ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Motion Control Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salient Motion

Senior Responsible Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... engineering voice for our precision motion control products. You will own the technical integrity of assigned hardware from design release through certification and fielding - signing off on drawings ...

Salient Motion

Senior Responsible Engineer

Torrance, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

... engineering voice for our precision motion control products. You will own the technical integrity of assigned hardware from design release through certification and fielding - signing off on drawings ...

Salient Motion

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

We are at the forefront of innovation, crafting exclusive motion control components that propel the ... Interpret and redline 2D engineering drawings; work with design teams to ensure GD&T callouts per ...

Salient Motion

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Torrance, CA

$95K - $130K/yr

We are at the forefront of innovation, crafting exclusive motion control components that propel the ... Interpret and redline 2D engineering drawings; work with design teams to ensure GD&T callouts per ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsMotion Control Engineering JobsMotion Control Engineering Jobs in California

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 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.
Software Engineer - Low Speed Motion Planning & Control

Software Engineer - Low Speed Motion Planning & Control

Applied Intuition

Sunnyvale, CA

$125K - $232K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About the role

We are looking for bright engineers interested in designing elegant solutions to difficult problems in the autonomy space.  Your contributions will focus on building out capabilities of an autonomous vehicle stack, including necessary enablement work on the infrastructure- and vehicle-side. At Applied Intuition, we encourage engineers to take ownership over technical and product decisions, interact closely with users & customers to collect feedback, and contribute to a thoughtful, dynamic team culture.

In addition to your engineering contributions, by working in our dynamic and customer-focused team culture, you will contribute to and learn from best practices in the nascent autonomy industry. We move fast and we focus on excellence, for our products and for our business. If you are hands-on and looking for a place to have a multiplying effect on making autonomous systems a reality, Applied is the place for you! 
At Applied Intuition, you will:
  • Design and implement motion planning and controls modules that can be deployed on various vehicle platforms, enabling them for highly accurate autonomous navigation in tight scenarios.
  • Characterize the dynamics of our customers' vehicles to create tailored controls solutions and to reduce the gap between simulation and real-world dynamics.
  • Evaluate and utilize academic research to create optimal-control-based solutions using techniques like nonlinear MPC and MPPI control.
We're looking for someone who has:
  • Passion about tackling challenging motion planning or motion control problems 
  • 3+ years of experience building production software using modern software practices.
  • Hands-on experience testing controls solutions on real, production-grade vehicles.
  • Fluency in control theory, numerical optimization, numerical analysis, and physics.
  • Enthusiasm for coming up with practical solutions to cutting-edge challenges in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience writing high-performance C++ code.
Nice to have:
  • MSc or PhD in mechanical engineering or computer science with coursework or research experience in motion planning or controls.
  • Experience writing software that is compliant with guidelines for safety-critical C++ code, such as MISRA and AUTOSAR.
  • Experience using quadratic programming solvers or nonlinear optimization tools. 
  • Experience applying machine learning techniques to vehicle dynamics modeling.
  • Experience working both with large industrial /commercial vehicles, as well as passenger cars.

Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.

Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.

Please reference the job posting's subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the location listed is: $125,000 - $232,000 USD annually. 

Apply