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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

Valero

Sr Control Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$134K - $184K/yr

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

C&W Services

Control Systems Lead

Los Angeles, CA

Explain production impacts and work closely with operations and engineering to ensure a thorough understanding of impact to systems * Develop training plans for Control Systems Technicians Basic ...

Hgen

Senior/Staff Controls Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$179K - $186K/yr

As a Senior Controls Systems Engineer , you will lead the design, development, and commissioning of critical control systems that operate our electrolyzers. You will leverage your expertise in ...

Hgen

Senior/Staff Controls Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$179K - $186K/yr

As a Senior Controls Systems Engineer , you will lead the design, development, and commissioning of critical control systems that operate our electrolyzers. You will leverage your expertise in ...

SLR Search

Sr Systems Control Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$105K - $141K/yr

Join an elite team as Senior Systems Control Engineer architecting complex automation control systems and next-generation laser processing workstations. Senior Systems Control Engineer Benefits ...

Vast

Manager, Thermal Control Systems

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$154K - $219K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsControl Systems Engineer JobsControl Systems Engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Control Systems Engineer information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$66.5K

$118.7K

$191.4K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in Pasadena, CA is $118,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,600.00 and $138,000.00 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.
More about Control Systems Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA? The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Systems Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA? For Control Systems Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:
Control Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in Pasadena, CA 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 $118,653 per year, or $57 per hour.

Principal Robotic Control Systems Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$180K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Principal Robotic Control Systems Engineer
Department: Software Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Compensation: $180,000 - $235,000 / year
Description
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity's presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.
Astrolab is seeking an experienced Principal Robotic Conntrol Systems Engineer to support development of control systems for extra-terrestrial rovers such as in-house motor controller development, vehicle mobility system control, robotic arm control, and high gain communication antenna pointing control. Control system development will include initial simulation and design of vehicle control systems, control system performance analysis, gain tuning, and supporting software and integrated hardware/software development and testing.
What you'll do:
  • Define control system requirements from vehicle and subsystem level functional and performance requirements
  • Lead design, analysis, development, tuning, verification, and validation of vehicle control systems
  • Build system simulations for controller design and analysis in appropriate tools (e.g. Matlab, Simulink, Python) and mature simulations as additional test data becomes available
  • Design and prototype appropriate controllers that meet the defined requirements using simulations and control system design tools (e.g. Matlab control system toolbox)
  • Support sizing and selection of integrated robotic control system components (sensors and actuators) such as motion sensors, cameras, motor encoders, motors, and similar
  • Support (and potentially lead) development of integrated hardware/software control system testbeds and testing of prototype controllers using these testbeds
  • Analyze and tune controller performance, stability, and robustness using the system simulations, testbeds, and test data
  • Develop control system documentation and work with vehicle software team to convert controller prototypes into flight code, including supporting unit and integrated testing of flight implementations
  • Work with vehicle software team, avionics team, integration and test team to verify flight control system implementation and performance
  • Support integrated vehicle guidance, navigation, and control system simulation and performance analysis
  • Support calibration of integrated hardware/robotic control systems (e.g. robotic arm calibration)

What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM-related field
  • 15+ years of experience developing robotic control systems from concept through testing and operational deployment
  • 10+ years of experience designing, developing, testing, analyzing, and tuning robotic control systems
  • Experience developing motor controller control loops and robotic arm control systems
  • Experience building, testing, and validating control system simulation and analysis tools
  • Experience developing and executing control system test plans
  • Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, and the MATLAB Control System Toolbox or equivalent control system design software
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field
  • Experience developing robotic control systems for extraterrestrial rovers or other spaceflight applications
  • Experience designing, building, and using testbeds with flight-like hardware
  • Experience supporting control system development through flight operations
  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle
  • Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to engineers
  • Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or model-based design methodologies
  • Experience in the aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated industry

Benefits and Perks
  • Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
  • Equity ownership in the company
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO and parental leave
  • Home office set up reimbursement
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

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