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Controls And Automation Engineer Jobs in California

Semiserve

Controls & Automation Engineer

Concord, CA

$110K - $140K/yr

PTS Advance is looking for a Automation Engineer specializing in industrial automation, controls, SCADA systems. Essential job requires both office and field environments. The position entails some ...

Amazon

Automation Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

As an Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

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Controls And Automation Engineer information

What is the difference between Controls And Automation Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls And Automation EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, control systems, or automation engineering; certifications like PLC programming or control system design are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure may be required for certain roles
Work EnvironmentDesigning, programming, and testing control systems in manufacturing, industrial, or automation settingsDesigning electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry in various industries
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automation, and process control industriesWidespread across power, construction, manufacturing, and consulting sectors

Controls And Automation Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems and automation solutions, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope including power systems and electrical infrastructure. Both roles require electrical knowledge but differ in specialization and application areas.

What is a controls and automation engineer?

Controls and Automation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that automate processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Their main goal is to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability by implementing control systems like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and robotics. They work closely with other engineering disciplines to integrate hardware and software solutions, troubleshoot system issues, and ensure optimal operation of automated processes. These engineers play a vital role in modern industrial settings by enabling advanced automation and data-driven decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls and automation engineer?

To thrive as a Controls and Automation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation systems, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial network protocols is essential, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges controls and automation engineers face when integrating new systems into existing processes?

One common challenge Controls and Automation Engineers encounter is ensuring that new automation systems are compatible with existing legacy equipment and processes. This often requires careful planning, extensive testing, and sometimes custom interface development to avoid disruptions in production. Additionally, balancing the need for increased automation with maintaining system reliability and safety standards can be complex. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as IT, production, and maintenance, is crucial to address these integration hurdles effectively.
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Controls And Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls And Automation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Controls & Automation Engineer

Uponor North America

Irwindale, CA • On-site

$86K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Summary:
The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and supporting automated control systems used in manufacturing and industrial operations. This role ensures equipment reliability, optimizes performance, and supports continuous improvement initiatives through advanced control strategies, PLC programming, HMI development, and system troubleshooting.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, and maintain automated control systems utilizing PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent), including programming, debugging, and modifying Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text to support new equipment, system upgrades, and process improvements.

  • Develop and maintain electrical controls documentation, including electrical schematics, I/O lists, control panel layouts, and related system documentation required for machine builds, automation projects, and test cells.

  • Design, implement, and validate automated test and manufacturing systems, including fixture integration, instrumentation, data acquisition, and system verification activities to support production and engineering requirements.

  • Perform system commissioning, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis for PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, VFDs, servos, sensors, actuators, and associated hardware to ensure reliable equipment operation and performance.

  • Complete Role Standard Work and deliver all other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Proficient in PLC programming utilizing Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text. Preferably familiar with Allen-Bradley Studio 5000/RSLogix, Siemens TIA Portal.

  • Core familiarity or hands-on experience with NI LabVIEW and hardware architectures (cRIO, cDAQ) highly preferred.

  • Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, PROFINET) and integrating hardware components such as VFDs, servos, sensors, and actuators.

  • Analytical mindset for root-cause analysis on equipment reliability and process capability.

  • Ability to read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and I/O wiring diagrams.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively translate complex technical issues and software changes for non-software engineers and operations teams.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

  • 3 to 5+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing or production environment focusing on industrial automated controls, system integration, or automated test development.

Preferred Certification(s):
  • Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 / ControlLogix certification

  • Siemens TIA Portal / SIMATIC programming certification

  • ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or equivalent industrial controls certification

  • Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) or higher.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
  • While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.

  • The employee is frequently required to sit.

  • The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk

  • The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

  • While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.

  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary Range: 81k-122k + Bonus
Please submit your application via the 'Apply' button.

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