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Controls Engineering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CKC Automation, LLC

Controls Engineering Manager

Benicia, CA · On-site

$97K - $125K/yr

Have a direct impact on technical direction, team growth, and business success About the Role We're hiring a hands-on Controls Engineering Manager who can lead a team and still dive into the work.

CKC Automation LLC

Controls Engineering Manager

Benicia, CA · On-site

$97K - $125K/yr

Have a direct impact on technical direction, team growth, and business success About the Role We're hiring a hands-on Controls Engineering Manager who can lead a team and still dive into the work.

E Tech Group

Controls Engineering Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineering Manager who will support multiple projects and lead a growing team of engineers & technical resources with strong dotted lines to sales & project management.

E Tech Group

Controls Engineering Manager

San Jose, CA

$97K - $126K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineering Manager who will support multiple projects and lead a growing team of engineers & technical resources with strong dotted lines to sales & project management.

E Tech Group

Controls Engineering Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineering Manager who will support multiple projects and lead a growing team of engineers & technical resources with strong dotted lines to sales & project management.

Actalent

Engineering Manager

Fontana, CA

$150K - $180K/yr

Provide technical oversight for mechanical engineering, automation, controls, manufacturing ... Project Management Lead engineering projects from concept through implementation. Coordinate ...

New

BoxPower

Head of Microgrid Controls

Grass Valley, CA

$95K - $123K/yr

Over the medium term, you will build and manage a controls engineering team - hiring, mentoring, and developing direct reports as project volume grows. You will set technical direction for the ...

GILLIG

Senior Controls Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$113K - $150K/yr

This is a hands-on, on-site role at our Livermore, CA plant and reports to the Controls Engineering Manager but may also receive directions and guidance from other senior and/or staff engineers.

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Controls Engineering Manager information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$95.3K

$129.3K

How much do controls engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineering manager in California is $95,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectControls Engineering ManagerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; often with leadership experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are common
Work EnvironmentOversees teams in manufacturing, automation, or industrial settings; strategic planningDesigns, develops, and tests control systems; hands-on technical work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automation, and process industries for leadership rolesCommon in industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing sectors

The Controls Engineering Manager focuses on leading teams, strategic planning, and overseeing control system projects, while Controls Engineers handle the technical design, development, and implementation of control systems. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and industry experience, but the manager role emphasizes leadership and project management.

How does a Controls Engineering Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Controls Engineering Manager, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams such as mechanical engineers, project managers, software developers, and operations staff. Your role involves aligning control system requirements with overall project goals, coordinating design reviews, and ensuring seamless integration of controls with mechanical and electrical systems. Regular meetings and open communication are essential to address challenges, delegate tasks, and track progress, making collaboration a vital aspect of delivering successful automation projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Engineering Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in electrical or controls engineering, experience in automation systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or PMP are often required. Strong leadership, project management, and effective communication skills are crucial for managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These capabilities ensure successful delivery of complex automation projects, team productivity, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

What is a Controls Engineering Manager?

A Controls Engineering Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries like manufacturing, energy, and automation. They lead a team of engineers, manage projects, ensure compliance with industry standards, and collaborate with other departments to optimize operational efficiency. The role often involves troubleshooting, budgeting, and staying updated on the latest automation technologies to improve system performance and reliability.
Infographic showing various Controls Engineering Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Controls Engineering Manager

CKC Automation LLC

Benicia, CA

$97K - $125K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Description

About CKC Automation

CKC Automation transforms manufacturing processes through innovative automation solutions. Founded in 2005 (as CKC Engineering) and headquartered in Benicia, CA, we serve diverse industries across the Bay Area and West Coast - including automotive, medical device, pharmaceutical, energy, and semiconductor - combining deep technical expertise with creative problem-solving to tackle complex manufacturing challenges.  We design and build custom automation solutions that improve efficiency, enhance quality, and drive innovation. 

Our offerings include:

  • Machine - Robotic workcells, build-to-print solutions, prototype equipment, and fixtures
  • Panel - High-volume panel assembly from our UL 508A-certified panel shop
  • Controls / Data - PLC, HMI, and robotic integration for optimized production.  Real-time monitoring, analytics, and SCADA/data infrastructure

Website: ckcautomation.com 


Why Join Us

  • Get out from behind the desk-lead while staying hands-on with cutting-edge PLC, SCADA, and automation systems 
  • Own and drive high-visibility, complex industrial automation projects that actually ship 
  • Join a no-politics, high-performance engineering team that values execution and accountability 
  • Have a direct impact on technical direction, team growth, and business success

About the Role

We're hiring a hands-on Controls Engineering Manager who can lead a team and still dive into the work. 

You'll be responsible for delivering automation projects end-to-end-from concept through commissioning-while building and leading a team of strong engineers. This is not a passive management role. You'll stay close to the work, make critical technical decisions, and step in when it matters.

You'll work side-by-side, in person, with engineering, project management, and sales to scope solutions, solve real problems, and deliver results for customers. We're looking for someone who moves fast, owns outcomes, and raises the bar for both technical execution and team performance.

If you thrive in environments where expectations are high and results matter, you'll fit right in.

Requirements

Leadership & Team Development

  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Controls Engineers in a high-performance, accountable environment 
  • Provide technical mentorship and career development across all experience levels 
  • Allocate resources across projects based on skills, capacity, and priorities 
  • Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and continuous improvement 
  • Conduct performance evaluations, feedback, and development planning 
Project & Technical Leadership
  • Oversee execution of multiple automation projects (PLC, SCADA, HMI) from concept through commissioning 
  • Provide technical direction across system architecture, programming, testing, and startup 
  • Review and approve control system designs, PLC code, and automation architectures 
  • Lead key customer and internal technical discussions and project reviews 
  • Resolve complex technical and project challenges 
Operational Execution
  • Drive on-time, on-budget, high-quality project delivery 
  • Manage resource planning, forecasting, utilization, and project margins 
  • Oversee billing, hours tracking, and financial performance of projects 
  • Ensure strong communication across engineering teams, project managers, and customers 
  • Maintain ~50% billable utilization while leading the team 
Sales & Business Support
  • Partner with Sales on project estimates, proposals, and scope development 
  • Support pre-sales engineering and solution design 
  • Identify growth opportunities, technology trends, and capability gaps 
  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships, including re-engagement efforts 
Technical Expertise & Innovation
  • Lead development using PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, VFDs, motion control, and industrial networks 
  • Stay current on automation technologies, Industry 4.0 trends, and data integration 
  • Drive adoption of new tools, standards, and engineering methodologies 

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field 
  • 10+ years in industrial automation / controls engineering 
  • 3+ years in a leadership or management role (Controls Manager, Lead Engineer, Engineering Supervisor) 
  • Proven success delivering complex automation projects (design commissioning) 
Technical Skills 
  • PLC Programming (Allen-Bradley / Rockwell, Siemens, etc.) 
  • HMI Development (FactoryTalk, WinCC, Ignition, etc.) 
  • SCADA Systems & Industrial Data Systems 
  • VFDs, Motion Control, Servo Systems 
  • Control Panel Design & Electrical Systems 
  • Industrial Networking: EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, IO-Link, DeviceNet 
  • System Integration, Commissioning, Troubleshooting 
Leadership Skills
  • Team leadership, coaching, and performance management 
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving ability 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced environments 
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills 
Additional Requirements
  • Willingness to travel to customer sites for installation and commissioning 
  • Flexibility to support off-hours or startup activities as needed 

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays

Base Salary: $145,000 - $170,000 

Target Bonus: $15,000 - $25,000 

Total Target Compensation: $160,000 - $190,000

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