Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs in California

La Paloma Power Facility is located approximately 40 miles west of Bakersfield in McKittrick, California, and operates as a 1,022 MW natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant. Utilizing ABB GT24 combustion turbines, ABB HRSGs, and an ABB VAX 16 steam turbine, the facility delivers efficient and reliable power generation. Its strategic location and proven technology support a dependable electricity supply while maintaining compliance with stringent environmental regulations.
Opportunity Summary
The Entry-Level Controls Engineer, Distributed Control System (DCS), supports the maintenance, reliability, and continuous improvement of the control and automation systems that support the safe and efficient operation of La Paloma Power Facility. This includes the plant's DCS, turbine control systems, PLCs, industrial networks, CEMS, and related automation infrastructure.
Working under the guidance of the Maintenance Manager, this position supports control system maintenance, troubleshooting, software modifications, and system upgrades. The Controls Engineer works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and contractors to support safe, reliable plant operation while developing expertise in power plant controls and automation systems.
Your scope of responsibility as Controls Engineer, DCS includes the following primary functions:

• Assist in the maintenance, troubleshooting, programming, and optimization of the plant's DCS, turbine control systems, SCADA systems, PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, field instrumentation, and automation infrastructure.
• Support the investigation and resolution of control system, instrumentation, communications, and hardware/software issues under the guidance of senior engineering staff.
• Assist with the development, configuration, testing, and commissioning of control logic modifications, software enhancements, and automation improvements.
• Support the maintenance and testing of interfaces between plant control systems, turbine controls, PLCs, historians, environmental systems, and third-party applications.
• Assist with the operation, maintenance, and compliance activities associated with Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and related reporting systems.
• Support the maintenance and enhancement of operator graphics, alarm management systems, plant historians, data archiving systems, and performance monitoring tools.
• Provide day-to-day technical support to Operations and Maintenance personnel regarding control system functionality and troubleshooting activities.
• Participate in control system upgrades, software migrations, lifecycle replacement projects, and automation improvement initiatives.
• Analyze plant and control system data to identify equipment issues, performance trends, and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Assist with industrial control system cybersecurity activities, including backups, user access management, disaster recovery planning, and network maintenance.
• Support the review, testing, and implementation of OEM software updates, firmware revisions, technical bulletins, and control system modifications.
• Participate in planned and forced outage activities, including testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, startup support, and system validation.
• Assist with Root Cause Analyses (RCA), event investigations, and reliability improvement initiatives related to control and automation systems.
• Maintain control system documentation, configuration records, network drawings, operating procedures, and technical specifications while supporting coordination with OEMs, contractors, and service providers.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the facility.

NAES Safe
Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee's performance.
Working Relationships
The Controls Engineer, DCS reports to the Maintenance Manager and works closely with the Operations Manager, Maintenance Manager, Compliance Manager, and Administrative Supervisor to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility. This position maintains a collaborative relationship with NAES Corporate Engineering Support Services and provides technical support to Operations and Maintenance personnel on control system and regulatory-related matters.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
The Controls Engineer, DCS works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or "On call" status may also be required.
Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.
Compensation
This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $120,000 to $140,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Professional Expertise & Qualifications
We are seeking an entry level Controls Engineer, DCS with a strong interest in power plant controls and automation, a commitment to safety and continuous learning, and the desire to develop technical expertise in a power generation environment.

• Associate's degree, technical diploma, or equivalent military training in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, Instrumentation & Controls, Automation Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline is required. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering is preferred.
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience supporting Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), SCADA systems, industrial automation systems, or related technologies through employment, internships, co-op assignments, military service, or academic projects.
• Basic knowledge of DCS platforms, PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and communication protocols such as Modbus, Ethernet/IP, OPC, or similar technologies. Experience with ABB Advant systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting control systems, instrumentation, communications, hardware, software, and automation-related issues in an industrial or technical environment.
• Exposure to control logic development, software configuration, system testing, commissioning activities, or automation projects through academic, internship, or professional experience.
• Basic understanding of industrial networking, cybersecurity concepts, system backups, and network troubleshooting principles.
• Knowledge of power generation, industrial processes, instrumentation, or control systems, with combined cycle power plant experience considered an advantage.
• Ability to analyze technical data, interpret engineering drawings and control narratives, and develop practical solutions under the guidance of senior engineering personnel.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to learn quickly, manage priorities, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.