1

Internship Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

What you'll do We're looking for a Robotics Controls Engineer to develop and maintain the core ... internship) software development experience * Strong foundation in classical control theory (PID ...

Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS ENGINEER (STARSHIP) As an Automation and Controls Engineer, you will be ... Professional or internship experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation

Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS ENGINEER (STARSHIP) As an Automation and Controls Engineer, you will be ... Professional or internship experience in industrial or factory automation design and implementation

Controls Software Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA ยท On-site

$53.75 - $68.50/hr

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Controls Software Engineer within the Engineering ... Experience through coursework, internships, research projects, or employment developing software ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Internship Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$95.3K

$129.3K

How much do internship controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for internship controls engineer in California is $95,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Internship Controls Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Controls Engineer, you need foundational knowledge in electrical or mechanical engineering principles, with coursework or experience in control systems and automation. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and simulation tools like MATLAB or LabVIEW is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on technical projects and adapt to dynamic learning environments. These skills ensure you can contribute meaningfully to engineering teams, learn quickly on the job, and help support the design and implementation of control solutions.

What does an Internship Controls Engineer do?

An Internship Controls Engineer assists in designing, developing, and testing automated control systems in manufacturing or industrial settings. They work with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and other automation equipment to improve system efficiency and reliability. Interns may also support troubleshooting, programming, and documentation tasks while collaborating with engineers and technicians. This role provides hands-on experience in electrical and automation engineering, preparing interns for a career in control systems development.

What kinds of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an Internship Controls Engineer?

As an Internship Controls Engineer, you will likely assist with programming and testing control systems, troubleshooting automation equipment, and supporting ongoing engineering projects under the supervision of experienced team members. You might help design control logic, document system configurations, and participate in commissioning activities for new machinery or process improvements. Additionally, you can expect to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and technicians, gaining exposure to real-world industrial environments. This hands-on experience helps build your technical skills and prepares you for more advanced engineering roles after your internship.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Internship Controls Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Internship Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Internship Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Internship Controls Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Robotics Controls Engineer

ATOMS Careers page

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$119K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Who we are
Pronto AI is a global leader in commercializing autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, deploying Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS) that automate operations in mines, quarries, and construction sites worldwide. While much of the industry remains in R&D, we deliver real, production-ready autonomy that is already operating in the field.
We are on a mission to make mining operations safer, smarter, and more efficient through cutting-edge technology, and we are building toward becoming the world's first profitable AV technology company.
What you'll do
We're looking for a Robotics Controls Engineer to develop and maintain the core control systems that enable autonomous haul trucks to operate safely in mining environments. You'll work on localization, path following, longitudinal control, and steering systems that run on 200+ ton vehicles. Responsibilities include the following:
  • Design, implement, and tune control algorithms for autonomous vehicle systems
  • Build Localization & State Estimation, Longitudinal Control, Lateral and Control Navigation.
  • Develop state estimation pipelines that fuse multiple sensor modalities
  • Analyze system performance through simulation and field testing
  • Debug control issues using logged data and identify root causes
  • Collaborate with perception, planning, and hardware teams to integrate control systems
  • Write production-quality Python code that runs reliably and efficiently
  • Travel note: This role requires periodic travel to customer sites (up to 15%)
  • Schedule note: Some schedule flexibility may be required during deployments

What we're looking for
  • BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field required
  • 2+ years of professional (non-internship) software development experience
  • Strong foundation in classical control theory (PID, lead/lag compensation, stability analysis)
  • Experience with state estimation (Kalman filters, EKF/UKF)
  • Proficiency in Python and NumPy/SciPy for numerical computing
  • Understanding of vehicle dynamics and kinematics
  • Ability to read and debug real-time control code
  • Experience deploying localization and controls algorithms on real-world systems
  • Experience with Model Predictive Control (MPC)
  • Familiarity with path following algorithms (Stanley, Pure Pursuit)
  • Background in signal processing and filter design
  • Knowledge of system identification techniques
  • Experience with heavy equipment or off-highway vehicles
  • Knowledge of CAN bus and vehicle interfaces
  • ROS or similar robotics middleware experience
  • Familiarity with modern ML techniques for controls problems

Technical Environment
  • Languages: Python (primary), C++ (optimization-critical paths)
  • Libraries: NumPy, SciPy
  • Hardware: NVIDIA Jetson, GPS/RTK, IMUs, CAN interfaces
  • Testing: Field testing on haul trucks, log replay, simulation

Why join us
  • Work on real, production-deployed autonomy.
  • Build technology that directly improves safety, efficiency, and productivity.
  • Tackle complex challenges in demanding, real-world environments.
  • Be part of a fast-moving team with high ownership and impact.
  • See your work deployed and making a difference in the field.
  • Collaborate closely with experienced engineers and industry operators.

What else you need to know
This role is based in our San Francisco office location. As a company driven by innovation and continuous change, close collaboration is essential. We're constantly reimagining our industry, creating new products, and refining our processes, and we do our best work together. That's why all of our office-based teams work onsite, five days a week.
The base salary range for this role is $119,000 - $161,000 per year.
Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards and an annual performance-based bonus.
Benefits Summary (USA Full-Time Exempt Employees):
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options
  • 401(k)
  • Equity
  • Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit Plan
  • Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Pronto accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Ready to join us as we serve those who serve others?
#LI-Onsite