1

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Controls Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$87K - $113K/yr

The Controls Engineer will be responsible for the electrical design on mechanical/hydraulic power stamping presses and related automation upgrades. This Includes HMI Design, PLC Design, Safety PLC ...

Senior Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Position Overview The Embedded Controls Engineer will be responsible for implementing vehicle-level ... Work with cross functional teams (systems, electrical, & product) to define & refine feature ...

Senior Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Position Overview The Embedded Controls Engineer will be responsible for implementing vehicle-level ... Work with cross functional teams (systems, electrical, & product) to define & refine feature ...

Senior Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Position Overview The Embedded Controls Engineer will be responsible for implementing vehicle-level ... Work with cross functional teams (systems, electrical, & product) to define & refine feature ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer provides advanced technical expertise in the field deployment ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field. * 5+ years progressive experience ...

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$88K - $113K/yr

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the manufacturing automation and controls systems design ... Develop and implement standard electrical and automation engineering practices. * Manage automation ...

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the manufacturing automation and controls systems design ... Develop and implement standard electrical and automation engineering practices. * Manage automation ...

Controls Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

About the Role You will join as a Controls Engineer within Dexterity's Product Engineering Team ... You will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical and software engineers to help bring ...

Controls Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

About the Role You will join as a Controls Engineer within Dexterity's Product Engineering Team ... You will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical and software engineers to help bring ...

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA

$88K - $113K/yr

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the manufacturing automation and controls systems design ... Develop and implement standard electrical and automation engineering practices. * Manage automation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer information

What are Electrical Engineer Controls Engineers?

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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Electrical Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
AME Equipment Engineer - Controls

AME Equipment Engineer - Controls

Harbinger Motors Inc.

Garden Grove, CA • On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position Overview
We are seeking an AME Equipment Engineer - Controls to lead the design, development, programming, and commissioning of robust control systems for our cutting-edge Advanced Manufacturing Equipment. This role is central to Harbinger's Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) team and involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize production processes and integrate advanced automation technologies as we rapidly scale to high-volume production.

What You'll Do:

  • Controls System Architecture: Design, develop, and deploy the entire control system architecture, including PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), HMI (Human-Machine Interface), and SCADA systems for all AME equipment and integrated manufacturing processes.
  • Automation Integration: Program and integrate complex automation technologies across the facility, specifically focusing on systems like robotic welding/joining, high-speed conveyance, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), large mechanical presses, precision dispensing, and advanced machine vision applications.
  • Electrical Design & Safety: Design robust electrical control systems, develop detailed wiring diagrams and schematics (EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical), and ensure all systems adhere to critical industrial safety standards (ANSI/RIA 15.06, ISO 13849).
  • Data & MES Integration: Define and implement robust methods for data acquisition and transfer between equipment control systems and the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for tracking OEE, quality metrics, process variables, and production history.
  • Project Execution: Lead the controls-related aspects of equipment projects from concept through final site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, and production ramp-up, managing vendors and project timelines effectively.
  • Troubleshooting & OEE: Provide hands-on, expert-level technical support for the manufacturing and maintenance teams to quickly diagnose and resolve complex electrical, software, and networking issues to maximize equipment OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
  • Standardization & Documentation: Define and maintain a structured methodology for PLC code standards, version control, backups, and comprehensive electrical/software documentation across the entire manufacturing footprint

Who You Are:

  • Experience: 5-8+ years of hands-on experience as a Controls or Automation Engineer, with a significant focus on high-volume manufacturing automation in the automotive EV or related high-speed sector.
  • Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
  • PLC/HMI Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in programming, troubleshooting, and configuring industrial PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff) and HMI/SCADA platforms.
  • Robotics/Vision: Direct experience with programming and integrating industrial robotics (FANUC, KUKA, ABB) and implementing machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence) for quality inspection, guidance, and error-proofing.
  • Networking & Protocols: Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet, EtherCAT) and the integration of control systems with higher-level plant MES systems.
  • Safety Expertise: Deep knowledge of controls-reliable safety systems design and implementation, including safety PLCs and risk assessment procedures.
  • Skills: Proficiency in electrical CAD software (AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN). Strong analytical, structured problem-solving (e.g., 8D, 5 Why), and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to support equipment FATs (Factory Acceptance Tests) and commissioning.
  • Preferably, experience in a fast-paced startup environment.
  • Preferably, experience with precision BIW joining processes or battery/powertrain controls