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Controls Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kodiak

Staff Software Engineer, Controls

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/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 ...

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How much do controls software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Software Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are Controls Software Engineers?

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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,124 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Senior Real-Time/Controls Software Engineer

Space Kinetic

El Segundo, CA

$130.50K - $172K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are: 
Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations - one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attritable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo,  we are focused on creating something entirely different - an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on.  Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures - where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.
 
This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space

What You'll Do:

We are seeking a Senior Real-Time / Controls Software Engineer to lead development of deterministic real-time control software supporting high-speed electromechanical aerospace systems. This role will own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, safety interlocks, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration for critical system functions. The ideal candidate understands both controls theory and low-level real-time software implementation and can translate GNC, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python-based models into reliable embedded flight-like control software operating in a fast-paced hardware development environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop deterministic real-time control software for electromechanical aerospace systems  
  • Own motor-control implementation, release timing logic, and safety interlock architecture  
  • Translate MATLAB/Simulink and Python-based control models into production-quality real-time software  
  • Support development and integration of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) related algorithms  
  • Design and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integration activities  
  • Work closely with GNC, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams during development and test  
  • Support integration, debugging, and validation of control systems on prototype hardware  
  • Develop software interfaces for sensors, actuators, motor controllers, and embedded hardware systems  
  • Support system-level testing, troubleshooting, and rapid iteration during development campaigns  
  • Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and safety-critical design decisions  

What It Takes:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field OR Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field 
  • 5+ years of experience in embedded software, controls software, or real-time systems development  
  • Strong understanding of real-time software architecture and deterministic system behavior  
  • Experience with motor controls, actuator systems, or embedded control loops  
  • Experience working with MATLAB/Simulink and translating models into deployable software  
  • Strong programming experience in C/C++ and Python  
  • Experience supporting integration and testing of hardware/software systems  
  • Experince working with space systems

What We'd Love:

  • PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and demonstrated technical depth.
  • Aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems background  
  • Experience with HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulation and testing  
  • Familiarity with GNC algorithms and controls development workflows  
  • Experience supporting high-speed dynamic systems or safety-critical systems  
  • Familiarity with embedded Linux, RTOS, FPGA interfaces, or low-level hardware communication protocols  
  • Startup or rapid-prototyping experience preferred
  • Real-time embedded systems  
  • Control loop implementation  
  • Motor controllers and actuator interfaces  
  • Sensor integration and signal processing  
  • Simulation and modeling workflows  
  • System debugging and integration testing  
  • Cross-functional engineering collaboration  
*Our vision is unique, and so is the team we're building. If you're driven to succeed in this role, even if your background doesn't fully align with every qualification, we want your application.
 
Where You'll Be: 

  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year). 

What We Offer:  
  • Equity-Based Compensation
  • Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
  • Health and Wellness Stipend
  • Commuter Benefits

ITAR Requirements: 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. 

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