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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Senior Controls Engineer to be responsible for leading or contributing to detailed hardware and software design of process automation control systems ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Crockett, CA · On-site

$101K - $188K/yr

OVERVIEW The Sr. Packaging Controls Engineer is responsible for maintaining instrumentation and control systems in support of plant production, quality, GMP and safety goals. This role designs and ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Alameda, CA

$109K - $145K/yr

Controls Engineers establish and maintain our controls standards, lead hardware programming and system commissioning, and oversee the full lifecycle of projects. They also contribute to critical ...

Controls Engineers establish and maintain our controls standards, lead hardware programming and system commissioning, and oversee the full lifecycle of projects. They also contribute to critical ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$109K - $145K/yr

Controls Engineers establish and maintain our controls standards, lead hardware programming and system commissioning, and oversee the full lifecycle of projects. They also contribute to critical ...

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 ...

Sr Controls Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

The Opportunity As a Controls Engineer at Astra, you'll design and implement the control systems that power our automated test and production equipment. From scripting control sequences for custom ...

Senior Controls Engineer (PAT)

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

As a Senior Acquisition, Tracking & Pointing Controls Engineer, you will lead the development of the pointing and tracking subsystem for our FSO laser communication terminal. You will design the ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$71.1K

$113.2K

$152K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in California is $113,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $126,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior controls engineer?

Senior Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing processes, machinery, or automation equipment. They are responsible for programming controllers (such as PLCs), troubleshooting control system issues, and ensuring optimal system performance and safety. Senior Controls Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to integrate new technologies. Their expertise is crucial for streamlining production, reducing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Senior Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectSenior Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, troubleshooting, project leadership in industrial or manufacturing settingsImplementing control systems, programming, testing, and maintenance in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control companiesSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles within the same sectors

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Controls Engineers typically lead projects, design complex systems, and mentor junior staff, while Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the senior role involves more leadership and advanced technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior controls engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and several years of experience in industrial automation. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and knowledge of industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and excellent communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex control systems, which are critical for operational safety, efficiency, and project success.

What are the typical responsibilities of a senior controls engineer in a manufacturing environment?

As a Senior Controls Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you can expect to lead the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. Your responsibilities often include overseeing control system upgrades, optimizing equipment for efficiency, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, production, and IT—to implement solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives. Managing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers are also common aspects of the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,222 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

$114K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

About Us:

BW Design Group is a fully integrated architecture, engineering, construction, system integration, and consulting firm committed to helping our clients realize their most critical goals from Strategy to Commercialization. As the only firm born from a manufacturing technology company to become an independent and fully integrated firm, we combine deep domain expertise in the manufacturing environment with an approach that is built to serve the dynamic needs of our clients. Rooted in our distinct culture of Truly Human Leadership, we cultivate the leaders who will define tomorrow and partner with our clients in the food & beverage, life sciences, industrial, and advanced technology industries to build the future of manufacturing and technology.


 

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.


 

Job Description:

Sr. Controls Engineer

Who You'll Work With

You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1500 professionals, and work in teams and directly with our clients doing work that is shaping the world around us. You will be welcomed into a rapidly growing business and team and empowered to make an impact. You will be valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world-class professional consultant and surrounded by leaders who are committed to creating an environment that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment.

When you join Design Group as a Controls Engineer, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. Design Group is widely known as an industry leader, recognized as a top system integrator, ranking #7 in the 2023 System Integrator Giants; as a Rockwell Platinum Integrator, the highest designation given to Rockwell partners; and as an Ignition Enterprise Premier Integrator. As a part of this team, you will learn from industry leading experts and may even have the chance to be an active participant in industry events like the Ignition Build-A-Thon which Design Group won in 2023!

In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help the world's leading companies solve their most difficult problems. You will join our Control System Integration Practice and partner with seasoned leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts to deliver the highest quality solutions to our clients with consistency and accuracy.

What You'll Do

You'll work individually and in teams to support capital projects and implement solutions for our clients. Together, you will help our clients make critical

  • Design automation control systems; develop project specifications, documentation, and drawings for a variety of high speed and other automated manufacturing processes

  • Participate in various automation project phases including software configuration and testing, commissioning, installation, and start-up

  • Assume accountability for complete project execution including team leadership, SCADA design, PLC and HMI programming, and site start-up support of integrated systems Maintain and grow solid client relationships Troubleshoot packaging lines, process systems, and software systems The ability to successfully execute multiple project responsibilities with minimal supervision

  • Make an impact day-to-day with your skills and expertise, strengthening that relationship with our clients and team

What You'll Bring

  • A minimum of seven years of related automation experience with HMI, SCADA, PLCs, and general control system design

  • Packaging and process controls experience in the consumer products, life sciences, or beverage/brewery/food industries (preferred)

  • Experience with Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC5, SLC500) PLCs, PanelView/PanelviewPlus HMIs, Industrial Communication Networks (Ethernet, EthenetI/P, DeviceNet, DH+)

  • Experience with FactoryTalk Suite, IntellutionSuite, Wonderware Suite, and VisualBasic/C#/Java (preferred)

  • Engineering consulting experience (preferred)

  • The ability to successfully interact with clients

  • Solid skills at troubleshooting and performing in high intensity environments

  • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

  • Superior analytical and problem-solving skills

  • A willingness to travel for project requirements including installation and start-up activities, client and company sponsored meetings, trainings, industry related seminars, forums, and conventions

  • A bachelor of science in electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering, or a related degree (preferred)

Our culture and commitment to our people is what sets us apart. We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the individual and collective success of our professionals. Our model and entrepreneurial mindset offer a rewarding, challenging, and highly flexible path. As a Sr. Controls Engineer, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program, Individual Development Plans, and Career Path resources and tools. You will be surrounded by exceptional talent who will support your development as both a world-class engineer and a highly effective leader.

Feel like you're on the path to becoming a Sr. Controls Engineer but you're not quite there yet? We'd love to connect with you to see if we can take you from where you are today and grow you into a Design Group Engineering Consultant!

The approximate pay range for this position is $130K-$160K. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position.

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At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.


 

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.


Company:

Design Group