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Junior Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Jm

Senior Electrical/Controls Engineer

Willows, CA · Hybrid

$121K - $181K/yr

May provide direction and mentoring to more junior engineers. What You Bring to the Team ... Lead Electrical/Controls Engineer on 1 Major or Complex Project (Responsibility > $5M)

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsJunior Controls Engineer JobsJunior Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Junior Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.9K

$108.1K

How much do junior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior controls engineer in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior controls engineer?

Junior Controls Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), troubleshoot system issues, and ensure that automated systems are functioning correctly. Their role often involves hands-on work with electrical components and software, as well as collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve efficiency and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Controls Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering and a solid grasp of automation principles. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and CAD software, along with relevant certifications like Siemens or Rockwell, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable control systems and ensuring smooth operation in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by junior controls engineers when transitioning from academic projects to real-world industrial environments?

Junior Controls Engineers often find that real-world industrial environments present challenges not commonly encountered in academic settings, such as working with legacy systems, managing tight project deadlines, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. Learning to troubleshoot hardware and software issues in live production environments can be daunting, especially when unexpected problems arise. Additionally, adapting to rigorous safety standards and documentation requirements is crucial. However, support from senior engineers and ongoing training typically help new hires navigate these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Junior Controls Engineer vs Controls Technician?

AspectJunior Controls EngineerControls Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls EngineeringTechnical diploma or associate's degree in electrical or controls technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and troubleshooting of control systems, often in office and lab settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of control systems on-site in industrial environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, and engineering firmsIndustrial plants, factories, and automation service providers

While both roles involve working with control systems, Junior Controls Engineers focus on design and development, whereas Controls Technicians primarily handle installation and maintenance. The roles often overlap in industry and credentials but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

How to become a junior controls engineer with no experience?

To become a junior controls engineer with no experience, focus on gaining foundational knowledge in electrical or mechanical systems through relevant coursework or online training. Internships, entry-level technician roles, or certifications in PLC programming and control systems can help build practical skills and improve employability in this field.

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 are popular job titles related to Junior Controls Engineer jobs in California?

For Junior Controls Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Controls Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Controls Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Junior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Junior Controls Engineer job openings:

Junior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Controls Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Viavi Solutions

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Summary:
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The Role
VIAVI Solutions manufactures advanced optical thin-film and pigment coating products across a 24/7 production environment in Santa Rosa, CA, with additional sites in China and Arizona. This Controls Engineer position balances two priorities: keeping automation running in an active manufacturing operation, and leading new capital project work - machine installations, system upgrades, and next-generation automation platforms. For the right candidate, this role has a clear path into engineering leadership and management of VIAVI's Automation Controls group.
⚙ Manufacturing Support
  • Resolve PLC/HMI faults rapidly to restore production
  • Support planned maintenance windows and change deployments
  • Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions
  • Improve control logic, alarming, and system reliability
  • Partner closely with maintenance and operations teams

🔧 New Capital Projects
  • Own automation scope on new machine installations
  • Define PLC/HMI/network architecture for new systems
  • Manage vendors, FAT/SAT, and project documentation
  • Commission and validate systems into Operations

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain PLC and HMI systems for manufacturing equipment
  • Commission new automation hardware and software; integrate with existing infrastructure
  • Configure and commission motor drives, motion systems, and closed-loop control systems
  • Design and administer SQL databases; manage industrial networks (Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC)
  • Maintain source control, documentation, and change records for all control system work
  • Lead or contribute to capital project scoping, scheduling, and execution
  • Mentor junior engineers; collaborate across Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams
  • Demonstrate communication and leadership skills aligned with future management growth

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years in industrial controls/automation in a manufacturing environment
  • PLC programming: Siemens Step 7 / TIA Portal or Mitsubishi GX Developer
  • Experience supporting automation in 24/7 or continuous production environments
  • Programming with Visual Studio, C#
  • End-to-end ownership of capital project automation scope
  • HMI development, industrial networking, SQL databases, source code management
  • Strong troubleshooting skills; ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDs
  • Excellent communication skills; occasional international travel required

Preferred Skills
  • Allen-Bradley / Rockwell or Honeywell PLC platforms
  • LabVIEW, Wonderware System Platform, Oracle, Linux, Windows administration
  • Vision systems, vacuum coating processes, optics knowledge
  • Prior team-lead experience

Leadership & Management Growth Path - High performers will have the opportunity to eventually lead the Controls team technically and move into formal management of VIAVI's Automation Controls Engineering group. Growth is supported through stretch assignments, leadership visibility, and formal development planning.
If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.
VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.
Job Posting Pay Range:
134,400
to
249,600
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

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