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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Long Beach, CA (NOW HIRING)

Vast is seeking a Manager, Thermal Control Systems reporting to the Director, Thermal Environmental ... In this role, you will guide a small team of mechanical engineers while also contributing directly ...

Systems Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Systems Engineer Element: Systems Engineering Manager: Lead Systems Engineer Type: Full-Time ... The candidate will collaborate with the Science Instrument Teams to update their Interface Control ...

Senior Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

KBR is seeking a Senior level Systems Engineer in El Segundo, CA to support end-to-end kill chain analysis for Space Control programs in El Segundo, CA. The successful candidate will be responsible ...

Showing results 41-60

Control Systems Engineer information

See Long Beach, CA salary details

$64.1K

$114.4K

$184.5K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in Long Beach, CA is $114,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,300.00 and $133,000.00 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 Long Beach, CA?

The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Long Beach, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Control Systems Engineer jobs in Long Beach, CA?

For Control Systems Engineer jobs in Long Beach, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Control Systems Engineer jobs in Long Beach, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Control Systems Engineer jobs in Long Beach, CA are:

What cities near Long Beach, CA are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Long Beach, CA with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in Long Beach, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,375 per year, or $55 per hour.

Manager, Thermal Control Systems

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$154K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Vast is seeking a Manager, Thermal Control Systems reporting to the Director, Thermal Environmental and Life Support Systems to lead the development of the thermal and fluid systems that enable artificial gravity and long-term human habitation in space. In this role, you will guide a small team of mechanical engineers while also contributing directly to system architecture, design, and test. You will shape mission-critical hardware that must operate flawlessly in orbit and play a key role in advancing human-rated spaceflight. 
This full-time, exempt role is based in Long Beach, CA.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

  • Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers responsible for thermal and fluid system hardware.
  • Set technical direction, prioritize development efforts, and foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
  • Provide guidance on design decisions, analyses, and test plans, ensuring high-quality engineering outputs.
  • Manage workloads, support professional development, and ensure on-time execution of deliverables.

Technical Ownership

  • Own the architecture and performance of thermal control system hardware, including tubing, trays, and fluid loops.
  • Lead hardware through its full lifecycle-from design trades through manufacturing, qualification, launch prep, and on-orbit operation.
  • Drive rapid prototyping and iterative testing to mature designs in a fast-paced environment.
  • Oversee systems engineering tasks, including analyses, requirements, and cross-team integration (i.e. Avionics, Software, Mission Operations, etc.)
  • Lead internal and external design reviews and ensure hardware meets human-rated reliability and safety requirements.
  • Ensure manufacturable, production-ready designs and collaborate closely with technicians, manufacturing engineers, and integration teams.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline
  • Experience working with fluid systems
  • 5+ years of hands-on hardware experience (fabrication, assembly, and/or testing)
  • 1+ year leading or mentoring engineers

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Leadership experience in a fast-paced hardware development environment
  • Ownership of mechanical or fluid systems across multiple development phases
  • Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
  • First-principles engineering and ability to guide team-level trade studies
  • Experience with rotating machinery
  • Proficiency in NX, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
  • Structural analysis experience (hand calcs, FEMAP, ANSYS)
  • Familiarity with machining, welding, brazing, and tube bending
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills in a mission-driven environment

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to travel up to 5%
  • Willingness to support occasional evening or weekend work during critical mission phases

Pay Range: 

  • Manager, Thermal Control Systems: $154980 - $219996