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Controls Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kodiak

Software Engineer, Controls (C++)

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$145K - $190K/yr

Kodiak is recruiting a Software Engineer who is passionate about vehicular motion control to join our Controls team. The role exposes the breadth of Kodiak's controller, including dynamic control ...

Kodiak

Staff Software Engineer, Controls

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Controls Software Engineer who is passionate about safety-critical systems to join our Motion Planning & Controls team. In this role, you will: * Be responsible for ...

Kodiak

Staff Software Engineer, Controls

Bodega Bay, CA

$190K - $230K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Controls Software Engineer who is passionate about safety-critical systems to join our Motion Planning & Controls team. In this role, you will: * Be responsible for ...

Kodiak

Software Engineer, Controls (MATLAB)

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$53.50 - $68.25/hr

We are looking for a Controls Software Engineer who is passionate about safety-critical motion control to join our Motion Planning & Controls team. In this role, you will: * Participate in designing ...

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All JobsControls Software Engineer JobsControls Software Engineer Jobs in California

Controls Software Engineer information

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$19

$48

$65

How much do controls software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls software engineer in California is $48.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.93 and $54.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls software engineer?

Controls Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement software used to control machines, industrial processes, or automated systems. They work at the intersection of hardware and software, creating programs that direct how machinery operates in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, and robotics. Their responsibilities often include writing control algorithms, configuring programmable logic controllers (PLCs), troubleshooting system issues, and ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently. Controls Software Engineers collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and process engineers to deliver integrated solutions. This role requires strong programming skills, an understanding of control theory, and familiarity with industrial automation tools.

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

To thrive as a Controls Software Engineer, you need a strong background in control systems theory, programming (such as C/C++ or PLC languages), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB/Simulink, SCADA systems, and industry-specific automation platforms is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) being advantageous. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex system challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable and efficient automated control systems in industrial settings.

How does a controls software engineer typically collaborate with hardware and mechanical teams during a project?

As a Controls Software Engineer, collaboration with hardware and mechanical teams is integral throughout the project lifecycle. You will frequently participate in cross-functional meetings to align software controls with hardware specifications and system requirements. This may involve reviewing electrical schematics, discussing sensor integration, and conducting joint troubleshooting sessions during system commissioning. Open communication and a willingness to adapt your code based on physical system feedback are key to ensuring seamless system performance and successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Controls Software Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControls Software EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Software Engineering; often requires experience in control systemsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; may require certifications in automation systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing control software for machinery and industrial systemsDesigning, implementing, and maintaining automated processes and systems
Industry UsageManufacturing, robotics, process controlManufacturing, process industries, robotics

Controls Software Engineers focus on developing control algorithms and software for machinery, while Automation Engineers design and optimize automated processes. Both roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope: controls software is more software development-centric, whereas automation emphasizes process improvement and system integration.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Software Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Controls Software Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Controls Software Engineer jobs in CA?

For Controls Software Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Controls Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Software Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,124 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer, Controls (MATLAB)

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Kodiak
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Kodiakexternal

$53.50 - $68.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2025, Kodiak listed publicly on the NASDAQ.

We are looking for an experienced Controls Software Engineer who is passionate about safety-critical motion control to join our Motion Planning & Controls team.

In this role, you will:

  • Be responsible for designing and implementing our feedback, control, and actuation strategies using both established & novel techniques
  • Architect, develop, and test reliable, redundant, and safety-critical software that controls fully-loaded trucks driving on the road
  • Characterize the vehicle platform (e.g., steering, braking, throttle/engine management, dynamics) to develop models that can be used for precise motion planning, simulation, and controls
  • Work on fundamental problems in redundant actuation, degraded operation, and fail-safe control
  • Collaborate with other teams at Kodiak (e.g. hardware, embedded systems, and systems engineering) to deliver a robust vehicle control architecture
  • Create requirement specifications, implement features, plan testing, and document results

What you'll bring:

  • Software development experience writing production-level MATLAB & Simulink
  • Experience with automatic code generation from MATLAB / Simulink to embedded C / C++
  • Development, testing, and tuning of controllers for mobile autonomous robots, ideally trucks, cars, or flying vehicles
  • System identification, modeling, simulation, and characterization of systems with complex dynamics
  • A strong theoretical foundation paired with practical experience in controls, system modeling, and redundant architectures
  • A focus on end-to-end vehicle safety

Bonus points if you have:

  • Effective development of production C++
  • Expertise with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing
  • Experience with software design and implementation in safety-critical domains (e.g. automotive, aerospace, medical, etc)
  • Written low-level drivers for software/hardware interfacing using protocols such as CAN or ethernet
  • Written efficient code running on resource-constrained embedded systems with a real-time operating system
  • Experience with formal verification methods, writing requirements, and systems engineering processes
  • Drafted safety goals and requirements with traceability, following the ISO26262 process

What we offer:

  • Competitive compensation package including equity and annual bonuses
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and MetLife (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
  • MetLife Legal Services, Identity & Fraud Protection, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Accident Insurance, & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Flexible PTO, 10 paid holidays, and generous parental leave policies
  • Our office is centrally located in Mountain View, CA
  • Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging
  • Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance
  • Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace through Cigna, Calm through Kaiser, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health through Cigna, Rula (mental health navigation) 
  • Fidelity 401(k)
  • Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA
  • Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)

Apply