Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Stockton, CA | Onsite | Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $70,500–$77,000 annually

Must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis, without employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is seeking a hands-on Electrical Controls Engineer to join our Systems Division in Stockton.

This role designs and supports industrial control panels, automated equipment, and integrated electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. You will work across the project lifecycle—from electrical design and component selection through fabrication, testing, troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning.

An important initial priority will be helping HCI strengthen its electrical engineering standards and advance its UL 508A certification-readiness efforts.

• Design industrial control panels, electrical systems, and automated machine-control solutions.
• Develop electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, bills of material, and production documentation.
• Support PLC-based automation systems, including design, troubleshooting, modifications, startup, and commissioning.
• Select and apply industrial controls, sensors, relays, motor controls, and related components.
• Integrate electrical controls with hydraulic, pneumatic, and other automated systems.
• Work with Engineering, Fabrication, Sales, Operations, suppliers, and customers to support project delivery, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Develop engineering standards and support UL 508A readiness, NEC compliance, SCCR evaluation, documentation, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline; equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial electrical engineering, controls engineering, automation, or control-system design.
• Experience designing industrial control panels and producing schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and bills of material.
• Working knowledge of PLC-based systems, industrial controls, sensors, relays, and motor controls.
• Proficiency with CAD or electrical-design software.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting, communication, organization, and practical problem-solving skills.

Preferred experience includes Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or similar automation platforms; UL 508A, NEC, or SCCR requirements; hydraulic or pneumatic systems; ISO 9001; panel assembly; or field commissioning.

This position is based onsite at HCI’s Systems Division facility in Stockton, California and includes work in engineering, fabrication, production, and customer environments. Occasional travel may be required for customer projects, commissioning, or supplier coordination.

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned fluid power distributor and systems provider serving customers throughout the Western United States. For 60 years, HCI has built its reputation through technical expertise, ethical business practices, responsive service, and practical problem-solving.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; Employee Stock Ownership Plan eligibility; a 4.5% 401(k) company match; paid time off and holidays; employer-paid life and disability insurance; and an Employee Assistance Program.

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.