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Controls System Technician Jobs in Riverside, CA

Anduril Industries

Senior PLC Technician

Santa Ana, CA

$32.75 - $40.50/hr

... systems across the manufacturing floor. You will diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and ... Train maintenance technicians on PLC troubleshooting and ladder logic fundamentals * Perform ...

Strata Clean Energy

BESS Field Technician

Rialto, CA · On-site +1

$19.75 - $27/hr

The Technician performs preventive and corrective maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting ... controls, communications/SCADA, auxiliary, and mechanical systems. The position may be filled at ...

Strata Solar Services LLC

BESS Field Technician

Rialto, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

The Technician performs preventive and corrective maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting ... controls, communications/SCADA, auxiliary, and mechanical systems. The position may be filled at ...

Xylem

Electrical & Controls Engineer

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$91K - $111K/yr

The Role As the Electrical & Controls Engineer you will expand the sale and rental of temporary and ... system layout and wiring schematic drawings in AutoCAD * Provide assistance to field technicians ...

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All JobsControls System Technician JobsControls System Technician Jobs in Riverside, CA

Controls System Technician information

See Riverside, CA salary details

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How much do controls system technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls system technician in Riverside, CA is $35.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.10 and $39.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls system technician?

Control System Technicians are skilled professionals who install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated control systems used in manufacturing, building automation, and other industrial settings. They work with hardware and software that control machinery and processes, ensuring systems operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities often include calibrating instruments, updating system software, and diagnosing technical issues to minimize downtime. Control System Technicians play a critical role in supporting productivity and operational reliability in various industries.

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

To thrive as a Controls System Technician, you need a strong understanding of electrical systems, instrumentation, and automation, usually supported by an associate degree or technical certification. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and troubleshooting tools is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the reliable operation, maintenance, and optimization of automated control systems in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges a controls system technician faces when troubleshooting automated systems?

One common challenge Controls System Technicians encounter is diagnosing issues in complex systems that integrate hardware, software, and networked components. Pinpointing the root cause of a malfunction often requires interpreting PLC logic, reading schematics, and methodically testing sensors and actuators. Additionally, technicians need to stay up to date with evolving technology and manufacturer-specific protocols. Strong communication skills are also essential, as collaborating with engineers, operators, and maintenance staff is key to resolving issues efficiently.

What is the difference between Controls System Technician vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls System TechnicianControls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires technical diploma or certification in automation or controlsUsually holds a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentHands-on work in manufacturing, industrial plants, or facilitiesDesign, development, and testing in office or lab settings
Employer & Industry UsageEmployers in manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectorsEngineering firms, automation companies, and large industrial corporations

Controls System Technicians focus on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems on-site, while Controls Engineers design and develop control systems and oversee projects. Both roles require knowledge of automation, PLCs, and control hardware, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Do you need a degree to be a controls system technician?

A controls system technician typically does not need a college degree but benefits from technical training, certifications, or an associate degree in fields like electrical or industrial technology. Practical experience, knowledge of control systems, and familiarity with tools like PLCs and SCADA are important for the role.

Is controls system technician a good career?

A controls system technician is a skilled tradesperson who installs, maintains, and repairs automated control systems used in manufacturing, building management, and industrial processes. The role often requires knowledge of electrical systems, programming, and troubleshooting, with opportunities for advancement and good job stability due to ongoing industry demand. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in technology and hands-on work.

What does a controls system technician do?

A controls system technician installs, maintains, and repairs automated control systems used in manufacturing, HVAC, or industrial processes. They troubleshoot electrical and electronic components, program controllers, and ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often using tools like PLCs and SCADA software. The role typically requires technical skills, certifications, and the ability to work in various environments and schedules.
Controls System Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls System Technician job openings in Riverside, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,720 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Field Engineer - Instrumentation and Electrical

