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Control System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Control Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

CHAOS is seeking a skilled Control Systems Engineer to join our hardware engineering team. In this ... Design and develop HIL test benches for full effector system integration, including flight ...

Control Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

CHAOS is seeking a skilled Control Systems Engineer to join our hardware engineering team. In this ... Design and develop HIL test benches for full effector system integration, including flight ...

Translates functional requirements to system configuration. * Designs control systems' network ... Programming controllers with Rockwell and Siemens * Designing electrical control cabinets and ...

Translates functional requirements to system configuration. * Designs control systems' network ... Programming controllers with Rockwell and Siemens * Designing electrical control cabinets and ...

Translates functional requirements to system configuration. * Designs control systems' network ... Programming controllers with Rockwell and Siemens * Designing electrical control cabinets and ...

Our work includes advanced sensors, autonomous systems, mission command and control software, AI ... We are seeking a Systems Engineer to support systems and system-of-systems engineering efforts ...

System Engineer, Sr. Staff

Simi Valley, CA

$107K - $147K/yr

Support technical baseline management, software release planning, and configuration control ... Experience leading systems engineering activities across the product lifecycle, including ...

System engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$65 - $68/hr

The Systems Engineer is a senior-level individual contributor responsible for leading and executing ... Working knowledge of design control, configuration management, defect tracking, and change ...

Designs control/information system network architectures and control strategies. * Serves as a ... Programming of control and information systems * Designing electrical control cabinets and panels

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior control system engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and advanced certifications can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or large-scale manufacturing. Such roles often involve leadership responsibilities, complex project management, and working with advanced control technologies and software tools.

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 does a control system engineer do?

A control system engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that manage machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation. They analyze system requirements, create control algorithms, and use tools like PLCs and SCADA systems to ensure efficient and safe operation. Strong knowledge of engineering principles, programming, and system testing is essential for this role.

How much do control engineers get paid?

Control System Engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can increase with specialized skills in automation, PLC programming, and certifications such as Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST).

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Control System Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can reach salaries of $300,000 or more, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or oil and gas. Senior engineers with leadership roles, specialized expertise, and working in competitive markets are more likely to achieve this level of compensation.

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:
Infographic showing various Control System Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,351 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Senior Control System Architect

Senior Control System Architect

Stantec

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Stantec rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work to meet that need, they're facing new, more complex challenges every day. Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and a vision for sustainable growth. Every day, we're helping communities improve, reuse, and protect our world's most precious resource.
Join our team to deliver transformational projects that will benefit future generations. Grow with us, H2O+U.
Your Opportunity
We are seeking a skilled Senior Control System Architect to design, develop, and maintain software for controlling mechanical and electrical systems. 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 Senior Control System Architect professional preferably should also have an Operational Technology (OT) background and want to be part of a purpose-driven organization that is focused on helping our clients, colleagues and communities thrive. Operational technology (OT) is hardware and software that detects or causes a change, through the direct monitoring and/or control of industrial equipment, assets, processes, and events.
Our people are Stantec's most valuable resource, and in joining our team you will be able to leverage your career experiences and expertise in Cybersecurity applied to pumping stations, water treatment, and wastewater treatment infrastructure within a culture that values inclusion, celebrates shared success, and applauds ambition.
Stantec is at the forefront of the water industry, delivering thousands of projects for hundreds of communities globally. Our purpose is to conceive and develop the most impactful water projects that improve the health, quality of life and sustainability of the communities we live in and serve. We are always looking at what is next in the industry and bring innovative approaches to even the most complex projects. Stantec is working with multiple utilities in North America to develop innovative, sustainable, and efficient solutions to their needs. Want to work with great clients on impactful projects alongside some of the industry's top changemakers? Join our growing team and apply today.
Your Key Responsibilities
DO: Project Delivery
  • Design and write software for control systems using languages such as C/C++, Python, Java and/or C#.
  • Test and debug control system software to ensure functionality and reliability.
  • Collaborate with engineers and other professionals to understand operational requirements.
  • Modify and upgrade existing control system software as needed.
  • Document all software modifications and upgrades for future reference.
  • Assist with the installation, configuration, and calibration of control systems.
  • Lead and support the hardware design and software configuration of high-availability server configurations, cyber security and network implementation.
  • Maintain the integrity and security of control system software.
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting for control systems.
  • Stay updated on advancements and best practices in control system programming and vendor system configurations.
  • Use and maintain software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information.

BUILD: Supervise and Mentor Young Professionals
  • Mentor developing professionals to guide their career development objectives.
  • Review team's work and provide technical guidance on design approach and challenges.
  • Perform on technically complex projects and act as a technical resource by providing guidance to other team members.
  • Recognize when technical problems develop and initiate guidance for corrective actions.
  • Provide technical support to the Business Center Practice Leader to further the growth of Stantec's North American business.
  • Conduct work in a safe manner and promote health and safety within the office and outside of the office while visiting clients and job sites.

WIN: Support Business Development Activities
  • Assist the Business Center Practice Leader and other Client Account Managers with developing new work in North America specifically related to OT and Control System projects. Lead and assist with proposals and with preparing the technical aspects for project interviews conducted by clients.
  • Develop positive relationships with clients in North America earn their confidence and become their trusted adviser.
  • Participate in local and national professional associations. Actively participate by seeking leadership roles in the organization and presenting at conferences
  • Participate in building and maintaining vendor relationships and agreements.

Your Capabilities and Credentials
Leadership:
  • Skilled team player capable of building relationships both internally and externally
  • Skilled communicator in both oral and written communications
  • Skilled at building consensus and cooperation with staff at all skill levels
  • Skilled at inspiring, motivating, and holding team accountable for delivery for innovative design solutions.

Technical Expertise:
  • Experience with PLC, SCADA, and/or DCS systems.
  • Familiarity with industrial automation and control systems.
  • Experience with on/off-prem cloud based and IIOT solutions is a plus.
  • Understanding of network protocols and cybersecurity principles. Experienced in the design computer-based OT Systems specifically for water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants or related industry.
  • Experienced in the maintenance of OT System security for large local or federal government and municipal agencies or related industry.

Education and Experience:
  • Minimum of ten years of applicable technical experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. MS preferred.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer preferred.
  • Proven experience in control system programming.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, C#, or Java.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Knowledge of the software development life cycle (SDLC).
  • Must have good driving record and valid driver's license.

Office setting with occasional site visits. Travel to client sites and vendor facilities is anticipated.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.
Pay Range:
• Locations in NYC & CA (Bay Area) & NJ (RP) - Min Salary $ 136,300.00 - Max Salary $ 204,400.00
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements
Primary Location: United States | CA | Irvine
Organization: BC-1840 Water-US Pacific
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: Yes
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 09/09/2025 05:09:33
Req ID: REQ250001P9
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.

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