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Controls Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Engineer- Controls

Rialto, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Winpak Lane is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Electrical Controls Engineer to join the Electrical Engineering Department. The primary responsibility of this role is to design electrical panel ...

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$111K - $145K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated Automation professionals in Southern California! You will be responsible for designing and programming ...

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$111K - $145K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated Automation professionals in Southern California! You will be responsible for designing and programming ...

You will be required to collaborate across Software Controls and Chassis organizations, bringing teams together to solve engineering challenges. You will have the chance to develop robust, real-time ...

You will be required to collaborate across Software Controls and Chassis organizations, bringing teams together to solve engineering challenges. You will have the chance to develop robust, real-time ...

Work with Project Management, Project Controls, Engineering, Finance, Law, Regulatory, and others to: * Plan, schedule, and manage the process for gathering scope and cost for project aggregations at ...

Work with Project Management, Project Controls, Engineering, Finance, Law, Regulatory, and others to: * Plan, schedule, and manage the process for gathering scope and cost for project aggregations at ...

Work with Project Management, Project Controls, Engineering, Finance, Law, Regulatory, and others to: * Plan, schedule, and manage the process for gathering scope and cost for project aggregations at ...

Showing results 41-60

Controls Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$57.4K

$100.8K

$136.7K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Riverside, CA is $100,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $112,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,752 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Specialist, Software Engineering (Controls Engineer)

L3Harris Technologies

Anaheim, CA

$105K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Specialist, Software Engineering - Controls Engineer
Job Code: 40556
Job Location: Anaheim, CA
Schedule: 9/80

Job Description:

Under general direction of the Management of Software Engineering, this position develops and applies advanced software engineering methods in the investigation and solution of complex and advanced technical problems power system architectures and power conversion equipment. The Specialist Software Engineer shall lead a small software engineering team to support all stages of product development from design through implementation and system integration under minimal supervision.

Essential Functions:

  • Perform control systems analysis of power conversion equipment and system architectures.
  • Support development of control systems' design and architectures for new products.
  • Design and implement customer specifications, requirements for control systems design.
  • Write product and test specifications, modeling, and verification procedures pertaining control systems.
  • Implement and support control system design with MATLab, Simulink, C/C++, and other embedded system programming language.
  • Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of projects.
  • Continue improvement in technical approach to maximize efficiency of engineering resources.
  • Provides input with a variety of control systems, engineering concepts, practices, and procedures
  • Control Specialized Software Engineer will take directions from Project Engineer and Software Engineering Manager.
  • Expected up to 35% of travel to customer sites for on-site support.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) or equivalent from a four-year college or university; and minimum 4 years of experience in design and analysis of control systems for power conversion equipment. Master of Science or advanced degree preferred with reduced minimum of 2 years of work experience. For candidates with a Ph.D. or higher, relevant research experience may be considered in lieu of professional work experience
  • Must be able to obtain a US security clearance
  • Must have familiarity with control systems for power system architectures and power conversion equipment.
  • Must have strong knowledge of control theory, ability to model with MATLAB / SIMULINK.
  • Experienced in the practical implementation of control system algorithms.
  • Experienced in with digital signal processing, machine-to-machine communications, and fiber optics based communications subsystems.
  • Experienced with communication protocols, such as RS-232, RS-485, and Ethernet.
  • Proven effective communication with Senior Project Engineers, Program Management, and customer representatives is essential.
  • Must be able to work as a key member of the design team with Power Design Engineers, Digital and Analog Engineers, System Engineers, Software Engineers and Mechanical Engineers.
  • Experienced in C and C++ programming. Knowledge of Python or C-Sharp is beneficial.
  • Required to have ability to obtain and maintain a secret/security clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Knowledge of power electronics and analog circuits, a plus.
  • Experience in development of military products, a plus.
  • Knowledge in Digital, and Microcomputer circuits, a plus.
  • Experienced in embedded real-time systems design, a plus
  • Experienced in object and service-based software architectures, a plus.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role for California is $105,500- 180,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-RTC1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time