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Controls Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Leprino Foods Company

Controls Supervisor

Tracy, CA · On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

Partner with maintenance, utilities, engineering, and production teams to align controls priorities with operating needs. * Reinforce safe work practices, change management discipline, and ...

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 · 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 ...

Visium Resources, Inc.

Be Seen First

Senior Controls Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70 - $84/hr

The Senior Controls Engineer provides advanced technical expertise in the field deployment ... Collaborate as the technical lead with engineering, IT, asset management, project management, and ...

Semiserve

Controls & Automation Engineer

Concord, CA

$110K - $140K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited school OR equivalent experience. * Licensed as a professional engineer. PLC and DCS Programming from modification to executing from scratch. * HMI ...

Beacon Engineering Resources

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$88K - $113K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineer for an opportunity in the Central Valley area. The ideal ... Work with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve system performance and ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Roseville, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $125K/yr

ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm * Rated as a top System Integrator Giant We have a Controls Engineer position available in Auburn, CA. This person will be responsible for controls ...

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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 Jul 14, 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Controls engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within engineering fields. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership positions in large corporations may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 is rare for standard controls engineering roles.

What 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 actuators to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often using engineering software and technical skills. Their role involves troubleshooting, testing, and optimizing control systems in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or large manufacturing often offer such compensation, particularly for engineers in managerial or lead positions with advanced expertise in PLCs, SCADA systems, and robotics.

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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in automation, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Senior-level roles often require strong knowledge of PLC programming, industrial networks, and project management, typically in manufacturing or process industries. Compensation varies based on location, industry, and individual skill set.

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, 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.
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
Controls Supervisor

Controls Supervisor

Leprino Foods Company

Tracy, CA • On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Leprino Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 395 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Within our 300-person manufacturing facility in Tracy, Leprino is seeking a Controls Supervisor to lead plant automation and control systems, support reliable production, and enable larger levels of cheese and dairy ingredient growth. We take pride in our vision to be the world's best, which is why we invest in resilient automation, skilled teams, and continuous improvement.
At Leprino, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $104,000 and $119,000. This position has an annual target bonus of 10%.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead daily controls activities that support safe, reliable production across plant automation systems.
  • Guide and develop a controls team responsible for PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and related automation infrastructure.
  • Support troubleshooting and resolution of controls-related downtime impacting production and utilities systems.
  • Coordinate planned controls upgrades, modifications, and preventive improvements to reduce unplanned outages.
  • Maintain working knowledge of plant processes to diagnose and resolve complex automation issues.
  • Partner with maintenance, utilities, engineering, and production teams to align controls priorities with operating needs.
  • Reinforce safe work practices, change management discipline, and documentation standards within the controls group.
  • Review work orders, schedules, and system issues to improve response time and system stability.
  • Support commissioning, testing, and startup of new or modified automation systems.
  • Communicate clearly with plant leadership and the corporate controls engineering team on controls risks, priorities, and system health.
  • Build a collaborative, engaged controls team through coaching, mentoring, and technical development.
  • We believe strong automation leadership keeps plants running safely and consistently. This role plays a key part in protecting uptime, quality, and system reliability.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):
  • 5+ years of industrial controls experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • 1+ year of experience leading, mentoring, or directing the work of others.
  • Associate degree in controls engineering, industrial technology, electrical, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
  • Experience supporting PLC-based control systems and plant automation infrastructure.
  • Ability to support operations in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
  • Comfortable using computer systems and learning SAP or similar maintenance platforms.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience with Allen-Bradley / Rockwell automation platforms, HMIs, and industrial networks.
  • Prior supervisory experience supporting controls or automation teams in manufacturing.
  • Experience supporting automation in food or dairy manufacturing environments.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.
Offering You In Return:
A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.
Our Story:
Leprino's history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We've grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the "World's Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company." From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?
Leprino uses Psychemedics for a 90-day hair follicle drug test as part of the employee pre-employment process and also participates in E-Verify. All employees in our manufacturing facilities are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as mandated by their role and location.

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