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Motion Control Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automationtechies

Control Engineer

San Diego, CA

$88.60K - $114.70K/yr

As a well-established engineering consulting firm with over 20 years in business, they are known ... Experience with PLCs, motion control, process control, robotics, machine vision, and SCADA systems

Automationtechies

Control Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$88.60K - $114.70K/yr

As a well-established engineering consulting firm with over 20 years in business, they are known ... Experience with PLCs, motion control, process control, robotics, machine vision, and SCADA systems

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Motion Control Engineering information

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$76K

$87.2K

$96.7K

How much do motion control engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for motion control engineering in California is $87,242.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $92,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Motion Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, with expertise in automation, robotics, and control systems. Familiarity with PLC programming, servo systems, CAD software, and relevant certifications (such as Certified Motion Control Professional) is typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These competencies ensure precise, efficient, and reliable motion solutions critical to manufacturing and automation industries.

What are some common challenges faced by motion control engineers when integrating new automation systems into existing manufacturing environments?

Motion control engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new automation components and legacy systems, minimizing downtime during integration, and maintaining precise synchronization across various machines. Troubleshooting communication protocols and adapting control algorithms to fit unique production requirements can also be complex. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as maintenance and software engineers, is essential to address these challenges and achieve a seamless integration process.

What is motion control engineering?

Motion control engineering is a field focused on the design and implementation of systems that control the movement of machines or mechanical systems. This often involves the use of motors, actuators, sensors, and controllers to achieve precise positioning, speed, and acceleration in applications such as robotics, manufacturing automation, and aerospace. Motion control engineers work with both hardware and software to develop efficient, reliable movement solutions. Their work is critical in industries where accurate and repeatable movement is required.

What is the difference between Motion Control Engineering vs Robotics Engineering?

AspectMotion Control EngineeringRobotics Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; certifications in automation or control systemsBachelor's in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering; certifications in robotics or automation
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilities, R&D labsResearch labs, manufacturing, autonomous systems development
Industry UsageAutomation, CNC machines, industrial equipmentAutonomous robots, drones, robotic arms
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Motion Control Engineering focuses on designing and implementing systems that precisely control movement in machinery and automation equipment. Robotics Engineering encompasses the broader development of robotic systems, including sensors, control algorithms, and mechanical design. While both roles require control system knowledge and similar credentials, Motion Control Engineers specialize in movement precision within industrial settings, whereas Robotics Engineers work on creating autonomous and interactive robotic systems.

What are popular job titles related to Motion Control Engineering jobs in California? For Motion Control Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Motion Control Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Control Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Motion Control Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Motion Control Engineering job openings:
Motion Control Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Control Engineering job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $87,242 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
Staff Robotics Motion Control Engineer

Staff Robotics Motion Control Engineer

Qualcomm

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Multimedia Systems
General Summary:
Qualcomm's Robotics Team is driving innovation in autonomous systems by delivering cutting-edge hardware and software solutions for next-generation robots. We are seeking a Robotics Motion Control Engineer to design, implement, and optimize motion control algorithms for robotic platforms powered by Qualcomm's advanced SoCs and AI engines. This role will focus on enabling precise, safe, and efficient motion for robotic arms, mobile manipulators, and humanoid systems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and optimize motion control algorithms for robotic manipulators and mobile platforms, including trajectory planning, inverse kinematics, and real-time control loops.

  • Integrate motion control software with Qualcomm's robotics SDK, ROS2-based frameworks, and hardware abstraction layers.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (AI, perception, hardware, and simulation) to ensure seamless integration of motion control with perception and planning modules.

  • Implement safety and compliance features aligned with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61508).

  • Conduct performance benchmarking and tuning for real-time execution on heterogeneous compute platforms (CPU, GPU, NPU, DSP).

  • Validate algorithms in simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim) and on physical robotic platforms.

  • Contribute to system-level architecture discussions for robotics solutions, including sensor fusion and actuator control strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
*Works in the lab, can use hazardous chemicals (e.g., glue, machinery).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of experience in motion control for robotic systems.
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and Python; experience with ROS/ROS2.
  • Solid understanding of kinematics, dynamics, and control theory (PID, model predictive control, impedance/admittance control).
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools (Gazebo, Webots, Isaac Sim) and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
  • Experience with humanoid or collaborative robot motion control.
  • Knowledge of functional safety standards and safe motion planning.
  • Familiarity with Qualcomm robotics platforms (e.g., RB5, RB6, IQ series) and AI acceleration frameworks.
  • Exposure to machine learning for motion planning or reinforcement learning-based control.
  • Strong debugging and performance optimization skills for embedded platforms.

Why Join Qualcomm Robotics?
  • Work on cutting-edge robotics platforms integrating AI, 5G connectivity, and advanced compute for real-time autonomy.

  • Collaborate with a global team shaping the future of robotics across industrial, commercial, and consumer markets.

  • Access to state-of-the-art hardware, simulation environments, and Qualcomm's robotics SDK for accelerated development.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$167,000.00 - $250,600.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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