Irvine, CA • On-site, Remote

Nikkiso Cryogenic Industries
See more jobs at Nikkiso Cryogenic Industriesexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Job Overview
Responsible for installation, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of instrumentation, electrical, and control systems for skid-mounted and modular process packages executed in an EPC-style environment.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring that all field devices, control systems, and electrical installations are delivered fully functional, compliant with engineering design, and ready for startup and operation. The technician will work closely with engineering, fabrication, vendors, and commissioning teams across shop and site environments.
The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on experience in instrument calibration, loop checking, PLC-based systems, and rotating equipment packages, with a practical understanding of skid fabrication and integrated system commissioning.
Responsibilities
Instrument Installation & Calibration
  • Install, inspect, and commission field instrumentation including:
    • Pressure, temperature, flow, and level instruments
    • Control valves, actuators, and positioners
    • Analytical and specialty instrumentation (as applicable)
  • Perform instrument calibration in shop and field environments, including:
    • Transmitters, switches, gauges
    • RTDs and thermocouples
    • Flow meters (Coriolis, ultrasonic, differential pressure)
    • Level instruments (radar, DP, ultrasonic)
  • Utilize calibration and diagnostic tools such as:
    • HART communicators
    • Multifunction calibrators (e.g., Fluke)
    • Loop calibrators and signal generators
  • Maintain calibration documentation and ensure traceability to standards

Loop Checking & Functional Testing
  • Perform end-to-end loop checks from field devices to control systems (PLC/DCS/HMI)
  • Verify:
    • Signal continuity and integrity
    • Proper wiring, termination, and grounding
    • Correct scaling, ranging, and configuration
  • Execute pre-commissioning and commissioning procedures
  • Identify and resolve instrumentation and wiring issues
  • Support development and execution of loop check sheets and commissioning checklists

PLC & Controls System Support
  • Support PLC-based control systems including:
    • Verification of I/O mapping and signal integrity
    • Basic troubleshooting of PLC logic and communication issues
    • Upload/download of programs under engineering supervision
  • Work with common platforms such as:
    • Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation)
    • Siemens
    • Schneider Electric / Modicon
  • Assist with HMI/SCADA system validation and functional testing
  • Support debugging of control system issues during commissioning

Rotating Equipment & Package Integration
  • Support installation and commissioning of rotating equipment packages, including:
    • Pumps, compressors, expanders
  • Verify instrumentation and controls associated with rotating equipment:
    • Vibration monitoring systems
    • Temperature, pressure, and shutdown instrumentation
    • Package control panels and interlocks
  • Assist in startup activities, operational checks, and troubleshooting
  • Coordinate with OEM representatives such as Atlas Copco and similar vendors

Electrical Installation & Verification
  • Install and inspect:
    • Electrical panels, junction boxes, and marshalling cabinets
    • Cable trays, conduits, and field cabling
  • Perform cable pulling, termination, and continuity testing
  • Verify installations against electrical drawings and standards

Drawings, Documentation & QA/QC
  • Review and verify field installation against:
    • P&IDs
    • Loop diagrams
    • Wiring diagrams
    • Cable schedules and I/O lists
  • Mark up redlines and support development of as-built documentation
  • Perform field inspections, punch listing, and close-out activities
  • Ensure compliance with:
    • NEC
    • IEC
    • ISA standards
    • Project and client specifications

Commissioning, FAT & SAT Support
  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
  • Execute commissioning procedures and assist in system startup
  • Troubleshoot instrumentation, electrical, and control issues during commissioning
  • Support handover to operations teams

Coordination & Field Interface
  • Coordinate with:
    • Process, Mechanical, and I&C Engineering teams
    • Fabrication shops and skid manufacturers
    • Construction and commissioning teams
    • Third-party inspectors and vendors
  • Provide field feedback to engineering for design improvements
  • Support resolution of technical issues during fabrication and site execution

Qualifications
  • 5-10+ years of experience in oil & gas, LNG, industrial gas, or process industries
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, instrumentation, or a related field.
  • Strong hands-on experience with:
    • Instrument calibration (shop and field)
    • Loop checking and commissioning
    • Electrical wiring, termination, and testing
    • PLC-based control systems (troubleshooting level)
  • Experience working with skid-mounted systems and modular process packages
  • Experience supporting rotating equipment systems strongly preferred
  • Ability to read and interpret:
    • P&IDs
    • Loop diagrams
    • Wiring diagrams
    • Electrical drawings
  • Familiarity with EPC project workflows and field execution practices

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with major OEM equipment packages and controls
  • Experience supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, and startup activities
  • Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP)

Desired Attributes
  • Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic capability
  • Hands-on, execution-focused mindset
  • High attention to detail and documentation discipline
  • Ability to work independently in field and shop environments
  • Strong communication and coordination skills across engineering and field teams

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed above are typically acquired through the levels of education and experience listed. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides an applicant with the listed knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job, may be accepted.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
  • Employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools, or controls
  • Overtime may be necessary as the workload dictates. This may include weekdays, weekends, nights, and/or holidays
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. may be required

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary: $70,000 - $100,000 annually
EEOC Statement
Nikkiso is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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