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Control System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cleanwater1, Inc.

Lead Control System Engineer

Ripon, CA · On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

... system designs, control strategies, and integration architectures for industrial automation and SCADA systems. * Program, configure, test, and troubleshoot PLC systems using IEC 61131-3 programming ...

Cleanwater1, Inc

Lead Control System Engineer

Ripon, CA · Remote

$98K - $120K/hr

... system designs, control strategies, and integration architectures for industrial automation and SCADA systems. * Program, configure, test, and troubleshoot PLC systems using IEC 61131-3 programming ...

Apple

Control System Integration Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

This engineer will build capabilities to assess performance of control system prototypes and associated sub-components. This includes developing methods, instrumentation and test software to assess ...

Apple

Control System Integration Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

This engineer will build capabilities to assess performance of control system prototypes and associated sub-components. This includes developing methods, instrumentation and test software to assess ...

Apple

Control Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Description As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will be involved in determining requirements and specifications for control systems, systems-level analysis and modeling of control systems ...

Infotech Spectrum

System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Sunnyvale, CA (Need Locals) Duration : 6+ Months Experience developing and programming of control systems for complex hardware systems Experience in programming real-time motion control systems ...

LLNL

Control Systems Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

With over 60,000 control points distributed throughout the facility, many of NIF's subsystems have ... You will contribute to the engineering design and development of new hardware and system upgrades ...

Apple

Control Systems Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Description As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will be involved in determining requirements and specifications for control systems, systems-level analysis and modeling of control systems ...

Infotech Spectrum

System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Sunnyvale, CA (Need Locals) Duration : 6+ Months • Experience developing and programming of control systems for complex hardware systems • Experience in programming real-time motion control ...

LLNL

Control Systems Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

You will provide engineering solutions for developing, implementing, and maintaining control ... Provide technical input on control system requirements and designs through formal and informal ...

LLNL

Control Systems Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

You will provide engineering solutions for developing, implementing, and maintaining control ... Provide technical input on control system requirements and designs through formal and informal ...

LLNL

Control Systems Engineer

Livermore, CA

You will provide engineering solutions for developing, implementing, and maintaining control ... Provide technical input on control system requirements and designs through formal and informal ...

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All JobsControl System Engineer JobsControl System Engineer Jobs in California

Control System Engineer information

See California salary details

$60.2K

$107.4K

$173.2K

How much do control system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for control system engineer 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 engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Control System Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with control theory and system design. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, MATLAB/Simulink, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills are essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable automation systems that optimize performance and safety in various industries.

What is a control system engineer?

Control System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that manage, regulate, and automate processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. They use principles of engineering, mathematics, and computer science to ensure that machinery and processes operate efficiently, safely, and within desired parameters. Their work often involves programming controllers, integrating sensors and actuators, and troubleshooting complex automated systems.

What is the difference between Control System Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControl System EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; certifications like CSCP or ISABachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and maintain control systems in manufacturing, energy, or industrial settingsDesign and implement automated systems and processes in manufacturing or production environments
Industry UsageCommonly employed in industries requiring control systems such as oil & gas, manufacturing, and utilitiesUsed in industries focusing on process automation, robotics, and production efficiency

Control System Engineers and Automation Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. While Control System Engineers focus on designing and maintaining control systems, Automation Engineers concentrate on implementing automated processes. Both roles are vital in industrial settings, often overlapping but with distinct primary responsibilities.

What are some common challenges control system engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Control System Engineers frequently collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and software engineering backgrounds. One of the main challenges is ensuring smooth communication and integration across these disciplines, as each team may have different priorities, terminologies, and workflows. Additionally, coordinating timelines and requirements to align control system design with hardware and software constraints can be complex. Proactive communication, clear documentation, and regular cross-team meetings help overcome these hurdles and ensure project success.
What cities in California are hiring for Control System Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Control System Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Control System Engineer jobs in CA? For Control System Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Control System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control System Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,351 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Lead Control System Engineer

Cleanwater1, Inc.

