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Motion Control Application Engineer Jobs in California

Salient Motion

Controls Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are hiring an entry-level Motion Control Engineer to help build and maintain the embedded firmware that powers our motion control and motor drive products. This role is built for someone with a ...

Salient Motion

Controls Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are hiring an entry-level Motion Control Engineer to help build and maintain the embedded firmware that powers our motion control and motor drive products. This role is built for someone with a ...

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Motion Control Application Engineer information

What is a motion control application engineer?

A Motion Control Application Engineer is a technical specialist who designs, implements, and supports motion control systems used in automation and manufacturing processes. They work with hardware and software to control the movement of machinery, such as robotics, conveyors, and CNC machines. Their responsibilities often include system integration, troubleshooting, and collaborating with clients to customize solutions that optimize efficiency and precision in motion-related applications. They also provide technical support and training to customers and internal teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a motion control application engineer?

To excel as a Motion Control Application Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, motion control theory, and automation systems, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, servo drives, motion controllers, and CAD software, as well as certifications like Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP), are highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and project management skills help you collaborate with clients and cross-functional teams. These competencies are essential to design, implement, and troubleshoot advanced motion control solutions that meet client and industry requirements.

How do motion control application engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on automation projects?

Motion Control Application Engineers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop and implement automation solutions. They are responsible for specifying and integrating motion control systems, troubleshooting issues during commissioning, and ensuring seamless communication between various subsystems. Regular meetings, documentation sharing, and hands-on testing are common, making strong communication and teamwork skills essential for success in this role. This collaborative environment also provides valuable exposure to multiple engineering disciplines, which can accelerate career growth.

What is the difference between Motion Control Application Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectMotion Control Application EngineerAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in motion control systemsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in automation or control systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing motion control solutions, collaborating with manufacturingDeveloping automation processes, programming PLCs, working in manufacturing or industrial settings
Industry UsageManufacturing, robotics, aerospaceManufacturing, process industries, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Motion Control Application Engineer focuses on designing and implementing motion control systems, while the Automation Engineer works on broader automation processes, including programming and system integration. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, often overlap in manufacturing environments, but differ in specific focus areas.

What cities in California are hiring for Motion Control Application Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Motion Control Application Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Motion Control Application Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Controls Engineer

Torrance, CA • On-site

Salient Motion
See more jobs at Salient Motionexternal

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

**Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) to meet customer and regulatory requirements**
Who We Are

We are pioneering modular motion technologies to power the next generation of innovation for Industrial, Aerospace and Defense. If you're excited about disrupting legacy industries, and passionate about building next generation technology, let's chat!

We are at the forefront of innovation, crafting exclusive motion control components that propel the industrial, aerospace, and defense sectors into the future. 

A couple other things:

  • We are open to relocating you
  • We have great benefits
  • We are well funded, and generating revenue
  • We are located in beautiful Torrance, CA and just moved into a new large hangar facility

Role Summary: 

We are hiring an entry-level Motion Control Engineer to help build and maintain the embedded firmware that powers our motion control and motor drive products. This role is built for someone with a strong software/firmware foundation, solid C, an instinct for clean system architecture, who is eager to grow into motor control and control-loop design in a fast-paced aerospace environment. You'll work alongside experienced controls and firmware engineers, turning control concepts into robust, production-quality embedded code.

What you'll do:

  • Design, implement, and maintain embedded firmware for motion control and motor drive products, primarily in C.
  • Contribute to system architecture decisions for control firmware modules, with an eye toward maintainability, testability,
    and real-time performance.
  • Translate control algorithms into well-structured, production-quality firmware, working closely with senior engineering staff.
  • Participate in code reviews, static analysis, and unit/integration testing to uphold firmware quality standards.
  • Support bring-up, debug, and validation of control firmware on hardware in the lab.
  • Document firmware architecture, module interfaces, and design decisions.
  • Assist in specifying and executing firmware verification test plans.

What you need:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 2-4 years of professional experience in embedded firmware development related to Motion Control.
  • Strong proficiency in C, with a solid grasp of firmware/software architecture principles (modularity, abstraction layers, state
    machines).
  • Familiarity with embedded systems fundamentals: microcontrollers, interrupts, timers, and communication protocols (SPI,
    I2C, UART, CAN).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a genuine interest in learning control theory and motor control fundamentals on the job.
  • Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative software development workflows.

Nice to Haves: 

  • Exposure to motor control concepts (field-oriented control, PWM generation, current/position sensing).
  • Familiarity with motion control loop design and digital filter design (PI/PID tuning, notch/biquad filters, Bode/FRF analysis).
  • Experience with an RTOS (FreeRTOS, ThreadX, or similar).
  • Familiarity with model-based design or code-generation workflows (e.g., Simulink/Embedded Coder).
  • Exposure to unit testing frameworks for embedded C (Unity, CppUTest, or similar).
  • Coursework or project experience in feedback control systems.

Export Control: 

  • This role supports aerospace programs and may involve export-controlled information or hardware. Candidates must be able to
    comply with applicable export control laws and access requirements.

What we have to offer:

We are not just building components. We are reshaping the future of the Aerospace and Defense component industry, which is a $300B+ market! Come join us and help build next generation systems that will make a massive impact at global scale.

  • We offer competitive compensation: $120,000 to $140,000 base salary + equity
  • Exceptional healthcare benefits, Medical is 100% covered by the company
  • Flexible PTO 
  • 401K
  • More to come!

Apply