K Technical

Controls Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Simatic Step 7 * Support controls programming across Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Toyopuc, and Yaskawa ... Support complete line startup and commissioning. * Troubleshoot PLC, electrical, mechanical, and ...

Allen Control Systems

Controls Engineer

Austin, TX

$82K - $107K/yr

Controls Engineer - Motor & Motion Control Systems Company Overview ... Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two former Navy ...

MS Companies

Controls Engineer

Columbus, IN

$75K - $85K/yr

Direct Hire (Exempt) Job Summary We are supporting a confidential industrial automation and custom equipment manufacturer seeking a Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, startup, and ...

Allen Control Systems

Controls Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

Controls Engineer - Motor & Motion Control Systems Company Overview ... Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two former Navy ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsBay Area Startup Controls Engineer Jobs

Bay Area Startup Controls Engineer information

See salary details

$55K

$96.6K

$131K

How much do bay area startup controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for bay area startup controls engineer in the United States is $96,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Bay Area Startup Controls Engineer vs Bay Area Automation Engineer?

AspectBay Area Startup Controls EngineerBay Area Automation Engineer
CredentialsBS in Engineering, certifications like PLC or SCADABS in Engineering, certifications in automation systems
Work EnvironmentStartup setting, hands-on control system developmentManufacturing or industrial settings, process automation
Industry UsageTech startups, hardware developmentManufacturing, industrial automation

The main difference is that Controls Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems for hardware and machinery, often in startup environments, while Automation Engineers typically work on automating manufacturing processes across various industries. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ in their specific applications and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced by Controls Engineers working at Bay Area startups, and how can they prepare for them?

Controls Engineers at Bay Area startups often face fast-paced environments where they are expected to wear multiple hats, such as designing, programming, and troubleshooting control systems, sometimes with limited resources or documentation. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—like mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—is key, and adapting quickly to evolving project requirements is a must. To prepare, candidates should be comfortable with ambiguity, have strong communication skills, and be proactive in learning new tools or platforms commonly used in automation and control systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bay Area Startup Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bay Area Startup Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or a related field, with expertise in automation, control systems, and PLC programming. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Rockwell, Siemens, and SCADA systems, as well as relevant certifications (e.g., PE, ISA), is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in the fast-paced and collaborative startup environment. These skills enable engineers to design innovative solutions, ensure system reliability, and efficiently drive projects from concept to deployment.

What does a Bay Area Startup Controls Engineer do?

A Bay Area Startup Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting automated control systems, often within fast-paced startups in the San Francisco Bay Area. They work on integrating hardware and software to manage processes, machinery, or equipment, ensuring efficiency and safety. Their role may involve programming PLCs, developing control algorithms, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch new products or systems. Startups often require engineers in this role to be adaptable, proactive, and able to quickly innovate in dynamic environments.
Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

Automationtechies

Milwaukee, WI

$82K - $106K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

We are currently seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for a well-established, nationally recognized engineering firm that delivers innovative solutions across architecture, engineering, planning, and construction. This organization is known for its collaborative culture and commitment to projects that make a meaningful impact on communities.

Location: Milwaukee, WI

In this role, you’ll be involved in the full lifecycle of controls engineering—from design and programming to field testing, commissioning, and startup—offering strong project ownership and hands-on experience.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Design instrumentation and control systems
  • Program PLCs and HMIs
  • Develop control panels for process equipment
  • Support design of power and control electrical systems as needed
  • Participate in field testing, commissioning, and startup activities
  • Travel to client sites for controls-related work

What we’re looking for:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, or related)
  • 4+ years of relevant experience in controls engineering
  • Ability to travel 30%

Preferred experience:

  • PLC platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, or Modicon, along with HMI development
  • Strong troubleshooting, networking, and programming skills
  • Experience in food & beverage processing environments
  • Background in consulting or construction environments
  • PE license (preferred, not required)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on engineering work, client interaction, and seeing projects through from concept to completion.

Apply