ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plc Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

This person will be responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check-out support, and start-up ...

Promachbuilt

Electrical Controls Engineer

Visalia, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, electrical, and system-level issues remotely and on-site. * Support field ... S. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, a related field or relevant experience.

Raso360

Sr Systems Controls Engineer

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Senior Systems Controls Engineer Position Summary The Senior Systems Controls Engineer will lead ... PLC & Schematic Design: Design PLC logic and electrical schematics to integrate system operations ...

Pro Mach, Inc.

Electrical Controls Engineer

Visalia, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, electrical, and system-level issues remotely and on-site. * Support field ... S. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, a related field or relevant experience.

Scale Microgrid Solutions

Controls Engineer

Oakland, CA · Hybrid

$95K - $124K/yr

The Role We are looking for a Controls Engineer to join our product engineering team and help ... Design, develop, and program PLC-based electrical control systems * Specify, purchase, and ...

Amtec Direct Hire

Be Seen First

Senior Controls Engineer

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

The Senior Systems Controls Engineer will have a proven background in automation control ... PLC logic and electrical schematic design for integrating system operation, motion control, laser ...

Viavi

Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$134.40 - $249.60/hr

This Controls Engineer position balances two priorities: keeping automation running in an active ... Resolve PLC/HMI faults rapidly to restore production* Support planned maintenance windows and ...

New

Scale Microgrid Solutions

Controls Engineer

Oakland, CA · Hybrid

$95K - $124K/yr

The Role We are looking for a Controls Engineer to join our product engineering team and help ... Design, develop, and program PLC-based electrical control systems * Specify, purchase, and ...

Clean Energy

Controls Engineer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Work with engineering team to develop electrical, instrumentation and controls products and systems ... Design and Develop PLC program standards for Clean Energy and its subsidiaries Flexibility for ...

Clean Energy Fuels

Controls Engineer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Work with engineering team to develop electrical, instrumentation and controls products and systems ... Design and Develop PLC program standards for Clean Energy and its subsidiaries Flexibility for ...

E Tech Group

Senior Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Ignition and PLC experience with products such as: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, Factory ... Experience in food and beverage and winery controls engineering * Knowledge of S88 Batch standards ...

E Tech Group

Senior Controls Engineer

Sonoma, CA

$90K - $130K/yr

Ignition and PLC experience with products such as: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, Factory ... Experience in food and beverage and winery controls engineering * Knowledge of S88 Batch standards ...

MGM Transformers

Senior Controls Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$150K - $166K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to oversees and leads the development of PLC and HMI programs for safe, effective, and efficient operation of Forgent products and processes while meeting and ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsPlc Controls Engineer JobsPlc Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Plc Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$54.8K

$90.8K

$122.4K

How much do plc controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for plc controls engineer in California is $90,822.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PLC controls engineer?

PLC Controls Engineers are professionals who design, program, and maintain programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used to automate industrial processes. They develop control systems that allow machinery and production lines to operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting issues, upgrading systems, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. PLC Controls Engineers often work closely with other engineers and technicians to optimize manufacturing operations.

What does a PLC controls engineer do?

As a PLC controls engineer, your primary responsibilities include the setup, programming, testing, and implementation of computer control systems used for production automation and industrial equipment design. Your duties are to implement programs on programmable logic controllers and test whether industrial computers process information and function correctly. You debug issues and troubleshoot problems that have non-standard solutions. In this role, you also assess the functionality of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems and may work in numerous fields, including aviation, robotics, energy production, and manufacturing.

How much does a Plc Controls Engineer earn?

A PLC Controls Engineer's average salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized engineers with certifications and extensive skills in PLC programming and automation may earn higher salaries. Compensation can also include benefits such as overtime, bonuses, and professional development opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PLC controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PLC Controls Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering, automation systems, and proficiency in programming PLCs, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC platforms (such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networking is essential, and certifications like Siemens S7 or Rockwell Automation can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are critical for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated processes to ensure efficiency and reliability in industrial environments.

What is the difference between Plc Controls Engineer vs Automation Technician?

AspectPlc Controls EngineerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Automation Engineering, PLC certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, PLC training
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and troubleshooting PLC systems in industrial settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of automation equipment
Industry UsageManufacturing, process control, automation firmsFactory floors, maintenance departments

The Plc Controls Engineer focuses on designing and programming PLC systems, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles installation and troubleshooting, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are vital in industrial automation but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Are Plc Controls Engineers in demand?

Plc Controls Engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing need for automation in manufacturing, processing, and industrial facilities. They typically require knowledge of PLC programming, electrical systems, and control hardware, and job opportunities are expected to grow as industries continue to automate processes.

What are some typical challenges a PLC controls engineer might face when working on a new automation project?

PLC Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation systems with existing machinery, troubleshooting unexpected equipment behavior, and ensuring minimal downtime during installation or upgrades. Communication with cross-functional teams—including electricians, mechanical engineers, and production managers—is essential to align project goals and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and keeping up with the latest PLC programming standards are common aspects of the role.
More about Plc Controls Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Plc Controls Engineer jobs in California? For Plc Controls Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plc Controls Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Plc Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Plc Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Plc Controls Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Plc Controls Engineer jobs in CA? For Plc Controls Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Plc Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plc Controls Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec

Roseville, CA • On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:
  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Controls Engineer position available in Auburn, CA. This person will be responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check-out support, and start-up assistance.
Please Note: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship.
Major Responsibilities
  • Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process system requirements
  • Develops schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software
  • Develop Sequence of Operation document detailing control strategies for the process under control. Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents
  • Work at customer site to perform the system checkout and start-up of the integrated control system
  • Develop the final record system documentation and provide system training to the customer
  • Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across multiple industries including both manufacturing production lines and data center building automation
  • Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower-level engineers and technicians
  • Will act as Project Manager on smaller projects ranging from $50K to $250K. This includes but not limited to:
    • Develops and executes implementation plans for the project
    • Assigns work to meet overall project deadlines
    • Ensures that all project team members clearly understand the scope of W-M responsibilities
    • Develops schedules for W-M and customer requirements
    • Evaluates progress on project and details changes
    • Responsible for all purchasing and subcontractor requirements
    • Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope

Minimum Requirements
Education BS in Engineering Required (Electrical Engineering is preferred).
Experience Three to Ten years of experience in the areas below preferred:
  • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, logic programming, experience with instrumentation, and controls design SCADA (ie. Rockwell, Inductive Automation, AVEVA Wonderware) and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Siemens) required. Experience with DeltaV, AutoCAD, Fanuc, Keyence/Cognex Vision Systems are also desired
  • Experience in Semiconductor, Battery EV / EV, or Data Center automation preferred
  • Strong inter-personnel skills. Ability to communicate and work with team members, subcontractors, and clients
  • Ability to travel up to 35%

Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.
Working Environment Standard office environment, On-site office environment, and diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.
*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.
Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance
Salary Range The expected Salary range is $85,000 - $125,000 annually depending on qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.
#LI-Hybrid
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply