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Mechanical Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bloom Energy

Principal Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$176K - $253K/yr

Define system requirements and interfaces across software, electrical, mechanical, and systems ... Mentor engineers and establish controls engineering best practices. * Support product roadmap ...

Bloom Energy

Principal Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA

$176K - $253K/yr

Define system requirements and interfaces across software, electrical, mechanical, and systems ... Mentor engineers and establish controls engineering best practices. * Support product roadmap ...

K&K Technical

Controls Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

... for mechanical and hydraulic stamping presses. This role is responsible for the complete controls lifecycle including HMI development, PLC and Safety PLC programming, electrical hardware design ...

Everforth, Cybercoders

Controls Engineer

Chino, CA · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

Controls Engineer Position: Controls Engineer Location: Ontario, CA Position Summary: The Controls ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $130K/yr

Mechanical or other Professional Engineer Registration a plus. Essential Requirements * Minimum 5 years of controls design experience for consulting engineer or controls contractor with demonstrated ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Mechanical or other Professional Engineer Registration a plus. Essential Requirements * Minimum 5 years of controls design experience for consulting engineer or controls contractor with demonstrated ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Mechanical or other Professional Engineer Registration a plus. Essential Requirements * Minimum 5 years of controls design experience for consulting engineer or controls contractor with demonstrated ...

AlfaTech

Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Mechanical or other Professional Engineer Registration a plus. Essential Requirements * Minimum 5 years of controls design experience for consulting engineer or controls contractor with demonstrated ...

Dexterity

Controls Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

About the Role You will join as a Controls Engineer within Dexterity's Product Engineering Team ... You will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical and software engineers to help bring ...

Dexterity

Controls Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

About the Role You will join as a Controls Engineer within Dexterity's Product Engineering Team ... You will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical and software engineers to help bring ...

Gradient Robotics

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

You'll work tightly with mechanical, electrical, and software to make the whole machine behave as ... controls engineering experience on real electromechanical systems (robotics, motion systems ...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Controls Engineer

Monterey, CA

$96K - $123K/yr

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automated controls, or manufacturing. Masters preferred. * 5+ years of PLC Programming and systems maintenance using Rockwell ...

Raya Workforce

Principal Controls Engineer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$96K - $124K/yr

Principal Controls Engineer Location : Petaluma, CA Work Type : Fulltime/Onsite Work Authorization ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Pacific Coast Producers

Controls Engineer

Woodland, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

As a Controls Engineer, you'll combine technical expertise and project management skills to develop ... Strong mechanical aptitude and expertise in three-phase electrical distribution and control. * In ...

Upwing Energy

Lead Controls Engineer

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

... simulations; mechanical design and design-for-manufacturability. General Purpose of Job: The ideal Controls Engineer is experienced in the design, build, implementation and sustaining of ...

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All JobsMechanical Controls Engineer JobsMechanical Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Mechanical Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$101.5K

$164.3K

How much do mechanical controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical controls engineer in California is $101,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mechanical Controls Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Controls EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, control systems certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, automation, control systemsDesign offices, product development, CAD labs
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, roboticsProduct design, machinery, consumer products

Mechanical Controls Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems for machinery and automation, often working with electrical components and control software. Mechanical Design Engineers primarily develop mechanical components and systems using CAD tools. While both roles require mechanical engineering knowledge, Controls Engineers emphasize control systems and automation, whereas Design Engineers concentrate on product development and mechanical design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical controls engineer?

To thrive as a Mechanical Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, control systems, and automation, generally supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Proficiency with tools like PLC programming, HMI development, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with knowledge of relevant industry standards, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure reliable system design, efficient troubleshooting, and successful project outcomes in dynamic engineering environments.

What is a mechanical controls engineer?

A Mechanical Controls Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains control systems that manage the behavior of machines and mechanical systems. They integrate sensors, actuators, and control algorithms to ensure optimal performance, safety, and reliability of equipment in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. Their work often involves programming, system modeling, and troubleshooting to improve automation and efficiency. Mechanical Controls Engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement solutions that meet specific engineering requirements.

