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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Programming of control and information systems * Designing electrical control cabinets and panels * Testing the system configuration to verify functions * Travel to client site for project meetings

Wireless Control Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA

$175K - $308K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

We're looking for a Wireless Control Systems Engineer to join our cellular systems engineering team as we define and build the next generation of cellular technology. This is a rare opportunity to ...

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA

$90K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Camera Control-Systems Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Description Camera control-systems engineering involves systems-level analysis and modeling of imaging and sensing systems, modeling dynamic systems, developing robust control strategies, design and ...

Building Control Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare and maintain system documentation, including control diagrams, wiring schematics, and operation manuals • Mentor junior engineers and assist with training initiatives for staff or clients ...

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Sr Control Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Sr Control Systems Engineer you will provide support and maintain refinery/process control infrastructure including Honeywell Distributed Control Systems (DCS), virtualization environments ...

Sr Control Systems Engineer

Wilmington, CA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Sr Control Systems Engineer you will provide support and maintain refinery/process control infrastructure including Honeywell Distributed Control Systems (DCS), virtualization environments ...

Control Systems Engineer - PLC

Stockton, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

WHAT YOU GET TO DO The Control Systems Engineer - PLC provides control-system focused support to keep the Customer's automated warehouse stable and running. The role monitors and troubleshoots ...

Sr. Control Systems Engineer

Caspar, CA

$184K - $191K/yr

JOB SUMMARY This is a senior level control systems and instrumentation engineer position. The position requires strong technical ability to both perform engineering tasks and lead others, ability to ...

Showing results 21-40

Control Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$60.2K

$107.4K

$173.2K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems 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 some common challenges faced by control systems engineers in fast-paced industrial environments?

Control Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected system faults under tight deadlines, integrating new automation technologies with legacy equipment, and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including process engineers, IT specialists, and maintenance staff—is essential to address these issues efficiently. Staying current with evolving industry standards and cybersecurity practices also plays a critical role in maintaining reliable and safe control systems.

What is the difference between Control Systems Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControl Systems EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test control systems in manufacturing, automation, or robotics industriesDesign, develop, and test electrical systems in power, electronics, or communication sectors
Industry UsageCommon in automation, robotics, manufacturing, and process controlWidespread across power generation, electronics, telecommunications, and industrial sectors

Control Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining automated control systems, while Electrical Engineers work on broader electrical systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but their industry applications and daily tasks differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering along with expertise in control theory and system dynamics. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and programming languages such as ladder logic or MATLAB/Simulink is typically required, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the design, implementation, and optimization of safe, efficient, and reliable automated systems in industrial environments.

What is a control systems engineer?

Control systems engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that control and automate the operation of equipment or processes. They use principles from engineering, mathematics, and computer science to ensure that machinery and processes operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Control systems engineers work in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and automotive, where automated control and precision are essential. Their responsibilities often include creating and testing control algorithms, integrating sensors and actuators, and troubleshooting system issues.

What are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Control Systems Engineer jobs in California?

For Control Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Control Systems Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Control Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,351 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Lead Control Systems Engineer

RoviSys

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 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/information system network architectures and control strategies.
  • Serves as a technical contact for customers.
  • Has a firm competency of one or more control/information system 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 of control and information systems
  • 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/information systems
  • Experience in common platforms, preferred systems below:
    • Rockwell
    • AVEVA PI
    • Ignition
    • System Platform/InTouch
  • 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