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Controls Engineer Jobs in Chico, CA (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager

Chico, CA ยท Hybrid

$91K - $120K/yr

Are you looking to join a growing engineering consulting firm that offers valuable solutions to ... controls and/or project management capacity within a fast-paced environment where you owned the ...

Senior Plans Examiner

Chico, CA ยท On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

Principles of civil engineering with emphasis in structural engineering is desired; building ... or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit. The ...

Keep current with the latest types of electrical controls, motors, AC/ DC Drives, (PLC) Programmable Logic Controllers, (HMI) Human Machine Interfaces and industrial lighting equipment. * Configure ...

Keep current with the latest types of electrical controls, motors, AC/ DC Drives, (PLC) Programmable Logic Controllers, (HMI) Human Machine Interfaces and industrial lighting equipment. * Configure ...

Industrial Electrician

Willows, CA ยท On-site

$43.61/hr

Keep current with the latest types of electrical controls, motors, AC/ DC Drives, (PLC) Programmable Logic Controllers, (HMI) Human Machine Interfaces and industrial lighting equipment. * Configure ...

Electrician - Hiring Now

Willows, CA ยท On-site

$43.61/hr

Keep current with the latest types of electrical controls, motors, AC/ DC Drives, (PLC) Programmable Logic Controllers, (HMI) Human Machine Interfaces and industrial lighting equipment. * Configure ...

Industrial Electrician

Willows, CA ยท On-site

$43.61/hr

Keep current with the latest types of electrical controls, motors, AC/ DC Drives, (PLC) Programmable Logic Controllers, (HMI) Human Machine Interfaces and industrial lighting equipment. * Configure ...

Industrial Electrician

Willows, CA ยท On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Keep current with the latest types of electrical controls, motors, AC/ DC Drives, (PLC) Programmable Logic Controllers, (HMI) Human Machine Interfaces and industrial lighting equipment.Configure ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Expert Quality Operations Specialist - Location Flexible

PG&E Corporation

Willows, CA โ€ข Hybrid

$200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID # 171420 

Job Category: Compliance / Risk / Quality Assurance; Business Operations / Strategy; 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; 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 businessโ€™ 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 new department are 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 develop quality management plans for process improvements to assure compliance quality control measures 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 Teamโ€™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&Eโ€™s safety culture and compliance posture and reinforces PG&Eโ€™s commitment that Everyone and Everything is Always Safe, advancing enterprise learning, transparency, and continuous improvement across investigations.

Location of this position is flexible within PG&E service territory and will require occasional travel to other areas around PG&Eโ€™s service territory. This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and assigned office based on business needs.

The selected candidate must live within PG&Eโ€™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.โ€‹

A reasonable salary range is:

Minimum Base Salary (Bay Area)            $126,000.00

Mid Base Salary (Bay Area)        $163,000.00

Maximum Base Salary (Bay Area)           $200,000.00

Minimum Base Salary (California)         $120,000.00

Mid Base Salary (California)      $155,000.00

Maximum Base Salary (California)        $190,000.00

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Senior Manager, Electric Compliance Controls Validation

           

Job Responsibilities and Expectations

  • Develop/refine the process to identify external regulatory requirements, benchmark internally and externally, validate process controls, and summarize findings.
  • Develop controls or metrics to assist in monitoring and evaluating 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.
  • May coach and provide direction to less experienced team members.
  • 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 throughout the service territory about 10%-30% of time

 

Desired

  • Masterโ€™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
  • 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, TapRooTยฎ, ISO9000, Sologic, Cause Mapping, or equivalent)
  • Lean Six Sigma Certification
  • Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)