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Motion Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automationtechies

Control Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

You will gain exposure to a variety of industrial automation systems and technologies, including PLCs, HMI/SCADA platforms, motion control, robotics, and machine vision. You should be comfortable ...

Automationtechies

Control Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

You will gain exposure to a variety of industrial automation systems and technologies, including PLCs, HMI/SCADA platforms, motion control, robotics, and machine vision. You should be comfortable ...

Zoox

Senior Staff Vehicle Control Engineer

Foster City, CA

$194K - $201K/yr

Owner of vehicle control development for motion and body system domain. * Leading the team to develop control strategy, algorithm design and implementation to meet vehicle performance attribute ...

Zoox

Senior Staff Vehicle Control Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$224K - $311K/yr

Owner of vehicle control development for motion and body system domain. * Leading the team to develop control strategy, algorithm design and implementation to meet vehicle performance attribute ...

Zoox

Senior Staff Vehicle Control Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$224K - $311K/yr

Owner of vehicle control development for motion and body system domain. * Leading the team to develop control strategy, algorithm design and implementation to meet vehicle performance attribute ...

Salient Motion

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 industrial, aerospace, and defense sectors into the future. A couple other things: * We are open to ...

Salient Motion

Senior Responsible Engineer

Torrance, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

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 ...

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 industrial, aerospace, and defense sectors into the future. A couple other things: * We are open to ...

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 industrial, aerospace, and defense sectors into the future. A couple other things: * We are open to ...

Salient Motion

Mechanical Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

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 ...

Salient Motion

Mechanical Engineer

Torrance, CA

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMotion Control JobsMotion Control Jobs in California

Motion Control information

See California salary details

$23.5K

$87.7K

$147.4K

How much do motion control jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for motion control in California is $87,726.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,222.00 and $113,590.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are motion control jobs?

Motion control jobs involve designing, programming, and maintaining systems that control the movement of machinery and equipment. Professionals in this field work with automation technologies, robotics, and specialized software to ensure precise and efficient machine motion in manufacturing, packaging, or other industrial settings. Typical responsibilities include configuring motion controllers, troubleshooting motion systems, and collaborating with engineers to improve production processes. These roles may require knowledge of servo motors, PLCs, drive systems, and relevant programming languages.

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, strong knowledge of automation systems, and expertise in control theory. Familiarity with PLC programming, servo drives, motion controllers, and industry-standard automation software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting motion control systems that ensure precise, efficient industrial automation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in motion control roles, and how can they be addressed?

Motion control professionals often encounter challenges such as integrating diverse hardware and software platforms, ensuring precise synchronization of motion sequences, and troubleshooting system errors. These roles typically require close collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop customized solutions and optimize system performance. Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and maintaining clear communication within multidisciplinary teams can help address these challenges and lead to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Motion Control vs Robotics Technician?

AspectMotion ControlRobotics Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Engineering, certifications in PLCs and automationAssociate's or Bachelor's in Robotics, certifications in robotics systems and troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation systems, industrial settingsRobotics labs, manufacturing facilities, maintenance environments
Employer & Industry UsageFactories, automation companies, OEMsRobotics companies, manufacturing, research labs

Motion Control and Robotics Technicians both work in automation and manufacturing environments, often sharing similar credentials and work settings. However, Motion Control specialists focus on controlling movement through systems like servos and drives, while Robotics Technicians primarily work on robotic systems and automation equipment. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Motion Control jobs in California? For Motion Control jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Motion Control jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Control jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Motion Control jobs? Cities in California with the most Motion Control job openings:
Motion Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Control job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,726 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer, Motion Controls

Senior Software Engineer, Motion Controls

Waymo

Mountain View, CA • Hybrid

$144K - $190K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Hardware Engineering is an innovative and collaborative group of electrical, mechanical, reliability, software and vehicle engineers. We design, build, and perfect the products which are the eyes and ears of Waymo's autonomous driving technology, and integrate those products into vehicle platforms. We're seeking curious and talented teammates to keep us moving in the right direction.        

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports to Technical Lead & Manager of Motion Control.

You will:

  • Architect, implement, and validate control and estimation algorithms that ensure safe and comfortable movement of the Waymo Driver
  • Engineer mission-critical C++ software on-vehicle to ensure reliable autonomous vehicle control
  • Build tools in Python and C++ to simulate and analyze vehicle performance
  • Extract actionable insights from complex field data and simulations, presenting high-impact findings to diverse, cross-functional stakeholders
  • Drive cross-functional innovation by reviewing motion planning designs, establishing safety requirements, and spearheading rapid prototyping initiatives

You have:

  • A degree in Engineering with a specialized focus on Control or Estimation, or equivalent practical expertise in the field
  • Over 4 years of experience deploying production-grade automotive control algorithms in C++, with a background in autonomous systems or advanced ADAS
  • Deep understanding of vehicle dynamics and control
  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

We prefer:

  • Advanced proficiency in Python and/or SQL for data-driven development
  • Direct experience engineering safety-critical systems where reliability is paramount
  • A portfolio of open-source contributions that showcase a commitment to writing elegant, high-quality C++ software
  • Versatility across various control methodologies, including Optimal Control, MPC, Sliding Mode, PID, and Successive Loop Closure

Travel requirements:

  • Less than 2 weeks/year of onsite testing at one of Waymo's state-of-the-art test facilities to experience your control algorithms first hand

Apply