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Controls Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Controls Engineer

Fresno, CA · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

Controls Engineer This role focuses on designing, programming, and troubleshooting industrial ... Prepare and complete all required engineering documentation in accordance with company policies ...

Upwing Energy

Lead Controls Engineer

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Our development efforts combine exciting engineering challenges in turbomachinery; rotordynamics ... General Purpose of Job: The ideal Controls Engineer is experienced in the design, build ...

Upwing Energy

Lead Controls Engineer

Cerritos, CA

$86K - $112K/yr

Our development efforts combine exciting engineering challenges in turbomachinery; rotordynamics ... General Purpose of Job: The ideal Controls Engineer is experienced in the design, build ...

ASML US, LLC

Senior Controls Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

You will join the Mechatronics and Controls Engineering team in San Diego, Ca and help ASML advance lithography technology through practical, scalable engineering solutions. Role and Responsibilities ...

ASML

Senior Controls Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

You will join the Mechatronics and Controls Engineering team in San Diego, Ca and help ASML advance lithography technology through practical, scalable engineering solutions. Role and Responsibilities ...

Great Lakes Group

Be Seen First

Controls Engineer - SEP / EPP / Tooling PLC

Ontario, CA · On-site

CA$50 - CA$65/hr

Work closely with production, maintenance, engineering, skilled trades, and equipment suppliers to resolve controls issues. * Maintain PLC programs, controls documentation, system backups, and ...

New

City Brewing Co

Controls Engineer

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Degree in Electrical Engineering, or 5+ years' experience in PLC controls engineering in lieu of degree * Allen Bradley PLC and motion controls experience * Skilled in RS Logix 500 and Studio

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Controls Engineering information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$95.3K

$129.3K

How much do controls engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineering 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 controls engineering?

Controls engineering is a specialized field of engineering that focuses on designing, developing, and implementing systems that manage, command, direct, or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems. Controls engineers use principles from electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering to automate processes, improve efficiency, and ensure safety in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy. Their work often involves programming controllers, designing feedback systems, and integrating sensors and actuators to achieve precise control over machinery and processes.

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

To thrive as a Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and industry certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems in industrial environments.

How does a controls engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Controls Engineers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of automated systems. They are responsible for developing and implementing control strategies that meet project specifications, which often involves coordinating with design, installation, and commissioning teams. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as Controls Engineers must align their solutions with the overall project goals and troubleshoot cross-disciplinary issues that arise during development and testing phases.

How much do controls engineers get paid?

Controls engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $110,000. Salaries often increase with proficiency in PLC programming, automation systems, and relevant software tools.

Is controls engineering a good career?

Controls engineering is a specialized field focused on designing and maintaining automated systems and control processes, often requiring knowledge of PLCs, sensors, and programming languages like ladder logic. It offers opportunities in manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectors with competitive salaries and demand for skilled professionals. Career growth can involve certifications and continuous learning in evolving technologies.

What exactly does a controls engineer do?

A controls engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that automate machinery and processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often collaborating with electrical and mechanical teams. Proficiency in technical drawing, troubleshooting, and industry standards is essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineering jobs in California?

For Controls Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Controls Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Controls Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Controls Engineering job openings:

Controls Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineering job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Roseville, CA • Hybrid

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc
Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Incexternal

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering has a Controls Engineer position available in Auburn, CA. This person will be responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check-out support, and start-up assistance.

Please Note: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship. 

Major Responsibilities

  • Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process system requirements
  • Develops schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software
  • Develop Sequence of Operation document detailing control strategies for the process under control. Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents
  • Work at customer site to perform the system checkout and start-up of the integrated control system
  • Develop the final record system documentation and provide system training to the customer
  • Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across multiple industries including both manufacturing production lines and data center building automation
  • Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower-level engineers and technicians
  • Will act as Project Manager on smaller projects ranging from $50K to $250K. This includes but not limited to:
    • Develops and executes implementation plans for the project
    • Assigns work to meet overall project deadlines
    • Ensures that all project team members clearly understand the scope of W-M responsibilities
    • Develops schedules for W-M and customer requirements
    • Evaluates progress on project and details changes
    • Responsible for all purchasing and subcontractor requirements
    • Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope

Minimum Requirements

Education BS in Engineering Required (Electrical Engineering is preferred).

Experience Three to Ten years of experience in the areas below preferred:

  • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, logic programming, experience with instrumentation, and controls design SCADA (ie. Rockwell, Inductive Automation, AVEVA Wonderware) and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Siemens) required. Experience with DeltaV, AutoCAD, Fanuc, Keyence/Cognex Vision Systems are also desired
  • Experience in Semiconductor, Battery EV / EV, or Data Center automation preferred
  • Strong inter-personnel skills. Ability to communicate and work with team members, subcontractors, and clients
  • Ability to travel up to 35%

Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

Working Environment Standard office environment, On-site office environment, and diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.

*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job.  They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance 

Salary Range The expected Salary range is $85,000 - $125,000 annually depending on qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.

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