What are some typical challenges a mechanical controls engineer faces when integrating new automation systems into existing manufacturing lines?

Mechanical Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new automation controls and legacy equipment, minimizing production downtime during integration, and addressing unforeseen issues with system communication protocols. Successful integration requires close collaboration with electrical engineers, software developers, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot problems and optimize system performance. Flexibility, strong problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to documentation are key to overcoming these challenges while maintaining safety and efficiency standards.
What cities in California are hiring for Mechanical Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Mechanical Controls Engineer job openings:
Mechanical Controls Engineer jobs near you

Mechanical Controls Engineer, Special Projects

Hadrian Automation, Inc

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$165K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future
Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and up to 2x cheaper. By combining advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we are reinventing how America produces its most critical parts.
We're accelerating our mission with the launch of Factory 3 in Mesa, Arizona, a 290,000-square-foot facility creating 350 new jobs. We are expanding rapidly to support thousands of future hires, launching Hadrian Maritime to expand into naval production, and introducing a Factory-as-a-Service model that delivers complete systems instead of individual parts.
Hadrian is backed by leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz, our fast-growing team is united around reindustrializing American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond.
The Role
We are seeking a skilled and driven Electrical & Controls Engineer to join Hadrian's Special Projects division, a team dedicated to building cutting-edge, custom automation work centers for bespoke processing needs. This role is focused on the design, development, and commissioning of specialized work centers that support high-precision, scalable manufacturing.
As part of this team, you will work directly with tooling engineers, software engineers, and project and program managers to bring advanced production systems from concept to operation. You'll be immersed in the technical aspects of automation, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software across new manufacturing capabilities.
What You'll Do
  • Lead the electrical and controls design for advanced automated manufacturing systems, including CNC, robotic, and tooling cells.
  • Develop and maintain PLC applications using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 or Siemens TIA Portal.
  • Integrate and commission a variety of industrial robots and sensors using industrial protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, OPC-UA, and MQTT.
  • Design and debug control panels to industrial standards (NFPA 79, UL 508A).
  • Design and create HMI interfaces.
  • Perform onsite commissioning, troubleshooting, and system optimization, including mentoring junior engineers and codifying best practices.

What We're Looking For
  • Expertise in PLC programming (IEC 61131-3) and motion control, especially with TwinCAT 3 or TIA Portal.
  • Proficiency in robotic systems integration with ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa, or Kuka platforms.
  • Experience designing and commissioning electrical systems and panels to industrial safety standards.
  • Strong skills in integrating sensors and performing risk assessments in accordance with safety standards such as ISO 13849 or ANSI B11.
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems using diagnostic tools and lead structured root cause analysis.

What Will Set You Apart
  • Experience with high-level programming languages such as C# or Python to extend platform capabilities.
  • Proficiency in designing and deploying machine vision systems using platforms like Zivid, LMI, Keyence, or Cognex.
  • Familiarity with secure industrial networking and real-time data acquisition systems.
  • Experience integrating MES systems and working with data pipelines (REST, MQTT).

Benefits for Full-time Employees
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees
  • 401k
  • Relocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need.
  • Flexible vacation policy
  • Equity
ITAR Requirements
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. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Use of AI in hiring
Hadrian uses AI-assisted tools in our recruiting and hiring processes to help our team work more efficiently. This may include tools that help organize and analyze recruiting data, as well as an AI-powered notetaker that can record and transcribe interviews and help coordinate feedback. These tools support our team and are not used to make hiring decisions. All candidate evaluations and hiring decisions are performed by humans. If an interview will be recorded, you will be notified in advance and may opt out at any time with no impact on your candidacy. Candidate data processed through these tools is subject to the same protections described in our Privacy Policy.
Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the Company's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled candidates and employees, including for candidates or employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

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