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Freelance Control Systems Engineer Jobs in California

RoviSys

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

Programming of control and information systems * Designing electrical control cabinets and panels * Testing the system configuration to verify functions * Travel to client site for project meetings

RoviSys

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Thousand Oaks, CA

$90K - $129K/yr

Programming of control and information systems * Designing electrical control cabinets and panels * Testing the system configuration to verify functions * Travel to client site for project meetings

RoviSys

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

Programming controllers with Rockwell and Siemens * Designing electrical control cabinets and panels * Testing the system configuration to verify functions * Travel to client site for project ...

Apple

Camera Control-Systems Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Description Camera control-systems engineering involves systems-level analysis and modeling of imaging and sensing systems, modeling dynamic systems, developing robust control strategies, design and ...

RoviSys

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA

$90K - $129K/yr

Programming controllers with Rockwell and Siemens * Designing electrical control cabinets and panels * Testing the system configuration to verify functions * Travel to client site for project ...

CBRE

Building Control Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Prepare and maintain system documentation, including control diagrams, wiring schematics, and operation manuals • Mentor junior engineers and assist with training initiatives for staff or clients ...

RoviSys

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

Programming controllers with Rockwell and Siemens * Designing electrical control cabinets and panels * Testing the system configuration to verify functions * Travel to client site for project ...

Valero

Sr Control Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

As a Sr Control Systems Engineer you will provide support and maintain refinery/process control infrastructure including Honeywell Distributed Control Systems (DCS), virtualization environments ...

Valero Energy

Sr Control Systems Engineer

Wilmington, CA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

As a Sr Control Systems Engineer you will provide support and maintain refinery/process control infrastructure including Honeywell Distributed Control Systems (DCS), virtualization environments ...

KNAPP

Control Systems Engineer - PLC

Stockton, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

WHAT YOU GET TO DO The Control Systems Engineer - PLC provides control-system focused support to keep the Customer's automated warehouse stable and running. The role monitors and troubleshoots ...

Anvil Corporation

Sr. Control Systems Engineer

Caspar, CA

$184K - $191K/yr

JOB SUMMARY This is a senior level control systems and instrumentation engineer position. The position requires strong technical ability to both perform engineering tasks and lead others, ability to ...

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All JobsControl Systems Engineer JobsFreelance Control Systems Engineer JobsFreelance Control Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Freelance Control Systems Engineer information

What is the difference between Freelance Control Systems Engineer vs Control Systems Technician?

AspectFreelance Control Systems EngineerControl Systems Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like PLC or SCADA are commonTechnical diploma or associate degree; specialized training in control systems
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often remote or on-site at client facilitiesOn-site at industrial plants or manufacturing facilities
Employer & IndustryIndependent contractors serving multiple clients across industriesEmployers in manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectors
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance control system design, integration, or consultingSeeking maintenance, troubleshooting, or installation of control systems

The main difference is that Freelance Control Systems Engineers focus on designing and integrating control systems independently, often working on a project basis, while Control Systems Technicians handle installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting within industrial settings. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance control systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Control Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or automation engineering, proficiency in system design, and experience with PLCs and SCADA systems, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Schneider Electric platforms, and certifications like ISA CAP or TUV Functional Safety are typically valuable. Strong problem-solving, self-management, and communication skills help in managing projects independently and collaborating with diverse clients. These skills are crucial for delivering reliable automation solutions, meeting client expectations, and maintaining a competitive edge in a dynamic freelance market.

How does a freelance control systems engineer typically collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams during a project?

As a Freelance Control Systems Engineer, you often work closely with clients to define project specifications, provide technical consultation, and ensure deliverables align with their operational needs. Collaboration frequently involves remote meetings, regular progress reports, and integration with other engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and software teams. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as you may need to adapt to different workflows and project management tools set by various clients. Building strong client relationships and demonstrating reliability can lead to repeat business and referrals.

What is a freelance control systems engineer?

A Freelance Control Systems Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains systems that control machinery or processes, typically working on a contract or project basis rather than as a permanent employee. These engineers often work with automation systems in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or transportation. Their responsibilities include programming controllers, troubleshooting control systems, and ensuring optimal system performance. As freelancers, they enjoy flexibility in choosing projects and clients, but they also manage their own business operations, such as client communication and billing.

What are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs in California?

For Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Control Systems Engineer job openings:

Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs near you

Staff Robotic Control Systems Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA

$190K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Description
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Astrolab is seeking an experienced control systems engineer to support development of control systems for extra-terrestrial rovers such as in-house motor controller development, vehicle mobility system control, robotic arm control, and high gain communication antenna pointing control.  Control system development will include initial simulation and design of vehicle control systems, control system performance analysis, gain tuning, and supporting software and integrated hardware/software development and testing.   
Note: Some travel may be required for this position

What you'll do:
  • Define control system requirements from vehicle and subsystem level functional and performance requirements
  • Lead design, analysis, development, tuning, verification, and validation of vehicle control systems
  • Build system simulations for controller design and analysis in appropriate tools (e.g. Matlab, Simulink, Python) and mature simulations as additional test data becomes available 
  • Design and prototype appropriate controllers that meet the defined requirements using simulations and control system design tools (e.g. Matlab control system toolbox)
  • Support sizing and selection of integrated robotic control system components (sensors and actuators) such as motion sensors, cameras, motor encoders, motors, and similar
  • Support (and potentially lead) development of integrated hardware/software control system testbeds and testing of prototype controllers using these testbeds
  • Analyze and tune controller performance, stability, and robustness using the system simulations, testbeds, and test data
  • Develop control system documentation and work with vehicle software team to convert controller prototypes into flight code, including supporting unit and integrated testing of flight implementations
  • Work with vehicle software team, avionics team, integration and test team to verify flight control system implementation and performance
  • Support integrated vehicle guidance, navigation, and control system simulation and performance analysis
  • Support calibration of integrated hardware/robotic control systems (e.g. robotic arm calibration)

What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications 
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) related field 
  • 10+ years of experience developing robotic control systems across the full lifecycle, from concept development through flight operations
  • 10+ years of experience designing, developing, testing, analyzing, and tuning robotic control systems for extra-terrestrial rovers, including mobility systems, robotic arms, or similar robotic mechanisms, with direct experience developing motor controller control loops and robotic arm control systems
Preferred Qualifications: 
  • Experience designing, building, and utilizing testbeds to validate control systems on flight-like hardware, including development and execution of test plans
  • Experience collaborating across engineering disciplines to mature control system designs from concept through flight operations
  • Experience providing technical guidance, mentorship, or leadership to control systems engineers
  • Experience developing, testing, and validating control system simulation and analysis tools
  • Experience analyzing and tuning the performance of robotic control systems
  • Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, MATLAB Control System Toolbox, or equivalent control system design and analysis tools
  • Strong technical writing, communication, and presentation skills

Benefits and Perks
  • Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
  • Equity ownership in the company
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO and parental leave
  • Home office set up reimbursement
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks