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Motion Control Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automationtechies

Control Engineer

San Diego, CA

$88K - $114K/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

$88K - $114K/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

Cantos Ventures

Controls Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... 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 ...

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Motion Control Engineering information

See California salary details

$76K

$87.2K

$96.7K

How much do motion control engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 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 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 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 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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,242 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer C/C Motion Controller - KLA

Milpitas, CA • On-site

Polluxa, Inc.
See more jobs at Polluxa, Inc.external

$150 - $200/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Group/Division Job Description/Preferred Qualifications Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain embedded software and firmware for semiconductor equipment control, motion control, automation, diagnostics, and system integration.
  • Design, implement, test, and debug software for precision motion systems, machine automation, and real-time signal processing.
  • Build diagnostic, configuration, calibration, and validation tools in C++ and Python for engineering, manufacturing, and field-support teams.
  • Support hardware bring-up, system integration, performance tuning, and root-cause analysis across software, electronics, motion-control hardware, sensors, imaging subsystems, and mechanical components.
  • Partner with electrical, FPGA, mechanical, optical, systems, product engineering, manufacturing, and field teams to bring complex equipment platforms from concept through production.
  • Contribute to requirements analysis, design documentation, coding, testing, software integration, troubleshooting, and on-tool qualification.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with semiconductor manufacturing equipment, precision automation systems, optics, optical alignment systems, imaging systems, or precision measurement technologies.
  • Experience with Galil motion controllers or similar motion-control platforms, industrial communication protocols, deterministic control applications, or related real-time control systems.
  • Experience with MATLAB, LabVIEW, UML, object-oriented design, source-control tools, or advanced C/C++ development practices.
Minimum Qualifications Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience; or a master's degree or Ph.D. with 2+ years of relevant experience.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Strong C/C++ programming skills for embedded systems, firmware, or software that interfaces closely with hardware.
  • Working knowledge of Python for diagnostics, automation, scripting, or engineering tools.
  • Experience developing software for embedded systems, real-time control, motion control, robotics, automation, or machine-control platforms.
  • Understanding of embedded peripherals and hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART/serial, GPIO, Ethernet, FPGA interfaces, or inter-board communication.
  • Ability to debug systems that involve software, electronics, motion-control hardware, sensors, and mechanical components.
  • Ability to read electronic schematics and use basic lab instruments such as digital multimeters and oscilloscopes.
  • Strong analytical, debugging, problem-solving, teamwork, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
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