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Pipeline Controller Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As part of this team, you will help define how agentic AI systems are designed, built, and operated ... testing pipelines, controlled rollouts, drift detection, and mechanisms that prevent error ...

Mission Operator - UAV

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $29.75/hr

You'll lead the drone operator team, own the flight test pipeline, and run the live customer ... S. export controlled information or facilities * Passion about defense of the United States and its ...

As part of this team, you will help define how agentic AI systems are designed, built, and operated ... testing pipelines, controlled rollouts, drift detection, and mechanisms that prevent error ...

Be Seen First

... data pipeline from the ground up. What You'll Do * Perform manipulation and motion tasks ... Familiarity with VR interfaces, game controllers, haptic devices, or motion-tracking systems

Senior OT Data Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

The SCADA Engineer owns the FactoryTalk platform and operator-facing SCADA environment; you own cross-system data pipelines/models/storage/controlled egress. IC&E owns field instrumentation, PLC ...

Senior OT Data Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$170 - $210/hr

The SCADA Engineer owns the FactoryTalk platform and operator-facing SCADA environment; you own cross-system data pipelines/models/storage/controlled egress. IC&E owns field instrumentation, PLC ...

Senior OT Data Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

The SCADA Engineer owns the FactoryTalk platform and operator-facing SCADA environment; you own cross-system data pipelines/models/storage/controlled egress. IC&E owns field instrumentation, PLC ...

Showing results 21-40

Pipeline Controller Operator information

What is a pipeline controller operator?

Pipeline Controller Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and managing the flow of oil, gas, or other materials through pipelines. They use advanced control systems and technology to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous pipeline operations. Their duties include detecting leaks, responding to emergencies, maintaining regulatory compliance, and coordinating with field personnel to address any issues. This role is critical for preventing environmental hazards and ensuring the reliable delivery of resources.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a pipeline controller operator?

To thrive as a Pipeline Controller Operator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and typically a background in engineering, operations, or a related technical field. Familiarity with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, pipeline monitoring software, and relevant safety certifications such as API or DOT compliance is essential. Outstanding situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of pipeline systems, preventing environmental hazards and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are common challenges faced by pipeline controller operators and how can they be addressed?

Pipeline Controller Operators often face challenges such as monitoring large volumes of data simultaneously, responding quickly to abnormal operating conditions, and effectively communicating with field personnel during emergencies. Staying vigilant and maintaining strong attention to detail are crucial, as a small oversight can lead to significant safety or environmental incidents. Continuous training on updated control systems and emergency protocols, as well as fostering strong teamwork and communication skills, can help operators successfully manage these challenges.

What is the difference between Pipeline Controller Operator vs Pipeline Technician?

AspectPipeline Controller OperatorPipeline Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma, technical certifications, and safety trainingRequires similar certifications, often with additional technical or mechanical training
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, monitoring stations, and field sitesFieldwork, maintenance sites, and equipment inspection areas
Industry UsageUsed in oil, gas, and pipeline industries for monitoring and controlInvolved in installation, maintenance, and repair of pipelines

The Pipeline Controller Operator primarily monitors and controls pipeline operations from control centers, ensuring safety and efficiency. In contrast, the Pipeline Technician focuses on maintaining and repairing pipeline infrastructure in the field. Both roles require technical certifications and safety training, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Pipeline Controller Operator jobs in California?

For Pipeline Controller Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pipeline Controller Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pipeline Controller Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pipeline Controller Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pipeline Controller Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Pipeline Controller Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Software Engineer, Systems Generalist

Thinking Machines Lab

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$350K - $475K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Build and maintain core infrastructure supporting AI model training, research, and deployment, including large Kubernetes clusters with GPU workloads.

  • Design, develop, and optimize data pipelines and data infrastructure to support research and product development.

  • Create tooling, systems, and frameworks to improve developer productivity and ensure efficient project delivery.


Job description

About Thinking Machines
The mission of Thinking Machines is to build AI that extends human will and judgment. We are training frontier models with Inkling, developing Tinker to let people make models their own, and crafting interfaces that broaden human-AI communication. We believe the future worth building is human, and we're hiring people who want to build it.
About the Role
We're looking for generalist infrastructure and systems engineers to help build the systems that power our foundation models and the internal teams on research and product development to be able to create the models and ship the products powered by our models.
You'll join a small, high-impact team responsible for architecting and scaling the core infrastructure behind everything we do. You'll work across the full technical stack, solving complex distributed systems problems and building robust, scalable platforms.
Infrastructure is critical to us: it's the bedrock that enables every breakthrough. You'll work directly with researchers to accelerate experiments, improve infrastructure efficiency, and enable key insights across our models, products, and data assets.
What You'll Do
We interview generally, but during project selection we'll take into account your interests and experience alongside organizational needs. This flexible approach allows us to match talented engineers with the infrastructure teams where they'll have the greatest impact and growth potential.
Here are example areas you may contribute to depending on your area of expertise and interest:
  • Core Infrastructure: We support teams that train, research, and ultimately serve AI models and build the underlying infrastructure for the clusters to reliably and safely train frontier models. Examples might include building systems and running large Kubernetes clusters with GPU workloads, or building infrastructure to support Tinker.
  • Data Infrastructure: We build and maintain the data systems for our research and products. You'll design and optimize data pipelines using tools like Spark and other modern data infrastructure technologies. You'll build scalable, reliable, data infrastructure while embedding governance best practices.
  • Developer Productivity: We care deeply about research and engineering productivity and our ability to continue shipping quickly. We build tooling, systems, frameworks, and systems to make sure everyone gets well configured, optimized developer environments.
Skills and Qualifications
Minimum qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in computer science, engineering, or similar.
  • Proficiency in at least one backend language (we use Python or Rust).
  • Experience operating large‑scale clusters and container orchestration systems (e.g. Kubernetes or Slurm).
  • Comfort operating across the stack and owning projects end-to-end.
  • Thrive in a highly collaborative environment involving many, different cross-functional partners and subject matter experts.
  • A bias for action with a mindset to take initiative to work across different stacks and different teams where you spot the opportunity to make sure something ships.
Preferred qualifications
  • Strong debugging across application, OS, and network layers.
  • Proficiency in Python or Rust (or similar), containers, and modern CI.
  • Experience with Kubernetes, controllers/operators, or performance profiling.
  • Familiarity with GPU/ML workflows or large‑scale data/eval pipelines.
Logistics
  • Location: This role is based in San Francisco, California.
  • Compensation: Depending on background, skills and experience, the expected annual salary range for this position is $350,000 - $475,000 USD.
  • Visa sponsorship: We sponsor visas. While we can't guarantee success for every candidate or role, if you're the right fit, we're committed to working through the visa process together.
  • Benefits: Thinking Machines offers generous health, dental, and vision benefits, unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, and relocation support as needed.