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Control System Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... design and develop the next generation of camera technology. As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will be involved in determining requirements and specifications for control systems, systems ...

... design and develop the next generation of camera technology. As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will be involved in determining requirements and specifications for control systems, systems ...

System Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$116.50K - $159.70K/yr

Group/Division With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around ... systems. * Lead design efforts, including building models and performing analysis to derive ...

... to design and develop the next generation of camera technology. Description As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will be involved in determining requirements and specifications for control ...

... to design and develop the next generation of camera technology. Description As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will be involved in determining requirements and specifications for control ...

System Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136.30K - $231.70K/yr

Group/Division With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around ... The Surfscan system design team is supporting multiple Surfscan engineering programs and products.

Group/Division With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around ... Typically PhD with 5+ years or MS with 8+ years of relevant experience in complex system design ...

System Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136.30K - $231.70K/yr

Group/Division With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around ... The Surfscan system design team is supporting multiple Surfscan engineering programs and products.

System Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$116.50K - $159.70K/yr

Group/Division With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around ... systems. * Lead design efforts, including building models and performing analysis to derive ...

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Control System Design information

See California salary details

$60.2K

$107.4K

$173.2K

How much do control system design jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for control system design in California is $107,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Control System Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control System Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and control theory, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as PLC programming software, SCADA systems, MATLAB/Simulink, and certifications like ISA CAP are typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in designing efficient and safe automation solutions. These skills ensure the creation of reliable control systems that optimize processes, increase safety, and meet project requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Control System Design, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Control System Design often encounter challenges such as integrating new control systems with legacy equipment, ensuring system reliability under varying operating conditions, and managing tight project deadlines. To address these, it’s important to stay updated with the latest industry standards, collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams (such as electrical, software, and mechanical engineers), and conduct thorough testing and simulation before implementation. Effective communication with stakeholders and regular documentation also help in troubleshooting and future maintenance.

What are control system designers?

Control system designers are engineers or specialists who develop, implement, and optimize systems that automatically manage, regulate, or control the behavior of machinery, processes, or devices. They use principles from electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering to create systems that ensure stability, efficiency, and safety in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and energy. Their work involves selecting sensors, designing controllers, programming automation software, and testing system performance. Control system designers play a crucial role in modern automation and industrial processes.

What is the difference between Control System Design vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectControl System DesignControl Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Control Theory knowledgeBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Control Theory, and practical experience
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, simulation software, project planningFieldwork, system integration, testing facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in design and development phasesImplementation, testing, and maintenance of control systems

Control System Design focuses on creating and developing control algorithms and system architectures, often in a theoretical or simulation environment. Control Systems Engineers apply these designs in real-world settings, implementing, testing, and maintaining control systems in various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Control System Design emphasizes planning and modeling, whereas Control Systems Engineering involves practical application and system management.

What job categories do people searching Control System Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Control System Design jobs in California are:
Senior Control System Integration & Design Engineer

Senior Control System Integration & Design Engineer

Brown and Caldwell

San Francisco, CA

$196.80K - $203.80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Control System Integration and Design Engineer role requires problem-solving moderately complex issues for which solutions may not be well-defined. The role involves contributing significantly in SCADA/Human machine interface (HMI) design, configuration, and programming projects. This role will develop and implement Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) system design and industrial control system (ICS)/operational technology (OT) design configuration, and programming projects. The role will work independently and exercise sound technical judgement with occasional guidance on strategic or highly complex issues within broad guidelines and policies.

Responsibilities

  • Complete industrial control system (ICS)/operational technology (OT) design through representation of the client’s unique needs.

  • Work on SCADA/Human machine interface (HMI) design, configuration, and programming.

  • Implement Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) system design, configuration, and programming.

  • Manage control system commissioning and startup.

  • Facilitate design reviews with clients and other BC consultants and contribute to planning evolution.

  • Analyze and interpret P&IDs, specifications, control schematics, and control strategies.

  • Handle networking in the ICS/OT space.

  • Understand and enforce cybersecurity requirements related to ICS/OT systems.

  • Flexibility to adapt and execute various additional assignments based on evolving needs.

Mentorship

  • May provide mentorship, guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing to help less experienced team members develop their skills and grow within their roles.

Skills and Competencies

  • Demonstrable knowledge in Industrial Control System (ICS)/Operational Technology (OT) Design.

  • Skill in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) System design, configuration, and programming.

  • Competency in SCADA/Human Machine Interface (HMI) design, configuration, and programming.

  • Understanding of networking and cybersecurity requirements in the ICS/OT space.

  • Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively convey facts, policies, and practices.

  • Proficiency in system trouble-shooting and problem solving.

Experience

  • Typically requires a minimum of 5 years’ related work experience in Control System Integration and Design and ICS/OT systems.

  • Typically certified in the SMS Framework, and progressing through the SMS competencies.

Preferred

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain within 6 months is strongly preferred.

Education

  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field or equivalent experience is required.

Salary Range: The anticipated starting pay range for this position is based on the employee’s primary work location and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education.  These ranges may be modified in the future.  

Location A: $95,000 - $129,000
Location B: $104,000 - $142,000
Location C: $114,000 - $155,000

You can view which BC location applies to you here. If you have any questions, please speak with your Recruiter. 

Benefits and Other Compensation:  We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee health, performance, and success which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off and parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, performance-based bonus eligibility, employee referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, pet insurance and long-term care insurance. Click here to see our full list of benefits. 

About Brown and Caldwell  

Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Brown and Caldwell is a full-service environmental engineering and construction services firm with 50 offices and over 2,100 professionals across North America and the Pacific. For more than 75 years, we have created leading-edge environmental solutions for municipalities, private industry, and government agencies. We strive to be the company of choice—to our clients, who benefit from our passion for delivering exceptional quality, and to our employees, present and future, who share our commitment to client service, collaboration, and innovation. Join us, and you will find a home where you can do your best work, reach new levels of expertise, and enjoy exceptional development opportunities. For more information, visit www.brownandcaldwell.com 

This position is subject to a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.  

Notice to Third Party Agencies: Brown and Caldwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with Brown and Caldwell, Brown and Caldwell reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.   

Brown and Caldwell is proud to be an EEO/AAP Employer. Brown and Caldwell encourages protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Brown and Caldwell ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

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