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

Systems Engineer - Firmware & Instrument Control Company: Picarro Location: Santa Clara, CA Education: Bachelor's Degree Required (Advanced degree preferred) Position Overview Picarro is seeking a ...

Systems Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Systems Engineer - Firmware & Instrument Control Company: Picarro Location: Santa Clara, CA Education: Bachelor's Degree Required (Advanced degree preferred) Position Overview Picarro is seeking a ...

Showing results 21-40

Control Systems Engineer information

See Pleasanton, CA salary details

$67.9K

$121.1K

$195.3K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in Pleasanton, CA is $121,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $140,800.00 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in Pleasanton, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,057 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer, Vehicle Body Control Systems

Waymo

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$196K - $242K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver-The World's Most Experienced Driver™-to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
Hardware Engineering is an innovative and collaborative group of electrical, mechanical, reliability, software and vehicle engineers. We design, build, and perfect the products which are the eyes and ears of Waymo's autonomous driving technology, and integrate those products into vehicle platforms. We're seeking curious and talented teammates to keep us moving in the right direction.
This role follows a hybrid work schedule and you will report to a Systems Engineering Manager.
You will:
  • Define OEM Requirements & Architecture: Collaborate with internal product teams and external OEM partners to author requirements for vehicle Body Control systems, network architectures, and functional safety interfaces
  • Develop Embedded Software/Hardware Specifications: Write detailed requirements for internal embedded software and hardware adjacencies to implement Body Control functions (e.g., doors, locks, windows, HVAC, lighting, and SDS interfaces)
  • Lead Core Feature Development: Drive the development, power mode management, and digital key architecture from initial target-setting through to verification and validation against program milestones
  • Execute Verification & Validation (V&V): Create V&V plans, execute tests, analyze data, and troubleshoot field/prototype defects across various platform phases, leveraging operations teams for resolution
  • Bridge Engineering & Implementation: Work closely with embedded software teams during implementation, authoring and updating architecture design documents to ensure all requirements are met
  • Manage Fleet Delivery & Integration: Track and manage the delivery timing of feature sets and software updates to the vehicle prototype fleet, resolving troubleshooting issues to meet capability targets

You have:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or similar
  • At least 3 years experience in an automotive (or similar industry) Body Controls and software role delivering hardware and/or software
  • Working knowledge of vehicle communication network systems (CAN, FlexRay, LIN, Ethernet, etc.)
  • Experience with body control systems such as doors, interior/exterior lighting, windows, seats, switchgear, etc
  • Experience mapping out architectures and drafting requirements for complex vehicle systems
  • Rigorous mindset and an attention to detail, to ensure gaps and flow-downs are fully covered

We prefer:
  • Deep experience with Body Control systems, related software, and vehicle hardware
  • Experience creating & negotiating requirements with automotive partners and OEMs
  • Create and execute effective test / design validation plans
  • A strong root-cause analysis mindset to problem solving
  • A hands-on attitude to testing & verification

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
Salary Range
$196,000-$242,000 USD