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Motor Controls Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Raytheon

Motor Controls Engineer II

San Jose, CA

$97K - $126K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You Will Do Raytheon's Effector Analog & Power (EAP) Team is looking for junior to mid-career engineers who have electronics knowledge to help design robust motor control systems. The EAP ...

Raytheon

Principal Motor Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... motor control systems. The EAP Department is responsible for the development, from concept to ... Lead small teams & participate as a SME (Subject Matter Expert) on Controls Hardware Electronics.

Pivotal

Motor Controls Engineer II - R&D

Palo Alto, CA

$98K - $127K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Pivotal is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Motor Controls Engineer to help develop, implement, and validate control algorithms for electric motors used on our eVTOL aircraft. The engineer ...

Raytheon

Principal Motor Controls Engineer

San Diego, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... motor control systems. The EAP Department is responsible for the development, from concept to ... Lead small teams & participate as a SME (Subject Matter Expert) on Controls Hardware Electronics.

Raytheon

Principal Motor Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... motor control systems. The EAP Department is responsible for the development, from concept to ... Lead small teams & participate as a SME (Subject Matter Expert) on Controls Hardware Electronics.

Pivotal

Motor Controls Engineer II - R&D

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Pivotal is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Motor Controls Engineer to help develop, implement, and validate control algorithms for electric motors used on our eVTOL aircraft. The engineer ...

Pivotal

Motor Controls Engineer II - R&D

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$132K - $155K/yr

Pivotal is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Motor Controls Engineer to help develop, implement, and validate control algorithms for electric motors used on our eVTOL aircraft. The engineer ...

Raytheon

Senior Motor Controls Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You Will Do Raytheon's Effector Analog & Power (EAP) Team is looking for mid-career engineers who have electronics knowledge to help design robust motor control systems. The EAP Department is ...

Raytheon

Senior Motor Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA

$122K - $168K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You Will Do Raytheon's Effector Analog & Power (EAP) Team is looking for mid-career engineers who have electronics knowledge to help design robust motor control systems. The EAP Department is ...

Raytheon

Senior Motor Controls Engineer

San Diego, CA

$110K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You Will Do Raytheon's Effector Analog & Power (EAP) Team is looking for mid-career engineers who have electronics knowledge to help design robust motor control systems. The EAP Department is ...

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$18

$33

$48

How much do motor controls jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for motor controls in California is $33.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is motor controls?

Motor controls refer to devices and systems used to manage the operation of electric motors. This includes starting, stopping, reversing, and protecting motors, as well as regulating their speed and torque. Motor controls can range from simple manual switches to complex automated systems using sensors and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). They are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of motors in a variety of industrial, commercial, and residential applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in motor controls, and why are they important?

To excel in Motor Controls, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, motor operation, and circuit design, typically supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and electrical schematics is often required. Strong troubleshooting abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the reliable and safe operation of motor-driven systems in industrial and commercial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in motor controls, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Motor Controls often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex electrical systems, keeping up with evolving technology, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with industry training, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams like maintenance and engineering, and utilizing diagnostic tools for efficient problem-solving. Additionally, proactively communicating with team members and regularly reviewing updated codes and standards helps ensure safe and effective operation of motor control systems.

What is the difference between Motor Controls vs Electricians?

AspectMotor ControlsElectricians
CertificationsTypically requires technical training or certifications in motor control systemsRequires electrical licenses and certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, automation systemsResidential, commercial, industrial electrical installations
Job FocusDesign, install, troubleshoot motor control circuits and systemsInstall, maintain, repair electrical wiring and systems

Motor Controls specialists focus on controlling and troubleshooting motor systems, often working with automation and control panels. Electricians handle a broader range of electrical work, including wiring and electrical system installation. While both roles require electrical knowledge, Motor Controls technicians specialize in motor-specific systems, making their skills complementary but distinct.

Is controls engineering a good career?

Controls engineering is a specialized field focused on designing and maintaining automated systems, often requiring knowledge of PLCs, sensors, and control algorithms. It offers strong job prospects in manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectors, with opportunities for advancement and certification. The role typically involves problem-solving, technical skills, and working in industrial environments.

What are popular job titles related to Motor Controls jobs in California?

For Motor Controls jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Motor Controls jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Motor Controls jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Motor Controls jobs?

Cities in California with the most Motor Controls job openings:

Motor Controls jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motor Controls job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,737 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Payload Motor Controls and Power Electronics Engineer

Space Kinetic

El Segundo, CA

$180K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a 'one-to-many' system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space. 

What You'll Do:

The Payload Motor Controls and Power Electronics Engineer will design, model, simulate, and implement custom motor controllers and power-conversion systems for a spacecraft payload. This hands-on role will work across hardware, software, and systems engineering to rapidly develop and prepare prototype technology for flight.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Design spacecraft actuators, motor controls, power electronics, and power systems.
  • Model and simulate electromechanical and power systems for feasibility, optimization, and system sizing.
  • Implement motor-control designs on DSP and FPGA targets.
  • Develop hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop simulations.
  • Perform iterative testing and develop operational knowledge of the complete payload.
  • Coordinate electrical and software requirements across engineering teams.
  • Evaluate buy-versus-build decisions and communicate cost, schedule, and technical risks.
What It Takes:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field OR a Master's degree or PhD may substitute for two years of experience per advanced degree.
  • 7+ years of motor controls and power electronics experience.
  • Experience with dynamic modeling and controls in MATLAB.
  • Strong knowledge of BLDC motors and control algorithms, including field-oriented control.
  • Experience with power-converter topologies and their controls.
  • Experience implementing algorithms in hardware and software for target deployment.
  • Strong systems-thinking and complex problem-solving skills.

What We'd Love:

  • Familiarity with payload-interface hardware used in spaceflight missions.
  • Hands-on circuit-design and software-development experience.
  • Understanding of spaceflight payloads and space-environment effects.
Where You'll Be:
  • The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive Base Salary + Equity-Based Compensation
  • Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure

ITAR Requirements: 
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. 

Pay Range
$180,000—$210,000 USD