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Freelance Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA

SEA Systems Engineer 2

Woodland, CA ยท On-site

$78.52 - $130.87/hr

SEA Systems Engineer 2 Location: Woodland Hills, CA Zip Code: 91367 Duration: 12 Months Pay Rate ... Collaborate with integration and test teams on schedules, maintain Interface Control Documents ...

New

Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Davis, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

S. export control restrictions. Hiring by DMG MORI must be made in compliance with applicable ... Apply hands-on engineering and troubleshooting skills with mechanical systems to support CNC ...

New

Field Systems Engineer

Woodland, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Experience with some of the following technologies that we frequently use: o Structured Text o Object-oriented programming o Robotic control and vision systems (Fanuc) o Industrial automation ...

Field Systems Engineer

Davis, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Experience with some of the following technologies that we frequently use: o Structured Text o Object-oriented programming o Robotic control and vision systems (Fanuc) o Industrial automation ...

Field Systems Engineer

Davis, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... control and vision systems (Fanuc) o Industrial automation (Beckhoff controls, TwinCat) If you are an experienced Field Systems Engineer with a passion for renewable energy and want to join a dynamic ...

Field Systems Engineer

Woodland, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... control and vision systems (Fanuc) o Industrial automation (Beckhoff controls, TwinCat) If you are an experienced Field Systems Engineer with a passion for renewable energy and want to join a dynamic ...

Field Systems Engineer

Davis, CA ยท On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

Robotic control and vision systems (Fanuc) * Industrial automation (Beckhoff controls, TwinCat) If you are an experienced Field Systems Engineer with a passion for renewable energy and want to join a ...

Systems Engineer V - Test

Folsom, CA ยท On-site

$162 - $199/hr

Deep understanding of serial communication protocols (RS-422, RS-485, CAN) and distributed control ... Expertise in applying systems engineering and controls principles to ensure robust test ...

Field Systems Engineer

Davis, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $140/hr

Robotic control and vision systems (Fanuc) * Industrial automation (Beckhoff controls, TwinCat) If you are an experienced Field Systems Engineer with a passion for renewable energy and want to join a ...

Robotic control and vision systems (Fanuc) * Industrial automation (Beckhoff controls, TwinCat) If you are an experienced Field Systems Engineer with a passion for renewable energy and want to join a ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Control Systems Engineer information

See Rancho Cordova, CA salary details

$65.1K

$116K

$187.2K

How much do freelance control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance control systems engineer in Rancho Cordova, CA is $116,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,600.00 and $134,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA?

The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA are:

What cities near Rancho Cordova, CA are hiring for Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rancho Cordova, CA with the most Freelance Control Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Control Systems Engineer job openings in Rancho Cordova, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,038 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Systems Engineer IV - MSAD

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Folsom, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

Voyager is an innovative defense, national security and space technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.
Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies
The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we're building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what's next. And we're doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.
You'll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We're a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.
If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person, forge the future with Voyager.
Job Summary:
The Level IV Modeling, Simulation, and Controls Engineer contributes to the design, development, and analysis of control systems and simulation architectures in support of propulsion and aerospace systems. This position supports program execution through high-fidelity modeling, algorithm development, and performance assessments. The engineer applies domain expertise in solid rocket motors and controllable solids technologies to model system behavior and contribute to design maturity and program success. This role requires increasing independence and technical ownership, working closely with other engineering disciplines, project teams, and customers.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop high-fidelity models and control algorithms for propulsion, flight control, and guidance subsystems
  • Support creation of system simulation architectures to enable design iteration, verification, and validation
  • Perform controllability studies of dynamic systems to assess system behavior under perturbations and control strategies
  • Define control system topologies and support gain tuning methodology across various architectures
  • Support program performance engineering through requirement derivation, margin analysis, and performance trade studies
  • Conduct system-level performance assessments using Monte Carlo, sensitivity, and parametric studies
  • Apply physics-based modeling to develop representative simulations of mechanical, thermal, and aerodynamic systems
  • Contribute to ballistics modeling and propulsion system performance analysis for solid rocket motors
  • Develop and validate models of actuation systems for propulsion control systems and dynamic mechanisms, supporting integration into closed-loop control architectures and performance assessments.
  • Aid customers in developing mission CONOPS and requirements thru propulsion system modeling and controls design
  • Develop and implement estimation techniques to improve model accuracy and system insight
  • Extend modeling capability in state-space and modern control methods
  • Support simulation and analysis of flight vehicle control behavior for propulsion concept evaluation
  • Contribute to modeling and simulation planning for new programs and R&D initiatives
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (GNC, software, systems, test) to ensure integration of modeling products
  • Participate in customer engagements, technical reviews, and milestone events (SRR, PDR, CDR)
  • Mentor junior engineers and support peer reviews of modeling and controls work products
  • Author technical documents including model reports, simulation plans, interface definitions, and configuration records
  • Ensure simulation models meet program requirements for verification, validation, and traceability
  • Support technical trade studies and concept maturation of control and propulsion systems

Required Qualifications:
  • Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance
  • Demonstrated ability to lead engineering tasks across lifecycle phases-from requirements through verification and delivery
  • Strong systems thinking and ability to work across functional boundaries
  • Effective leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with a mission-driven mindset
  • Solid technical foundation in modeling, control systems, and dynamic system behavior
  • Ability to interface with DoD customers and support team decision-making on complex technical problems
  • Commitment to technical rigor, quality execution, and continuous improvement
  • Skilled in stakeholder engagement, technical risk identification, and collaborative problem solving

Experience:
  • 7-10 years of experience in modeling, simulation, control systems, or estimation algorithm development in aerospace or defense industries
  • Strong background in dynamic system modeling, control system design, and simulation infrastructure
  • Experience in propulsion modeling, including solid rocket motors and controllable solids performance
  • Working knowledge of physics-based modeling for mechanical, thermal, and aerodynamic subsystems
  • Demonstrated experience contributing to complex program deliverables and technical reviews
  • Prior experience with Department of Defense (DoD), MDA, or equivalent government programs preferred

Education:
  • Required: Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical, electrical engineering, or related STEM field from an accredited college/university
  • Preferred: Master's degree in systems engineering or a related discipline is desirable and may substitute for 1 year of experience from an accredited college/university

Skills:
  • Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or equivalent modeling and control toolchains
  • Strong understanding of classical and modern control techniques, including state-space control
  • Competence in verification and validation of models and their use within broader system architectures
  • Capable of physics-based modeling and multi-domain simulation development
  • Experience in propulsion system modeling and basic ballistics performance assessments
  • Ability to generate SysML diagrams of product structure, product behavior, technical logic, engineering process, and test execution
  • Clear and effective communicator in both technical documentation and verbal presentations
  • Strong time management and collaboration skills in a multi-program environment

Others:
  • Ability to travel up to 10% for technical reviews, tests, or customer engagements
  • Comfortable working in secure or classified environments
  • Self-motivated and adaptable in a fast-paced, high-accountability development setting
  • Committed to advancing aerospace modeling and control capabilities in national defense

Please click "Apply" to submit your application.
Voyager offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package, retirement savings, wellness program, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you're not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.
California pay range
$115,000-$170,000 USD