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Controls Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Visium Resources, Inc.

Senior Controls Engineer

Anaheim, CA

$101K - $134K/yr

Lead and execute the design, development, revision, and management of all automation/BMS system ... Mentor controls engineers, operations, and technical staff, providing training on best practices ...

ACCO Engineered Systems

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA

$40 - $50/hr

Understanding of applications engineering including psychrometrics, refrigeration, acoustics, and controls systems * Assist with coordination of design and installation with Project Management ...

ACCO Engineered Systems

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Understanding of applications engineering including psychrometrics, refrigeration, acoustics, and controls systems * Assist with coordination of design and installation with Project Management ...

Legence

Electrical Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Collaborate with project teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions. * Assist with lighting circuiting and lighting controls design. * Utilize AutoCAD and Revit MEP for design documentation.

Cybercoders

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

Controls Engineer Controls Engineer Position Overview We are seeking a Controls Engineer to design ... Design and program DDC control sequences for HVAC systems to meet project specifications and energy ...

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AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Salary: $115,000 - $130,000 Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients ... Provide input for BMS design documentation, including a sequence of operations, points lists ...

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AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients first by offering the most ... Provide input for BMS design documentation, including a sequence of operations, points lists ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Roseville, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $125K/yr

Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents * Work at customer ... logic programming, experience with instrumentation, and controls design SCADA (ie. Rockwell ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer About Us Our mission is to always put our clients first by offering the most ... Provide input for BMS design documentation, including a sequence of operations, points lists ...

Flow Control Group

Design Engineer

Placentia, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Clayton Controls About Us: Clayton Controls is a premier provider of automation solutions ... Minimum of 5 years of Design Engineering experience is preferred Additional Information Regarding ...

flowcontrol

Design Engineer

Clayton, CA · On-site

Minimum of 5 years of Design Engineering experience is preferred Additional Information Regarding ... Clayton Controls reserves the right, at any time, with or without notice, to modify or change job ...

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All JobsControls Design Engineer JobsControls Design Engineer Jobs in California

Controls Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.2K

$90.9K

$116.5K

How much do controls design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls design engineer in California is $90,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Controls Design Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Controls Design Engineers frequently work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with the overall machinery or process. They often participate in design reviews, coordinate interface requirements, and troubleshoot issues that arise during system integration. Clear communication and teamwork are essential, as controls must align with both hardware constraints and operational objectives. This collaborative environment fosters learning and can open doors for career advancement into project management or specialized technical roles.

What does a Controls Design Engineer do?

A Controls Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They create schematics, select control components, and program controllers to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely. Their work often involves collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate complex automation solutions. Additionally, they troubleshoot existing systems and optimize performance to meet project requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, control systems, and automation, generally supported by a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with PLC programming, CAD software (such as AutoCAD or EPLAN), and relevant industry certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and address complex technical challenges. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable design of automation systems that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What is the difference between Controls Design Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls Design EngineerElectrical Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing control systems for automation and machineryDesigning electrical systems, circuits, and components for various applications
CertificationsOften requires PLC, automation, or control system certificationsTypically requires electrical engineering licensure or degrees
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation firms, industrial settingsPower plants, electronics companies, consulting firms
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower, electronics, construction

Controls Design Engineers focus on creating control systems for automation and machinery, often requiring specialized certifications. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, designing electrical circuits and systems across various industries. While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Controls Design Engineers specialize in automation controls, making their work more application-specific.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Design Engineer jobs in California? For Controls Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Controls Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Controls Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Design Engineer jobs in CA? For Controls Design Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Controls Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Design Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,885 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Guidance Navigation Controls Manager 2

Guidance Navigation Controls Manager 2

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) has an exciting career opportunity for a Guidance Navigation Controls Manager 2 to join our team of qualified individuals working at our Research and Advanced Design, Engineering Integration and Execution team. This hands-on leadership position is located onsite in Rancho Bernardo, CA.
As an engineering manager of a Flight Sciences and Vehicle Controls section, you will be a functional manager reporting to the Flight Sciences & Vehicle Controls Department of the Research and Advanced Design, Engineering Integration and Execution team in the Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector. You will be responsible for the people, processes, tools, and technology to meet the current and future Flight Controls design analysis needs of unclassified and classified programs in Rancho Bernardo, California. In this role, you will support program activity and perform the functional management role at approx. 20% and concurrent ~80% engineering responsibilities.
Essential Functions:
  • Provide technical oversight to a discipline team of Guidance Navigation & Controls (GNC) engineers, provide technical oversight across the sector, including independent reviews of major programs, support of proposal, and identification of technology needs
  • Manage a team of engineers supporting people, processes, tools, and technology
  • Provide Guidance Navigation & Controls (GNC) technical and programmatic guidance to programs
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to team members
  • Coordinate staffing with IPTs and support staffing processes, review resumes, conduct interviews, and grow and maintain critical skillsets
  • Establish and maintain processes, design manuals, and common tools for programs across the discipline Center of Technical Excellence (COTE)
  • Identify capital assets, indirect, and training budgets required for personnel to perform statements of work
  • Facilitate and promote improvement initiatives, and share any lessons learned and best practices between programs and engineering teams
  • Administer Quarterly Connections performance reviews, bonus plan, and salary review processes in conjunction with program IPT leaders and the Flight Sciences and Vehicle Controls leadership team
  • Interface with customers to define study areas and report status on current programs and technology development efforts
  • May interface with management and technical teams to define business relationships and technology initiatives for both IRAD (Internal Research and Development) and CRAD (Contractual Research and Development) efforts

Our leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer: setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 9 years of relevant professional/military experience; OR Master's degree in a relevant STEM discipline and 7 years of relevant professional/military experience
  • Must have prior leadership experience within an engineering team environment
  • Must have a background in and demonstrated experience with Flight Sciences and Vehicle Controls Design & Analysis
  • Must have Guidance Navigation & Controls (GNC) knowledge with experience analyzing either subsonic, supersonic, or hypersonic aircraft or missile systems
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance prior to start
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Current, in-scope Secret clearance (or higher) (Highly preferred)
  • Experience in technical leadership and guidance to Flight Sciences & Vehicle Controls discipline areas
  • Experience in Flight Sciences & Vehicle Controls processes and products throughout the program life cycle
  • Demonstrated ability to and/or experience leading an engineering or cross-functional team

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,100.00 - $241,700.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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