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Controls Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the role Job Summary The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of plant buildings and machinery. This role ensures that engineering solutions ...

About the role Job Summary The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of plant buildings and machinery. This role ensures that engineering solutions ...

Memory Control Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115.60 - $173.40/hr

Job Overview QCT Memory Controller Design Team is looking for ASIC Design Engineers for the next generation high‑speed DDR Controllers. The front‑end of the DDR controller interfaces to the rest ...

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 ...

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 ...

Controls Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Summary Are you an Electrical Design Engineer with 24 years of experience in lighting design ... Design power systems (normal, emergency, and renewable), lighting systems and controls, and low ...

Electrical Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90 - $115/hr

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 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.

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.

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 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 cities in California are hiring for Controls Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Controls Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,885 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Motor Control Design Engineer

Sulzer AG

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

About the role Job Summary
The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of plant buildings and machinery. This role ensures that engineering solutions meet operational, safety, and environmental standards while supporting continuous improvement in plant infrastructure and equipment.
This job profile is intended for experienced professionals who apply practical knowledge of a job area and work independently with general supervision.

Position Summary:

This position operates within the Order Related Engineering (ORE) department and is responsible for designing Sales Order specific motor control electrical schematics and entering the associated bill of material (BOM) into the ERP system. This position closely works with Project Engineer to support the submittal package and provide electrical expertise to the customers. Upon approval of the submittal package, this position is accountable for generating part numbers in the ERP system and releasing the finalized package to production. Furthermore, this position provides electrical engineering expertise to Tendering and Operations by reviewing project specifications and offering recommendations


Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Review project scope and specifications. Collaborate with Mechanical Engineer to organize hand-off meetings as necessary to ensure alignment and clarity.
  • Design motor control electrical schematics to support production sales orders by reading and understanding specifications, quotes, purchase orders, or company scope worksheets.
  • Enter parts and create assemblies of the motor control designs in the ERP system for procurement and production electrical assembly.
  • Support Project Engineer with motor control design documentation required for sales order submittal packages.
  • Check sales order specific electrical schematics (Drawings and BOM) created by other team members in ORE.
  • Provides electrical review of specifications for Tendering, as assigned by ORE Manager.
  • Provides electrical review and support to other departments, as assigned by ORE Manager
  • Provide electrical support to field service technicians during installation and acceptance of products.
  • Perform additional duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Education & Experience:

Required:

Associate's degree in electrical design with 5+ years of experience in motor control design.

Desired:

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with 2+ years of experience in motor control design.

Skills:

Required:

  • CAD Experience in electrical schematic design
  • ERP System Experience
  • Ability to use technology and analysis tools (Excel, Outlook, web, databases).

Desired: AutoCAD Electrical and Vault

Knowledge of NEC Code


Decision Authority:

Accountability: Position is accountable for ensuring the accuracy and OTD of submittal package, fabrication drawings and Visual BOM updates. It is also accountable to maintain compliance with company standards and its safety policies

Responsibility: This position is responsible for making decisions related to electrical design, drawing creation, BOM verification and co-ordination between different departments. Also responsible for collaborating with Project Engineer during submittal approval process and support Operations.

Delegation: May delegate tasks such as Drawing checks and BOM verification to other team members within the ORE department, under the guidance of ORE Manager.

Approval Process: This position is responsible for approving electrical components and drawings before release to production. Collaborate with Project Engineer in the customer approval process for Submittal packages.

Consensus: Required to participate in consensus decision-making during cross-functional meetings such as Tendering and Operations to ensure alignment.

Automated Decisions: Utilizes Visual system and design tools such as AutoCAD Electrical and Vault to support decision-making related to component selection, BOM creation, and workflow updates.


Measured by: (Key Performance Managements):

Quality:

  • On-time Delivery (OTD) of Submittal Package
  • Accuracy of submittal package.
  • Accuracy of electrical schematics.
  • Accuracy of bill of materials (BOM).
  • Accuracy within Workflow ERP.

Timeliness & Collaboration:

  • Adherence to data management procedures.
  • Adherence to company's attendance requirements and its safety policies.
  • Ability to work with others in department.
  • Ability to work with others outside of department.
What we offer you

Salary: $90K - $95K

What We Offer You

  • 15 days of paid time off and 12 company-paid holidays
  • 401k plan with a 6% match
  • Comprehensive health plan including medical, dental, vision, Life, short-term & long-term disability
  • Health savings account matching
  • Motivating wellness program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid paternal leave
  • Gym reimbursement


Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.