Ripon, CA • On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

ICS Online. ("ICS") is an industry leader in the manufacturing of custom Industrial Control panels and factory automation systems. ICS works with both end users and leading original equipment manufacturers in a variety of industries. These industries include but are not limited to, water and wastewater treatment, energy generation and storage, semiconductor, food and beverage processing and packaging, and factory automation. ICS is part of Cleanwater1 and through its various operating subsidiaries, is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing companies in the water infrastructure market.
ICS is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer with strong SCADA and PLC expertise to join our engineering team. This is a full-time role supporting the design, development, and implementation of industrial automation and SCADA systems. The ideal candidate is technically strong, hands-on, and collaborative, with experience working across the full lifecycle of automation projects.
Essential Job Functions
  • Define functional requirements through client workshops, site assessments, and documentation analysis.
  • Develop detailed system designs, control strategies, and integration architectures for industrial automation and SCADA systems.
  • Program, configure, test, and troubleshoot PLC systems using IEC 61131-3 programming languages, including Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram (FBD), and Structured Text (ST).
  • Program, configure, test, and troubleshoot SCADA (Ignition) systems, including integration with PLCs, HMIs, databases, and third-party equipment.
  • Install and configure Ignition SCADA, including architecture design, licensing, scripting, reporting, alarm management, historian functions, and database transactions.
  • Design, configure, and implement Human Machine Interface (HMI) solutions and operator interfaces for a variety of industrial applications.
  • Develop and maintain templates, User Defined Types (UDTs), reusable code libraries, and standardized automation objects.
  • Design and implement turnkey industrial control systems utilizing PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, Remote I/O, and Distributed I/O architectures.
  • Integrate new equipment, instrumentation, and control devices into existing customer SCADA, PLC, and automation systems.
  • Configure and support server-client architectures, redundant systems, SQL databases, reporting solutions, recipe management systems, and distributed control environments.
  • Perform code development, testing, validation, and documentation for automation and control systems.
  • Coordinate and execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
  • Troubleshoot and configure industrial communication networks and protocols, including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC-UA, serial communications, and other industrial networking technologies.
  • Configure and support industrial networking infrastructure, including managed switches, VLANs, Network Address Translation (NAT), virtual networks, and secure remote connectivity solutions.
  • Integrate field devices and serial communication equipment, including barcode readers, printers, instrumentation, and RS-232/RS-485 communication networks.
  • Design, configure, and support remote access and telemetry solutions using Ethernet, industrial radios, wireless Ethernet, cellular modems, VPNs, and other remote communication technologies.
  • Support system commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and post-installation performance optimization.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and clients to ensure successful project execution and delivery.
  • Maintain flexibility to contribute across all phases of automation, controls, and SCADA system development, implementation, and support.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree (4-year) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Chemical Engineering
  • 5-8 years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering
  • Hands-on experience with ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs, as well as Ignition SCADA (including Perspective and Vision modules) and MES systems such as Rockwell/Allen-Bradley and Siemens
  • Experience with Ignition platform including installation, configuration, system architecture, licensing, scripting (Python), reporting, and database transactions
  • Strong knowledge of communication protocols including OPC (UA & DA), TCP/IP, UDP, and XML
  • Experience developing and troubleshooting templates and User Defined Types (UDTs)
  • Experience working within server-client architectures and distributed systems
  • Proven ability in code development, testing, and system validation
  • Industrial networking experience including Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, and TCP/IP
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline
  • Experience in water/wastewater or industrial process environments
  • Strong background in MES integrations
  • Advanced troubleshooting across SCADA, PLCs, and network systems
  • Experience working in full lifecycle automation project environments

Physical Demands
  • Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls.
  • Ability to perform work in a standing, stooping, sitting or bending position for extended periods of time.
  • Must have manual dexterity to operate the equipment and tools required for this position.
  • Must be able to quickly respond (with hand, finger or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it responds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 40 lbs.
  • Ability to look at computer monitors for much of the workday.

Work Environment
  • Approximately 60% Office.
  • Approximately 40% Light Industrial - May be exposed to areas of high noise levels, hazardous propellants, chemicals and industrial facilities. Appropriate PPE and training will be provided for all conditions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
This is an exempt position. Compensation is dependent on skill level. The base salary range for this position is between $98,000 and $120,000 per year. Benefits package and incentives are provided. We generally offer employees working 21 hours per work or more medical, dental, vision, along with voluntary ancillary benefits. The Company has a 401(k)-match program and has company-paid life and AD&D insurance available for eligible employees.
Cleanwater1, Inc. and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
The Cleanwater1, inc. California Employee Privacy Notice is available at https://cleanwater1.com/privacy-policy.
Cleanwater1, inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries maintain a drug-free workplace.
Pay Range: $98,000 - $120,000 per hour

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