ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Astrolab

Rover Control Systems Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $160K/yr

Rover Control Systems Engineer Department: Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Denise Brown Compensation: $140,000 - $160,000 / year ...

Astrolab

Rover Control Systems Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Astrolab is seeking a Rover Control Systems Engineer to support development of control systems for extra-terrestrial rovers such as vehicle mobility system control, robotic arm control, and high gain ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 25, 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 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 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 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.

Are control systems engineers in demand?

Control systems engineers are in high demand due to their role in designing and maintaining automation and control systems across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and aerospace. The growing adoption of industrial automation, robotics, and smart technologies increases employment opportunities for these engineers, especially those with skills in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and relevant certifications.
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 job categories do people searching Control Systems Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Control Systems Engineer jobs in Pasadena, CA 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,653 per year, or $57 per hour.

Rover Control Systems Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site, Remote

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Rover Control Systems Engineer
Department: Software Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Reporting To: Denise Brown
Compensation: $140,000 - $160,000 / year
Description
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on - rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Astrolab is seeking a Rover Control Systems Engineer to support development of control systems for extra-terrestrial rovers such as 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.
Note: Some travel may be required for this position
What you'll do:
  • Work with stakeholders to define control system requirements from vehicle and subsystem level functional and performance requirements
  • Support design, analysis, develop, tune, verification, and validation of vehicle control systems
  • Build system simulations for controller design, analysis and tuning 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
  • 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
  • Support calibration of integrated hardware/robotic control systems (e.g. robotic arm calibration)

What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field
  • 5+ years of robotic control system development
  • Experience building, testing, and validating control system simulation and analysis tools

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience analyzing and tuning performance of robotic control systems
  • Experience working with testbeds for testing control systems on flight-like hardware
  • Experience with Matlab/Simulink and Matlab control systems toolbox or equivalent control system design and analysis software

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

Apply