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Controls Engineer Jobs in Chico, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Project Manager

Chico, CA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Coordinate cross-functional teams, including engineering, construction, and project controls * Review project scope, contracts, and change orders to ensure alignment with objectives * Identify ...

Project Manager

Chico, CA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Coordinate cross-functional teams, including engineering, construction, and project controls * Review project scope, contracts, and change orders to ensure alignment with objectives * Identify ...

Showing results 21-40

Controls Engineer information

See Chico, CA salary details

$55.9K

$98.2K

$133.2K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Chico, CA is $98,217.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,900.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a controls engineer do?

A Controls Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that control machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They work with automation systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation. Controls Engineers also troubleshoot and optimize existing systems, implement upgrades, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Their expertise is crucial for improving productivity, reducing downtime, and integrating new technologies into production environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Siemens/Rockwell training are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems critical to industrial and manufacturing environments.

What are common challenges faced by controls engineers when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Controls Engineers frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, which can present challenges in aligning design standards, timelines, and communication styles. They must ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with hardware and software components while also meeting safety and regulatory requirements. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as Controls Engineers often act as a bridge between technical disciplines to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions efficiently.

What is the difference between Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilities, industrial settingsDesign offices, research labs, power plants, industrial sites
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower generation, electronics, telecommunications, industrial systems
Common Search/ComparisonControls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer

Controls Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for automation and manufacturing processes, often working closely with machinery and PLCs. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic devices. While both roles require electrical knowledge and certifications, Controls Engineers specialize more in automation and control systems, whereas Electrical Engineers may work across various electrical disciplines.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Chico, CA?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Chico, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer jobs in Chico, CA?

For Controls Engineer jobs in Chico, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer jobs in Chico, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer jobs in Chico, CA are:

What cities near Chico, CA are hiring for Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chico, CA with the most Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Chico, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,217 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Power Generation Mechanical Project Engineer

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Chico, CA • On-site

$120K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Requisition ID # 173831
Job Category: Power Generation; Engineering / Science
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Business Unit: Energy Delivery
Work Type: Onsite
Job Location: Chico
Department Overview
Power Generation operates and maintains PG&E's hydroelectric, fossil, solar generation and battery storage facilities, providing approximately 5,300 megawatts of generating capacity for our customers. Our nearly 1000 coworkers are dedicated to delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective generation to California in an environmentally responsible manner. Our hydro facilities include 62 conventional hydro powerhouses, a pumped-storage facility, 98 reservoirs, 168 dams and more than 200 miles of canals and flumes, among other water conveyances. Natural gas-fired plants in operation are Humboldt Bay Generating Station in Eureka; Colusa Generating Station in Colusa County and Gateway Generating Station in Antioch. Several utility-scale solar generation plants also are operated and maintained, as well as PG&E's successful entry into battery energy storage, our Elkhorn Battery facility at Moss Landing in Monterey County.
Position Summary
This is an ESC represented exempt classification currently subject to collective bargaining.
This is a journey-level Project Engineer job that requires mastery of the Associate level Project Engineer skills and duties and provides complete engineering & design, project management, and technical support to O&M staff for a wide range of moderately complex issues and multiple medium to large capital and expense improvements to power generation and infrastructure facilities. The position requires a comprehensive knowledge of job functions and proficiency in applying sound engineering and project management principals; recognition as a professionally licensed engineer; a working knowledge of industry practices, standards, and equipment; ability to develop and implement all aspects of multiple assigned projects; use of independent judgment; enhanced verbal and written communication skills; and ability to work with minimal supervision. Job duties will vary by assignment.
Manages multiple moderately complex issues and projects and resolves problems of moderate scope. Supports more experienced engineers and project managers on more complex and large scope projects. Under limited general direction, independently plans work to meet assigned objectives.
External contacts primarily include directing project-related work and contract administration with contractors and vendors; and providing information, conducting limited discussions, and obtaining approvals from regulatory agencies. Internal contacts are primarily with Power Gen personnel, including O&M clients and project team members, and PG&E internal services organizations and typically include directing project-related work, discussing and reporting progress, exchanging and coordinating information, managing meetings and providing appropriate documentation. May partner with internal or external stakeholders to solve problems or explore alternative solutions.
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, collective bargaining agreements, 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:
California Minimum: $120,888
California Maximum: $188,840
Job Responsibilities
Performs functions of Associate level Project Engineer, but for more complex and higher profile projects. Jobs duties will vary by assignment. In addition, job duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Leads design and/or project management efforts for moderately complex generation projects that can be discipline specific, multi-discipline, or programmatic in nature.
  • Provides broad and in-depth technical support to O&M as needed including incident investigation and development of corrective actions.
  • Proactively controls scope, schedule, cost, and quality of designs and projects throughout project life cycle; including coordinating related activities of all project internal & external stakeholders.
  • Performs and/or reviews engineering analyses and studies, detailed scope, viable alternatives, conceptual designs, and recommended fixes to ensure safe/reliable operation of generation assets.
  • Collaboratively with supervisor and Project Manager, solicits, prepares, and evaluates contracts and proposals, including EPC from engineering and/or project management consultants, equipment vendors, and construction firms, and directs resulting work. Reviews consultant contracts for technical compliance.
  • Interprets and applies applicable codes
  • Approves and stamps technical reports, specifications, new drawings, and revisions to existing drawings for projects.
  • Works with supervisors and others to represent PG&E to internal and external organizations as required
  • Identifies gaps between current business practices and stated objectives and provides recommendations for process improvements to address gaps.
  • Other job duties as assigned as related to Engineering and Project Management.

