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Controls Developer Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Estimator

Merced, CA · Hybrid

$135K - $155K/yr

... engineering, controls, and energy analysis. A growing backlog of retrofit and energy work across these markets makes this a long-horizon seat rather than a project-to-project hire. This is a senior ...

Build evaluation harnesses and benchmark infrastructure, with held-out sets and contamination controls, so results are trustworthy * Read eval signal and training curves to determine whether a change ...

Build evaluation harnesses and benchmark infrastructure, with held-out sets and contamination controls, so results are trustworthy * Read eval signal and training curves to determine whether a change ...

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Controls Developer information

See Merced, CA salary details

$20

$35

$51

How much do controls developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls developer in Merced, CA is $35.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.48 and $40.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls developer?

A Controls Developer is an engineer or software specialist who designs, develops, and implements control systems for machines, manufacturing processes, or automated equipment. They work with hardware and software to create systems that monitor and adjust variables like temperature, speed, or pressure to ensure optimal operation. Controls Developers typically use programming languages such as PLC programming, C, or Python, and may work closely with electrical and mechanical engineers. Their work is crucial for industries like manufacturing, automotive, and robotics.

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

To thrive as a Controls Developer, you need a strong background in control systems engineering, programming (such as PLC, HMI, or SCADA), and a relevant degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering. Familiarity with automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens), industrial networking, and certifications like ISA CAP or related vendor credentials are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills ensure the efficient design, implementation, and maintenance of automated processes critical to industrial and manufacturing operations.

What are some common challenges controls developers face during the integration phase of a project?

Controls Developers often encounter challenges when integrating control systems with existing machinery or new equipment. Issues such as hardware-software compatibility, communication protocol mismatches, and unexpected system behaviors can arise. Effective troubleshooting, thorough documentation, and close collaboration with electrical engineers and machine operators are crucial for resolving these integration hurdles. Being proactive in testing and validation can help ensure seamless deployment and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Controls Developer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControls DeveloperAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering; certifications like PLC or SCADA are commonSimilar credentials; often holds engineering degrees and certifications in automation or control systems
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, or facilities with automation systemsManufacturing, process industries, or any environment involving automated processes
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, automation service providers, industrial facilitiesIndustrial companies, system integrators, and automation solution providers
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Controls Developers and Automation Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often collaborating on automation projects. While Controls Developers focus on designing and programming control systems, Automation Engineers may have a broader role including system integration and process optimization. Both roles are vital in industrial automation, with overlapping skills and industry usage.

Is controls engineering in high demand?

Controls engineering is in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, automation, and energy, as companies seek to improve efficiency and integrate advanced control systems. Professionals with skills in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and automation tools are particularly sought after, often leading to strong job growth and competitive salaries.

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Controls Developer jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Controls Developer job openings:

Senior Quality Operations Specialist - Location Flexible

Mariposa, CA • Hybrid

$169K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID # 172738 

Job Category: Compliance / Risk / Quality Assurance; Engineering / Science; Maintenance / Construction / Operations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Strategy & Growth

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Oakland; Alameda; Alta; American Canyon; Angels Camp; Antioch; Auberry; Auburn; Avenal; Avila Beach; Bakersfield; Balch Camp; Bay Point; Bear Valley; Belden; Bellota; Belmont; Benicia; Berkeley; Brentwood; Brisbane; Buellton; Burney; Buttonwillow; Calistoga; Campbell; Canyon Dam; Canyondam; Capitola; Caruthers; Chico; Clearlake; Clovis; Coalinga; Colusa; Concord; Concord; Corcoran; Cottonwood; Cupertino; Daly City; Danville; Davis; Dinuba; Downieville; Dublin; Emeryville; Eureka; Fairfield; Folsom; Fort Bragg; Fortuna; Fremont; French Camp; Fresno; Fresno; Fulton; Garberville; Geyserville; Gilroy; Goodyear; Grass Valley; Guerneville; Half Moon Bay; Hayward; Hinkley; Hollister; Holt; Huron; Jackson; Kerman; King City; Lakeport; Lemoore; Lincoln; Linden; Livermore; Lodi; Loomis; Los Banos; Lower Lake; Madera; Magalia; Manteca; Manton; Mariposa; Martell; Marysville; Maxwell; Menlo Park; Merced; Meridian; Millbrae; Milpitas; Modesto; Monterey; Montgomery Creek; Morgan Hill; Morro Bay; Moss Landing; Mountain View; Napa; Needles; Newark; Newman; Novato; Oakdale; Oakhurst; Oakley; Olema; Orinda; Orland; Oroville; Palo Alto; Palo Cedro; Paradise; Parkwood; Paso Robles; Petaluma; Pioneer; Pismo Beach; Pittsburg; Placerville; Pleasant Hill; Pleasanton; Point Arena; Potter Valley; Quincy; Rancho Cordova; Red Bluff; Redding; Richmond; Ridgecrest; Rio Vista; Rocklin; Roseville; Round Mountain; Sacramento; Salida; Salinas; San Bruno; San Carlos; San Francisco; San Francisco; San Jose; San Luis Obispo; San Mateo; San Rafael; San Ramon; San Ramon; Sanger; Santa Cruz; Santa Maria; Santa Nella; Santa Rosa; Selma; Shaver Lake; Sonoma; Sonora; South San Francisco; Springville; Stockton; Storrie; Taft; Tracy; Turlock; Twain; Ukiah; Vacaville; Vallejo; Walnut Creek; Wasco; Watsonville; West Sacramento; Wheatland; Whitmore; Willits; Willow Creek; Willows; Windsor; Winters; Woodland; Yuba City

