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Junior Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Peak Energy

Controls & Automation Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Controls and Automation Engineer Location: Burlingame, CA - With hard commit to relocate to ... This is an entry-level to junior-level, individual-contributor role focused on supporting the ...

Peak Energy

Controls & Automation Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Controls and Automation Engineer Location: Burlingame, CA - With hard commit to relocate to ... This is an entry-level to junior-level, individual-contributor role focused on supporting the ...

Raytheon

Motor Controls Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Raytheon's Hardware Electrical Engineering Team is looking for junior engineers who have electronics knowledge to support the design and test of electronic products and systems. Our bread and ...

Raytheon

Motor Controls Engineer II

San Jose, CA · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

Raytheon's Hardware Electrical Engineering Team is looking for junior engineers who have electronics knowledge to support the design and test of electronic products and systems. Our bread and ...

Raytheon

Motor Controls Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $116K/yr

Raytheon's Hardware Electrical Engineering Team is looking for junior engineers who have electronics knowledge to support the design and test of electronic products and systems. Our bread and ...

Sila

Sr Staff Engineer, Automation Controls

Alameda, CA · On-site

$172K - $218K/yr

Mentor mid- and junior-level controls engineers to promote engineering rigor and best practices. Knowledge and Skill Requirements * Experience: 10+ years of industry experience deploying mission ...

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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.

Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer V/VI

Zone 5 Technologies

San Luis Obispo, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

The GNC Engineer V/VI is a senior-level individual contributor role responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for UAS. This position involves driving innovation in flight controls software, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver cutting-edge UAS technologies. Engineers in this role will contribute to strategic initiatives, ensure high performance in flight control systems, and lead efforts from concept to flight testing.

Responsibilities:

  • Technical Leadership: Lead the design, analysis, and development of flight controls software for Group 1 to 4 UAS.

  • Software Development: Architect and implement advanced software components for deployment to flight tests.

  • Simulation Expertise: Oversee the creation and execution of high-fidelity SWIL and HWIL simulations to validate system performance.

  • Advanced Modeling: Develop and refine complex models in Matlab/Simulink, ensuring accuracy and performance optimization.

  • Controls Analysis: Perform advanced stability and performance analyses, providing guidance on control system optimization.

  • Mentorship: Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering technical growth and team collaboration.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive effective communication and alignment across engineering disciplines to meet project objectives.

  • Innovation and R&D: Lead research initiatives in advanced flight control methodologies, embedded systems, and auto-code generation.

  • Documentation and Review: Produce comprehensive technical documentation and lead peer review processes to ensure quality and compliance.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in flight controls engineering, with at least 5 years in UAS applications.

  • Skills:

    • Expertise in Matlab/Simulink and auto-code generation for embedded systems.

    • Advanced knowledge of control theory, flight dynamics, and embedded systems.

    • Experienced in state estimation and Kalman filtering.

    • Proven ability to run and analyze SWIL and HWIL simulations.

    • Strong leadership and project management skills.

    • Effective communication and collaboration skills.

    • Familiarity with Group 1-4 UAS flight controls and avionics suites.

  • Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

    • Knowledge of advanced control techniques and optimization algorithms.

    • History of contributing to successful flight test programs and R&D projects.

Pay Range by Level for San Luis Obispo, CA: 

Level V - $197,000 - $226,000

Level VI - $226,000 - $265,000

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