Qualifications
Minimum:
  • A 4-year BS Degree in Engineering from an accredited curriculum in the US or the equivalent from outside the US is required.
  • Current California (CA) Professional Engineer (PE) license in the appropriate discipline. If an individual does not possess a California PE, they must possess a current PE license in another state or Canada and obtain a California PE license within 18 months of hiring. Failure to obtain the California PE license within the 18 months will result in demotion to the Associate level
  • Mastery of the Associate level Project Engineer job duties and demonstrated leadership, knowledge, and ability to perform the job duties of the Journey level Project Engineer. Meets specific technical requirements gained through a minimum of three (3) years of cumulative experience in project engineering, design, and construction.

Desired:
  • Project Management Institute Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
  • Mechanical Engineer PE preferred
  • Demonstrates knowledge and abilities required for the Associate level Project Engineer and also:
  • Able to manage and complete several projects concurrently, depending on scope and complexity.
  • Able to stamp and/or certify engineering drawings and documents.
  • Has demonstrated a broad and in-depth knowledge of engineering and project management concepts, principals, practices, and design requirements for generation assets; ability to develop moderately complex design changes, project scopes, and project implementation plans; and provide more in-depth investigation & analysis support to O&M.
  • Has a working knowledge of power generation industry including understanding of design, construction, and/or operation of rotating machines, and experience interpreting applicable codes, standards, regulations, and practices.
  • Demonstrate informed judgment when making decisions and recommendations and use of technical & business judgment in applying engineering and project management principles and techniques to determine cost effective and practical solutions
  • Able to function as a journey level project manager on projects with moderate scope and/or support more experienced project managers on larger or more complex projects.
  • Track record of building consensus around moderately complex and controversial project issues and successfully persuading others to act on agreements reached; able to build upon foundation of technical and business knowledge to shape the opinions of others.
  • Able to provide clear and effective technical direction and guidance to less experienced engineers, project managers, drafters, and analysts, and to provide training to these and other groups as needed.
  • Able to independently provide technical and/or project oversight and direction to consultants, suppliers, and construction firms to meet moderately complex project needs; understands contracting principals and options; able to effectively manage moderately complex contracts and to negotiate and resolve contract disputes favorably.
  • Track record of taking ownership of problems and their solutions.
  • Able to identify gaps between current business practices and stated objectives and provide recommendations for process improvements to address gaps.
  • Track record of working with senior engineers and project managers to further his or her own professional development.
  • Proactively evolves engineering and project management skills and knowledge through industry associations & conferences, technical workshops, trade publications, and additional formal education.

Purpose, Virtues and Stands
Our Purpose explains "why" we exist:
  • Delivering for our hometowns
  • Serving our planet
  • Leading with love

Our Virtues capture "who" we need to be:
  • Trustworthy
  • Empathetic
  • Curious
  • Tenacious
  • Nimble
  • Owners

Our Stands are "what" we will achieve together:
  • Everyone and everything is always safe
  • Catastrophic wildfires shall stop
  • It is enjoyable to work with and for PG&E
  • Clean and resilient energy for all
  • Our work shall create prosperity for all customers and investors

More About Our Company
EEO
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that actively pursues and hires a workforce that reflects the hometowns we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability status, medical condition, protected veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the job.
Employee Privacy Notice The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) goes into effect on January 1, 2020. CCPA grants new and far-reaching privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information PG&E collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed through the following link: Employee Privacy Notice
PG&E will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in a manner consistent with all state and local laws.

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