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Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Electrical Controls Engineer Location: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA (NFAC) Job Family Code: O - Engineering Function/Branch: Engineering/NFAC Directorate: Test Operations Position ...

Contract Controls Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$60 - $71.87/hr

The role combines controls programming, HMI/SCADA development, electrical design, panel work, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-moving project environment. Key ...

Electrical Controls Engineer Location: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA (NFAC) Job Family Code: O - Engineering Function/Branch: Engineering/NFAC Directorate: Test Operations Position ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$81K - $108K/yr

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Electrical Controls Engineer to join our innovative engineering team. In this role, you will be at the forefront of designing, developing, and optimizing ...

Automation Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$97K - $129K/yr

Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and mechanical drawings to support troubleshooting and equipment modifications.* Assist with startup, validation, and commissioning of ...

Controls Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

The Controls Engineer serves as an electrical controls resource for equipment development and troubleshooting and works closely with engineering, operations, and maintenance to meet production needs.

Controls Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

The Controls Engineer serves as an electrical controls resource for equipment development and troubleshooting and works closely with engineering, operations, and maintenance to meet production needs.

Controls Engineer

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

The Controls Engineer serves as an electrical controls resource for equipment development and troubleshooting and works closely with engineering, operations, and maintenance to meet production needs.

Controls Engineer

Arbuckle, CA · On-site

$43.27 - $45.67/hr

Kickstart your controls engineering career with a hands-on automation role where you'll work ... Read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and PLC logic. * Troubleshoot field ...

The Senior Electrical and Controls Engineer provides Electrical Controls Engineering for the implementation of Capital Projects for JM's Insulation Systems (IS) Manufacturing Operations. The position ...

Controls Engineer

Fresno, CA

$82K - $107K/yr

Controls Engineer This role focuses on designing, programming, and troubleshooting industrial ... Design and troubleshoot electrical power and control circuits, as well as complete control panels ...

Controls Engineer

Oakland, CA · Hybrid

$95K - $124K/yr

The Role We are looking for a Controls Engineer to join our product engineering team and help ... Design, develop, and program PLC-based electrical control systems * Specify, purchase, and ...

Controls Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · Hybrid

$93K - $121K/yr

The Role We are looking for a Controls Engineer to join our product engineering team and help ... Design, develop, and program PLC-based electrical control systems * Specify, purchase, and ...

Controls Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · Hybrid

$93K - $121K/yr

The Role We are looking for a Controls Engineer to join our product engineering team and help ... Design, develop, and program PLC-based electrical control systems * Specify, purchase, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer information

What is an electrical engineer controls engineer?

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems used to operate electrical equipment and machinery. They apply principles of electrical engineering and automation to ensure that processes run efficiently, safely, and reliably. These engineers often work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and other devices to manage manufacturing processes, building systems, or industrial equipment. Their role may also involve troubleshooting, system integration, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards.

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

To thrive as an Electrical Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, control systems design, and automation, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or related engineering fields. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Siemens/Rockwell credentials is often required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for designing reliable control systems, troubleshooting issues efficiently, and ensuring seamless integration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

How do electrical engineer controls engineers typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineers often work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, software developers, and production staff. Their role requires frequent communication to ensure that control systems are properly integrated with mechanical designs and software interfaces. Collaboration is essential during project planning, system commissioning, and troubleshooting phases, as each department’s input impacts the overall functionality and safety of automated systems. This team-based environment also provides opportunities to learn from other engineering disciplines, broadening your technical expertise.

What is the difference between Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectElectrical Engineer Controls EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, controls certifications (e.g., PLC programming)Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certifications (e.g., CAD, HVAC)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, automation facilities, manufacturingDesign offices, manufacturing plants, HVAC systems
Employer & Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, energy sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, HVAC, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonElectrical Engineer Controls Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer

The main difference between Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer and Mechanical Engineer lies in their focus areas. Electrical Engineers Controls Engineers specialize in automation, control systems, and electrical circuitry, often working with PLCs and sensors. Mechanical Engineers focus on mechanical systems, design, and thermodynamics. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in technical skills and industry applications, making them distinct yet sometimes overlapping in manufacturing environments.

What do electrical engineer controls engineers do?

Electrical controls engineers design, develop, and maintain control systems used in manufacturing, automation, and industrial processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often requiring knowledge of electrical circuitry, programming, and system integration.

