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Motion Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Control Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

PLC Programming / HMI Development / Variable Frequency Drives / Motion Control / Industrial Networks / Sensors Ability to develop and grow strong customer relationships Consistently takes initiative ...

Senior Responsible Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We are at the forefront of innovation, crafting exclusive motion control components that propel the ... Serve as the designated Responsible Engineer for assigned products and assemblies - the final ...

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Showing results 1-20

Motion Control Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.3K

$88.1K

$128.3K

How much do motion control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for motion control engineer in California is $88,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,442.00 and $100,371.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Motion Control Engineer job?

A Motion Control Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes automated systems that control the movement of machines and robotics. They work with motors, sensors, controllers, and software to ensure precise motion in industrial and manufacturing applications. Their role involves programming control systems, troubleshooting performance issues, and integrating hardware and software components to improve efficiency and accuracy. These engineers are essential in industries like aerospace, automotive, robotics, and semiconductor manufacturing.

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

To thrive as a Motion Control Engineer, you need strong expertise in electrical and mechanical engineering principles, control systems, and programming, typically backed by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with PLCs, servo motors, automation platforms like Siemens or Allen-Bradley, and certifications such as Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP) are commonly expected. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies are crucial for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting motion control systems that ensure optimal machine performance and productivity.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Motion Control Engineer?

As a Motion Control Engineer, your typical day involves designing, programming, and testing motion control systems for automation equipment or robotics. You’ll often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate components, conduct system debugging, and optimize machine performance. Troubleshooting issues, updating technical documentation, and supporting installations or commissioning are also frequent tasks. This role usually requires hands-on work both at the office and on-site, ensuring systems operate safely and efficiently while meeting project deadlines.
What are popular job titles related to Motion Control Engineer jobs in California? For Motion Control Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Motion Control Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Control Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Motion Control Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Motion Control Engineer job openings:
Robotics Control Engineer - Manipulation

Robotics Control Engineer - Manipulation

Meta

Fremont, CA

$144K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

118th of 183 rated software companies


Job description

Meta is seeking a Robotics Manipulation Engineer to join our Infra Robotics team. This team implements advanced robotics technologies to enable efficient and safe data center operations.The Robotics Manipulation Engineer is responsible for driving the integration of industrial robotic arms and automated workcells into Meta’s infrastructure operations. This includes solution architecture, requirements gathering, system integration, programming, verification and validation, concept of operation (ConOps), product release (including site acceptance testing), hands-on commissioning, and post-deployment support. The role involves close collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams, as well as operations partners, to deliver robust, high-performance, and reliable automation solutions across Meta’s global infrastructure.The ideal candidate has significant hands-on experience with industrial robotic arms, pendant programming, OEM controllers, and workcell integration in production or R&D environments. This position is based in Fremont, CA, and may require occasional domestic and international travel.
Robotics Control Engineer - Manipulation Responsibilities:
  • Program and configure industrial robotic arms using OEM teach pendants and controller environments (e.g., ABB RAPID, FANUC TP, KUKA KRL, URScript), ensuring reliable and efficient operation
  • Integrate robotic arms with end-of-arm tooling, sensors, PLCs, and safety systems to deliver fully automated workcell solutions
  • Develop, test, and optimize motion paths, calibration routines, and IO logic to achieve consistent, high-performance automation
  • Lead on-site bring-up, commissioning, and troubleshooting of robotic systems, driving rapid resolution of technical issues
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to define system requirements, architecture, and technical specifications
  • Build and maintain robust interfaces between robot controllers and higher-level software platforms using C++, Python, or similar languages
  • Perform system diagnostics, analyze failure modes, and lead root cause analysis and mitigation efforts to ensure system reliability
  • Develop and execute testing strategies, including functional, stress, and regression testing, to validate robotic solutions against requirements
  • Contribute to the creation and standardization of scalable engineering processes, tools, and best practices for robotic workcell development and deployment
  • Support product release processes, including site acceptance testing, operational workflow documentation, and post-release support
  • Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in robotics, automation, and AI-driven motion planning
  • Mentor and support team members in technical development and process improvement initiatives
  • Visit Meta data center and infrastructure sites for engineering studies, system audits, and collaboration with local subject matter experts

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Experience developing automation-adjacent software (C++, Python, or similar languages)
  • Practical experience of mechatronic systems, including mechanical design, electrical hardware, sensors, and motion control
  • Ability to travel up to 15% domestically and internationally as required
  • Effective communication and leadership, and skills, with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams
  • Familiarity with safety standards and best practices for industrial automation and robotics
  • Proficiency in at least one major robot programming ecosystem (ABB, FANUC, KUKA, UR, Yaskawa, etc.)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Technical troubleshooting and data analytics skills
  • 6+ years of experience with industrial robotic arms in production or R&D environments, including hands-on programming and integration
  • Experience with field integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting of robotic workcells and automation systems

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience developing and standardizing automation processes, safety protocols, and scalable deployment practices
  • Experience with ROS or ROS 2 for robotic system integration and development
  • Master’s in a relevant field
  • Experience mentoring team members and driving process improvements in automation engineering
  • Knowledge of data center technology stacks (compute, network, storage, software architectures) is a plus
  • Familiarity with machine learning/AI-based motion planning, adaptive control, or advanced automation algorithms
  • Experience with NVIDIA Isaac, simulation, or GPU-accelerated robotics tools
  • Experience with vision-guided robotics, force control, or advanced sensing technologies
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$144,000/year to $204,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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