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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Viavi

Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$134.40 - $249.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

## Senior Automation/Controls EngineerApplylocations: Santa Rosa, CA USAtime type: Full timeposted on ... This Controls Engineer position balances two priorities: keeping automation running in an active ...

Nuro

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$193K - $352K/yr

As a Senior/Staff Controls Engineer, you'll design and deploy production controls software that powers L4 autonomous driving across an expanding operational design domain, from parking lots to ...

Nuro

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$193K - $352K/yr

As a Senior/Staff Controls Engineer, you'll design and deploy production controls software that powers L4 autonomous driving across an expanding operational design domain, from parking lots to ...

Nuro

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$193K - $352K/yr

As a Senior/Staff Controls Engineer, you'll design and deploy production controls software that powers L4 autonomous driving across an expanding operational design domain, from parking lots to ...

Archer

Sr. Automation Controls Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

About The Role: As part of Archer's mission to scale production of our cutting-edge eVTOL aircraft, we are seeking an Sr. Automation Controls Engineer to help design and build manufacturing ...

SB Energy

Director, Data Center Controls Engineering

Redwood City, CA · On-site +1

$190K - $230K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Basic Function The Sr. Manager, Data Center Controls Engineering leads the design, standardization, and delivery of controls systems across data center projects. This role is responsible for ensuring ...

Terraline

Senior Propulsion Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position: Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer - Automotive FLSA Classification: Exempt Reports to : Software Lead Supervisory responsibilities : None As a Sr. Propulsion Controls Engineer, you will ...

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer Jobs in California

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 job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in California look for?

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
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.

Sr. Controls Engineer-LAX

Barry-Wehmiller Companies

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 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:
Highly experienced and accomplished professional in the field of control system engineering. They possess exceptional expertise in programming, hardware design, network design, cyber security, and system architecture. They find innovative solutions to complex technical challenges, and they contribute to shaping the direction of control system projects and technology strategies at a regional and firm level. They serve as mentors to junior engineers, excel in system integration, and communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
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

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