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Controls Engineer Project Manager Jobs in Fountain Valley, CA

Controls Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$80 - $105K/hr

Technical execution lead in implementation of building automation and energy management solutions ... project plans, specifications, and contract documents. * Take-off engineered plans during ...

Controls Engineer

Orange, CA · Hybrid

$80 - $105K/hr

Technical execution lead in implementation of building automation and energy management solutions ... project plans, specifications, and contract documents. * Take-off engineered plans during ...

Controls Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$46 - $51/hr

Perform project risk assessments related to bid selection, hardware procurement, and installation ... Equivalent work experience in controls engineering and industrial automation. Founded in 2010 and ...

As a Process Engineer - Project Manager , you'll lead multidisciplinary teams focused on advancing the design and delivery of innovative water treatment systems-tackling challenges driven by climate ...

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Showing results 1-20

Controls Engineer Project Manager information

See Fountain Valley, CA salary details

$49.4K

$117.5K

$164.6K

How much do controls engineer project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer project manager in Fountain Valley, CA is $117,519.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,500.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls engineer project manager?

A Controls Engineer Project Manager is a professional who oversees the design, implementation, and management of automation and control systems within projects. They combine technical expertise in controls engineering—such as programming PLCs, designing control panels, and integrating industrial systems—with project management skills like budgeting, scheduling, and team coordination. Their role ensures that automation projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget, while meeting all technical and quality standards. They often act as the main point of contact between clients, engineers, and other stakeholders.

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

To thrive as a Controls Engineer Project Manager, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation systems, and project management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and PMP certification. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, AutoCAD, and project management software such as MS Project is commonly required. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive teams, manage stakeholders, and ensure project delivery. These skills and qualifications are vital for overseeing complex automation projects, maintaining technical standards, and achieving project goals on time and within budget.

How does a controls engineer project manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project execution?

A Controls Engineer Project Manager frequently works alongside electrical engineers, software developers, mechanical engineers, and project stakeholders to ensure that control systems meet project requirements and deadlines. Collaboration often involves organizing regular meetings, facilitating clear communication of technical specifications, and addressing integration challenges between different system components. Strong teamwork and leadership skills are essential, as the Project Manager must coordinate tasks, resolve conflicts, and ensure all team members are aligned toward project goals. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and helps maintain project timelines and quality standards.

What is the difference between Controls Engineer Project Manager vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls EngineerControls Engineer Project Manager
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like PLC or SCADASame as Controls Engineer, plus project management certifications (e.g., PMP)
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and troubleshoot control systemsOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and coordinates schedules
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, automation, process industriesManufacturing, automation, industrial sectors with project oversight

Controls Engineer and Controls Engineer Project Manager share similar technical credentials and work environments. However, the Project Manager role emphasizes project oversight, team coordination, and client communication, making it more managerial in scope. Both roles are vital in automation industries but differ mainly in responsibilities and focus areas.

What cities near Fountain Valley, CA are hiring for Controls Engineer Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Fountain Valley, CA with the most Controls Engineer Project Manager job openings:

Senior Engineering Project Manager

Corona, CA • On-site

Soffa Electric Inc
51 - 200 employees

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

SOFFA Electric is seeking a Senior Engineering Project Manager with a strong background in water and wastewater automation and control system integration. We are looking for an experienced engineer who has progressed into project leadership and can successfully manage both the technical and commercial aspects of complex automation projects.

  • WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead water and wastewater control system integration projects from award through engineering, panel fabrication, FAT, startup, commissioning, and closeout.

• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, forecasting, risk, change orders, and profitability.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, consulting engineers, contractors, and project stakeholders.

• Coordinate SOFFA's engineering, programming, production, purchasing, and field teams.

• Review specifications, drawings, control-system requirements, submittals, and technical documentation.

• Identify technical, commercial, and schedule risks early and drive practical solutions.

  • WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.

• 7+ years of progressive experience in controls, automation, systems integration, engineering, or technical project delivery.

• Prior hands-on experience as a Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Systems Integration Engineer, Design Engineer, Project Engineer, or similar technical role.

• Experience with water and/or wastewater automation or control system integration projects.

• Working knowledge of PLC/SCADA systems, instrumentation, control panels, technical drawings/specifications, FAT, startup, and commissioning.

• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong customer communication, organization, financial awareness, and problem-solving skills.

  • PREFERRED

• Previous Project Manager, Engineering Project Manager, Project Engineer, or Engineering Manager experience.

• Municipal water/wastewater agency and consulting-engineering experience.

• Experience managing large automation or systems integration projects.

• Familiarity with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Siemens, Ignition, AVEVA/Wonderware, VTScada, or similar platforms.

• PE and/or PMP certification.

  • WHO WILL SUCCEED HERE

The ideal candidate is an engineer first and a project leader second. You do not need to be the person programming the PLC today, but you should understand the engineering well enough to lead technical discussions, identify risk, challenge assumptions, manage commercial impacts, and guide a complex controls project to successful completion.

If you have built your career in water/wastewater automation or controls engineering and have moved - or are ready to move - into senior project leadership, we would like to hear from you.