Department Overview

The Electric Compliance Assurance department is part of the Electric Risk & Compliance organization, where together we will embed compliance and risk in all that we do and achieve regulatory outcomes that support the business’ needs. The work of this department is critical in our efforts to find compliance challenges and identify areas of risk so that we can fix them. The main functions of this department is identifying areas of compliance risk and opportunities to mitigate those risks, including through incident reporting and investigations, overseeing Electric Operations and Power Generation CAP, and validating the controls on the organization.

 

Position Summary

PG&E is seeking an experienced business professional to be a member of the Electric Compliance Controls Validation Team. The Controls Validation Team is responsible to support identifying external rules and regulations we need to comply with, documenting or confirming the controls we have in place to meet those rules and regulations, perform design effectiveness and operating effectiveness testing, and identify potential opportunities for improvement to assure controls are implemented and effective.

This role will have a high level of visibility with PG&E leadership and will support one or many aspects of the Controls Validation Team’s scope. A strong applicant will have deep technical, regulatory, and operational expertise, and bring a structured approach to identify external regulatory requirements, benchmark internally and externally, validate process controls, and summarize findings. The work strengthens PG&E’s safety culture and compliance posture and reinforces PG&E’s commitment that Everyone and Everything is Always Safe, advancing enterprise learning, transparency, and continuous improvement across investigations.

The selected candidate must live within PG&E’s service territory.

PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job.  The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, and internal equity.  Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed towards the middle or entry point of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors.​

A reasonable salary range is:

Minimum Base Salary (Bay Area)            $105,000.00

Mid Base Salary (Bay Area)        $137,000.00

Maximum Base Salary (Bay Area)           $169,000.00

Minimum Base Salary (California)         $100,000.00

Mid Base Salary (California)      $130,000.00

Maximum Base Salary (California)        $161,000.00

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Manager, Electric Compliance Controls Validation

           

Job Responsibilities and Expectations

  • Develop/refine the process to identify or confirm external regulatory requirements, benchmark internally and externally, validate process controls, and summarize findings.
  • Monitors and evaluates the success of compliance controls.
  • Develops and leads team to perform business process analysis and business process reengineering. Prepare and present summary of findings and risk to PG&E to senior and executive leaders.
  • Develop strategy and action plans, working with Directors and Officers. Coach stakeholders to develop appropriate corrective action plans that contain effective solutions to prevent recurrence.
  • Review failure data and make recommendations to improve process performance, applying broad company and industry knowledge.
  • Works effectively in a matrixed organization, working with directors and managers across organizations to provide expert opinion and influence decisions.
  • May develop/refine process to determine and prioritize processes to evaluate regulatory controls.

 

Background Qualifications

Minimum

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 7 years of progressive experience in utility operations or in other highly regulated industry
  • 2 years of experience with causal evaluation methods and investigations in the utility industry
  • Travel to other facilities for meetings and site visits about 10% to 30% of time as needed to support business needs.

 

Desired

  • Master’s Degree or equivalent experience.
  • Experience in regulatory oversight, audit readiness, and leadership.
  • Familiarity with California and Federal regulatory programs related to Electric Operations.
  • Knowledge of operations, maintenance, and engineering program processes and procedures.
  • Proven ability to prepare materials for and effectively communicate/present findings to senior and executive leaders with clarity, gain consensus on path forward.
  • Working knowledge of process instrumentation and controls and/or structured process improvement or process reengineering.
  • Ability to interview personnel at all levels to validate process and controls.
  • Knowledge of work methods and procedures in order to accurately identify risks and areas for improvement.
  • Ability to work independently and be effective in team settings.
  • Leadership or facilitation training (e.g., crucial conversations and facilitative leadership).
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or equivalent
  • Completion of professional auditor training
  • Experience with causal evaluation methods and investigations in the utility industry.
  • Causal Evaluation Certification (e.g., Barrier Analysis, Fault Tree, 5-Whys, HFACS)
  • Certification in Causal Evaluation (e.g., Conger/Elsie, Tonex, Cocrane (Firebird), Apollo, ASQ, TapRooT®, ISO9000, Sologic, Cause Mapping, or equivalent)
  • Lean Six Sigma Certification
  • Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.)