What cities in California are hiring for Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Electrical Controls Engineer

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$134K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide technical guidance to operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and upgrade existing facility power and control systems.

  • Support development, design, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automated control systems.

  • Project management of facility electrical and control system modernization or sustainment projects including planning, budgeting, scheduling, execution, and close-out.


Job description

Overview

Job Title: Electrical Controls Engineer

Location:  NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA (NFAC)

Job Family Code: O - Engineering

Function/Branch: Engineering/NFAC

Directorate: Test Operations

Position Type: Regular Full-Time

Pay Type: Exempt 

Grade:  H08 (OC0803) – H09 (OC0930)

Salary Range: H08 - $134,000 - $178,000; H09 - $157,000 - $209,000 / year

 

Overview

Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Controls Engineer at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC), home of the largest wind tunnels in the world, located at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA. The successful candidate joins an integrated team supporting the Test Operations and Sustainment (TOS II) mission for the United States Air Force’s Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC).

Open to internal and external candidates. The selected candidate for this requisition must be available to work any shift and shift determination will be made based on the priority of work at the time the selected candidate is cleared to report to work.

U.S. Citizenship is required. At this time BNH will not sponsor any applicants for employment authorization or offer any immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1b, F1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, E-2, E-3, L-1, or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).

**If you are seeing this posting on a job board, BNH highly recommends you apply directly on the Careers Center page of our business website (https://careers-bnh.icims.com/jobs). Job board applications are not always compatible with company applicant tracking systems.** 

Job Summary

The successful candidate will join the NFAC electrical and controls engineering team providing technical guidance in designing, operating and maintaining existing complex facility power and control systems. The complex systems drive the fans that supply airflow through the wind tunnels, and control test-model support systems. You will support planning and execution of extensive capital projects to sustain, upgrade or modernize all critical facility and fan drive electrical and control systems.

The NFAC team performs large-scale, subsonic wind tunnel testing, furthering research and development of diverse technologies. NFAC tests rotorcraft such as helicopters, tiltrotors and eVTOLs; Mars and other space parachute systems; drag improvements on large semi-tractor-trailer trucks; wind turbines for power generation, and many other exciting applications for the military and commercial sectors.


Responsibilities

Job Duties

  • Provide technical guidance to operate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and upgrade existing facility power systems (drives, motors, generators, transformers, power distribution switchgears, variable frequency drives, etc.)
  • Support development, design, troubleshooting and maintaining automated control systems
  • Collaborate with customers and the test team to establish design requirements and implement facility modifications as required to meet test objectives
  • Project management of facility electrical and control system modernization or sustainment projects including development, planning, budgeting, scheduling, execution, and close-out
  • Develop, implement, and execute common work processes, instructions, guidelines, procedures, Statements of Work, design drawing packages, and checklists as required
  • Ensure preventive maintenance programs for optimizing reliability of facility electrical and control systems are technically adequate
  • Collaborate with and guide Electricians, Instrumentation technicians and other Craft in design, operation and maintenance of facility projects and systems
  • Prepare and/or review engineering studies and reports
  • It is a condition of employment to wear company issued PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy
  • Perform other related duties as required

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering, or a relevant technical field from an ABET-accredited program
  • Grade 07 (H07): Minimum of 2 years of progressive and relevant experience in engineering or a related technical field. Additional technical education can be substituted for experience.
  • Current United States citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent troubleshooting skills
  • Possess technical knowledge of electromechanical systems, engineering calculations, and applications of engineering methods and materials
  • Basic knowledge of major industry or regulatory standards and design criteria pertinent to electrical and controls engineering
  • Educational concentration and/or work experience in low, medium, or high voltage power distribution
  • Educational and/or work experience with motor-generator sets
  • Educational or work experience with computer aided engineering (CAE)/computer aided design (CAD) tools
  • Basic knowledge or experience in relevant types of engineering such as systems startup, field engineering, or plant operations/maintenance in large industrial plants, utilities, process plants or other engineering/construction firms
  • Basic experience with PLC and SCADA software and tools

Qualifications

  • Competitive salaries
  • Continuing education assistance
  • Multiple healthcare benefits packages
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Vacation and sick leave along with a federally recognized holiday schedule