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Controls Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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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 Jun 11, 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:
Model Based Design Test Engineer - Controls Verification

Model Based Design Test Engineer - Controls Verification

Lucid Motors

Newark, CA

$128K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Lucid Motors rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Leading the future in luxury electric and mobility
At Lucid, we set out to introduce the most captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend the perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence. Vehicles that are intuitive, liberating, and designed for the future of mobility.
 
We plan to lead in this new era of luxury electric by returning to the fundamentals of great design where every decision we make is in service of the individual and environment. Because when you are no longer bound by convention, you are free to define your own experience.
 
Come work alongside some of the most accomplished minds in the industry. Beyond providing competitive salaries, were providing a community for innovators who want to make an immediate and significant impact. If you are driven to create a better, more sustainable future, then this is the right place for you.

Job Title: Model Based Design Test Engineer - Controls Verification

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Test Engineer to join our team focused on Software-In-Loop (SIL) testing for Thermal Management Systems or Vehicle Powertrain Control Modules. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in embedded systems testing, automotive control systems, and simulation environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, develop, and execute SIL test cases for thermal or powertrain control software.

Work closely with software developers and system engineers to understand functional requirements and translate them into test scenarios.

Develop and maintain test automation scripts and test benches using tools like MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE, ETAS, Synopsys Silver or equivalent.

Analyze test results, identify root causes of failures, and document issues clearly.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure test coverage and quality standards.

Support continuous integration and regression testing pipelines.

Participate in model-in-the-loop (MIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing when required.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

3+ years of experience in SIL testing or embedded software verification in the automotive domain.

Strong understanding of vehicle thermal systems or powertrain control strategies.

Hands-on experience with MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE, Synopsys Silver, or similar simulation tools.

Experience in Integrating System Plant Model with Application Software for closed loop simulation testing.

Experience using Lauterbach Trace 32 debugger, TASKING, GCC Compiler

Familiarity with CAN, Ethernet, LIN, UDS protocols and automotive diagnostics.

Proficient in scripting languages such as Python, CAPL, or Shell.

Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with AUTOSAR architecture and ISO 26262 safety standards.

Knowledge of continuous integration tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD.

Exposure to vehicle calibration tools (INCA, CANape).

Experience with model-based development and control algorithm testing.

Salary Range: The compensation range for this position is specific to the locations listed below and is the range Lucid reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; and other relevant business and organizational factors.
 
Additional Compensation and Benefits: Lucid offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in Lucids equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.  (Cash or equity incentive awards, if any, will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and company performance.)
Base Pay Range (Annual)
$128,800—$177,100 USD

Additional Compensation and Benefits: Lucid offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in Lucids equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.  (Cash or equity incentive awards, if any, will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and company performance.)

By Submitting your application, you understand and agree that your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice. If you are a California resident, please refer to our California Candidate Privacy Notice.

To all recruitment agencies: Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our careers alias or other Lucid Motors employees. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 
 

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About Lucid Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lucid Motors is a highly innovative electric vehicle manufacturer located in Newark, CA, USA. Primarily engaged in the automotive industry, its mission is to elevate electric vehicles' standing and transform the way people travel. The company was founded in 2007 by Bernard Tse and Sam Weng as Atieva, a name under which it initially focused on battery technology. However, it pivoted towards automotive manufacturing and rebranded as Lucid Motors in 2016. The company is committed to making luxury, sustainable electric vehicles that break norms and set new standards with top-notch technology and engineering. Their mission aligns with their core values, which are centered around innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Notably, Lucid Motors launched the Lucid Air in 2020, an all-electric sedan well-received for its advanced features and impressive mileage.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newark, CA, US

Year founded

2007