ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Control System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RoviSys

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

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

CHAOS Industries

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 ...

Thermo Systems

$93K - $126K/yr

Works on a variety of control system projects. Leads individual project related tasks and/or complicated large-scale projects in their entirety. Provides engineering support on projects/tasks that ...

RoviSys

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA

$90K - $129K/yr

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

RoviSys

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

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

Analog Devices

Robotics System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Robotics System Engineer About Analog Devices Analog Devices (ADI) is launching an exciting new ... Familiarity with microcontrollers, embedded systems, and real-time control fundamentals ...

AeroVironment

System Engineer, Sr. Staff

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

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

Abbott

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 22, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,351 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Lead Control Systems Engineer

Lead Control Systems Engineer

RoviSys

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview
Works directly with customers to define functional requirements and design, configure, commission and qualify control systems.
Responsibilities
  • Owns and leads projects with small to medium sized teams for projects executed in different platforms.
  • Assists Project Manager in identifying changes in project scope and developing change orders.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the project scope and schedule.
  • Translates functional requirements to system configuration.
  • Designs control systems' network architectures and control strategies.
  • Serves as a technical contact for customers.
  • Has a firm competency of one or more control systems platforms or industrial processes.
  • Adapts to new technologies by applying learned concepts and functionality.

Day to Day Activities:
  • Interfacing with the clients in design meetings and conference calls
  • Working with the project team leading less experienced engineers and taking direction from the project manager or lead engineer
  • Programming controllers with Rockwell and Siemens
  • Designing electrical control cabinets and panels
  • Testing the system configuration to verify functions
  • Travel to client site for project meetings
  • Travel to client site for system commissioning

Qualifications
  • 2-8 years of experience in automation
  • As a minimum, must be at least proficient on one or more of the following platforms:
    • Rockwell Controllogix
    • Rockwell PlantPAx
    • Rockwell FactoryTalk View/Studio
    • Experience on other control system platforms is a plus.
  • Thorough understanding of control system design and coding
  • Self-motivated, excellent communication skills, and enjoy working with people
  • B.S. in Electrical, Chemical, or Computer Engineering or Engineering Technology or related degree

Compensation & Benefits Highlights
  • Competitive Base Salary: $90,000-$129,000, depending on experience
  • Performance Bonuses: Bonus structure designed to reward results
  • Travel Perks: Travel incentives + per-diem packages for field assignments
  • Full Benefits Package: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement Ready: 401(k) with company match
  • Time Off: Generous PTO which includes vacation, holidays, and unlimited personal time
  • Grow With Us:Ongoing training, certifications, and professional development support

Apply