ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Controls Engineering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aston Carter

Controls Engineer

Arbuckle, CA · On-site

$43.27 - $45.67/hr

Kickstart your controls engineering career with a hands-on automation role where you'll work ... Manage user security roles and permissions within SCADA systems. * Integrate new equipment and ...

BoxPower Inc

Head of Microgrid Controls

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$92K - $120K/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 Vehicle 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.

BoxPower

Head of Microgrid Controls

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsControls Engineering JobsControls Engineering Manager JobsControls Engineering Manager Jobs in California

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 Sep 12, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls engineering manager?

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.

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 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.

What cities in California are hiring for Controls Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Controls Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineering Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Lathrop, CA • On-site

Gehl Food & Beverage
See more jobs at Gehl Food & Beverageexternal

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Gehl Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

Now Hiring: Controls Engineer
Reports To: Engineering Manager
Salary Range: 110K - 130K


Why join our team?  

  • Full benefits package - medical, dental, vision &      401(k) match  
  • Generous PTO & holidays  
  • Growth opportunities to expand skillsets and enhance      career  
  • Amazing team & culture focused on:  

Communication | Community Involvement | Wellness | Employee Activities  


Other Benefits & Programs We Offer:  

  • Referral bonus program  
  • Tuition reimbursement  
  • HSA Medical plan option with annual company contribution  
  • Perks at Work - discounts on shopping, travel & more  
  • Proven continued business growth for future opportunities  

Position Overview

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the Controls Engineer analyzes plant processes and supports the control, optimization, and reliability of production assets. Responsibilities include designing, programming, testing, and troubleshooting aseptic filling and processing lines and material-handling systems.

As part of a cross-functional team, this role provides technical support and implements enhancements for aseptic manufacturing systems with a focus on safety and quality. The Controls Engineer serves as an electrical controls resource for equipment development and troubleshooting and works closely with engineering, operations, and maintenance to meet production needs.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide machine support including but not limited to safety controllers, PLC's, HMI's, robots, motion control, measurement systems, instrumentation, material handling systems, industrial networks, and computer system hardware/software application support for MES and data collection systems.
  • Perform work utilizing plant electrical controls standards.
  • Work with the Change Management Process for the overall implementation, performance, and continuous improvement of company initiatives.
  • Schedule and manage upgrades, overhauls, and conversions of Aseptic Filling and Process Lines.
  • Provide training in the operation and maintenance of Aseptic Filling and Process Lines
  • Participate in after-hours support for engineering groups on a rotating basis.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (or equivalent technical experience)
  • 4-6 years of relevant technical/operational experience in manufacturing or production environments
  • Experience with aseptic processing and packaging systems (minimum 2 years), preferably Tetra Pak equipment
  • Proficiency with PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell), HMI systems, and SCADA platforms (Ignition, Wonderware)
  • Knowledge of motion control, VFDs, safety hardware, robotics, and vision inspection systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence)
  • Experience installing, commissioning, and troubleshooting processing and packaging equipment, including off-hours support as needed
  • Understanding of food processing/packaging operations, FDA regulations, and NFPA 70/70E/78 standards
  • AutoCAD experience

What Gehl Foods employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply