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Controls Engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Project Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$81K - $115K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is seeking a Project Controls Engineer to join our Project Controls team. This position can be based at our offices in either Los Angeles or San Francisco. Your Impact Duties and ...

WSP

Project Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$81K - $115K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is seeking a Project Controls Engineer to join our Project Controls team. This position can be based at our offices in either Los Angeles or San Francisco. Your Impact Duties and ...

K2 Space

Automation & Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... Own hands-on buildout, activation, and qualification of automation and controls projects across the ...

K2 Space

Automation & Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... Own hands-on buildout, activation, and qualification of automation and controls projects across the ...

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Controls Engineer information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$60K

$105.3K

$142.9K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Pasadena, CA is $105,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $117,800.00 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.

More about Controls Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Pasadena, 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 $105,343 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Staff Automation & Controls Engineer

Divergent

Torrance, CA • On-site

$171K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world's most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies.
Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.
Purpose
The Staff Automation & Controls Engineer will develop flexible robotic manufacturing & automation systems core to the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS).
The ideal candidate has a track record of successfully architecting and deploying advanced automated systems in a quick changing, start-up environment. This role will take a hands-on execution approach and use their skills in hardware, software and technical mentorship to create bleeding-edge industrial automation systems, support production operations, and democratize factory data to support key business decisions. Divergent is pushing the boundaries of technology and we need a passionate and agile engineer to help us create the platform for sustainable manufacturing.
The Role
  • Development of next generation PLC, HMI & SCADA software & controls architectures for the next generation of DAPS factories & factory modules.
  • Support the development of automation software standards, frameworks, best practices, and platform selection.
  • Collaborate with team members on both the development and deployment of these standards, raising the overall level of the team through your experience and technical mentorship.
  • Architect new advanced automation systems, ultimately leading to detailed design, development and commissioning of first article factory modules.
  • Develop controls systems for new and experimental processes in an R&D environment.
  • Understand and steer production operations requirements for factory modules leading to increased overall factory OPE through better development of modules and factory data.
  • Work closely with cross-functional technical teams to ensure that program deliverables and milestones are defined, scheduled, and executed on time and budget.
  • Support engineering teams in achieving resolution of any gridlock, rather than merely report status. Must have the leadership ability and intelligence to drive hands-on execution of a highly motivated and intelligent team under intense time constraints.
Basic Qualifications
  • Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
  • 7 years of industrial automation controls experience in dynamic environments
  • IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming experience
  • Industrial electrical and safety experience
Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, UL508A standards.
  • Advanced experience working with the Beckhoff TwinCAT & hardware ecosystem.
  • Advanced experience with industrial automation hardware, fieldbus interfaces and motion control.
  • Advanced industrial networking experience
  • Experience with industrial safety systems, risk assessments and safety over fieldbus protocols, i.e. FSoE & PROFIsafe
  • Experience developing SCADA & other factory data management platforms, industrial databases, dashboards, etc.
  • Experience with Industrial robot platforms, offline program, and virtual commissioning.
  • Experience with industrial electrical schematic tools, such as EPlan or AutoCAD electrical.
  • Experience with standard software engineering practices, object-oriented programming, SOLID, unit testing and development tools such as GIT.
  • Technical leadership experience in defining standards, methods, processes, and training.
Work Environment
  • Office and factory environment
  • 100% onsite
  • Minimal travel
  • Work near moving mechanical parts
Compensation
At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels Staff - Principal as evaluated through our interview process.
  • Staff Engineer / E06: $148,430 - $204,090
  • Principal Engineer / E07: $171,450 - $235,740

Pay Range
$148,430-$235,740 USD
What We Offer:
  • Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
  • Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
  • Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
  • Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
  • Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
EEO Poster
In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected.
E-Verify: Right to Work
Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate's eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.
Eligibility to Work Poster (English) | Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish)
Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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