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Control System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Sr. Control System Integration Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$196K - $203K/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 ...

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 ...

Stantec

Senior Control System Architect

Pasadena, CA · On-site

The ideal candidate will have experience with various programming languages, a strong understanding of control systems, network design, cyber security practices and virtualized server systems. This ...

Ouster

System Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Manage system engineering artifacts and documentation within version control repositories such as Git. * Demonstrate hands-on experience with the complete lifecycle of a functionally safe sensing ...

Ouster

System Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Manage system engineering artifacts and documentation within version control repositories such as Git. * Demonstrate hands-on experience with the complete lifecycle of a functionally safe sensing ...

Bechtel

$200K - $208K/yr

PLC and Remote IO control system design * Design/layout of plant control rooms * Location ... Demonstrated design and engineering experience in mining, processing plant or oil and gas ...

Stantec

Senior Control System Architect

Irvine, CA · On-site

$151K - $227K/yr

The ideal candidate will have experience with various programming languages, a strong understanding of control systems, network design, cyber security practices and virtualized server systems. This ...

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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 Jul 2, 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 are Control System Engineers?

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Control System Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in automation, robotics, or software development can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often found in industries like aerospace, defense, or large manufacturing firms, especially for those in senior or managerial roles.

What does a control system engineer do?

A control system engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated systems that regulate machinery and processes. They analyze system requirements, create control algorithms, and use tools like PLCs and SCADA software to ensure optimal performance and safety. This role often requires knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and software engineering principles, along with troubleshooting skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Control System Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and specialized certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or large-scale manufacturing. Senior engineers often have leadership roles, advanced degrees, and expertise in programming, system integration, and project management that contribute to higher compensation.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Control System Engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or oil and gas can reach annual salaries of $500,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working on complex projects, requiring expertise in automation, programming, and system integration, along with long hours or on-site responsibilities.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,351 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Sr. Control System Integration Engineer

Sr. Control System Integration Engineer

Apple

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$196K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 666 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Join a team of passionate and creative engineers dedicated to building technologies that will shape the future. One of Apple's R&D groups is currently seeking a senior control system integration engineer. 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 mechanisms, sensors, and electronics. This highly cross-functional team is working hands on to prototype and develop unique control systems. We are looking for passionate and creative individuals to push the performance bounds of complex system.
Description
In this role you will partner with control algorithm developers, mechanical and power electronics engineers to build, test and validate highly customized control system for unique applications.
Responsibilities include:
-Prototype, develop, bring-up, debug and characterize new control techniques on real hardware - Perform rapid integration and validation of complex prototypes
- Perform tuning, calibration and testing of control system in large scale
- Perform failure analysis and problem solving
- Communicate progress cross-functionally (written, verbal, and presentation)
- Travel to supplier facilities and manufacturing sites for build activity support, production validation and issues resolution
Minimum Qualifications
MS or PhD in Engineering + minimum of 8 years of industry experience
Strong knowledge in control engineering, sensor technology, digital signal processing, integration and validation
Experience in test and debug of physical systems (hardware/software/algorithms)
Coding skills in C/C++, Matlab/Simulink and/or Python
Confident with source control (eg. Git) on multi developer projects
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with embedded systems testing, analysis and bringup
Experience with high volume mass production
Knowledge of Field Oriented Control (FOC) techniques
Strong in data analytics, root cause analysis with emphasis on data introspection
Skill in code deployment on real time target systems such as dSPACE, Speedgoat, or National Instruments HW systems
Experience with serial communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, LIN, UART, SPI, I2C, BISS, etc...

What Apple employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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