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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA

Project Controls Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

... trusted senior staff. With over two decades of experience solving the industry's toughest ... About the Role We are currently looking for a Project Controls Engineer to provide scheduling ...

Sr. Controls Specialist

Ione, CA · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Senior Controls Specialist who will be responsible for electrical safety and training, serve as a ... to, PLC programming, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) configuration and programming, and logic ...

Power Controls Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site +1

$89K - $115K/yr

Position Description The Power Controls Engineer will work with the SCADA Engineering team and ... This position may be filled as a level 1, 2, 3, Senior, or Lead, depending upon the knowledge ...

Power Controls Engineer

Folsom, CA · Remote

$115K - $175K/yr

Position Description The Power Controls Engineer will work with the SCADA Engineering team and ... This position may be filled as a level 1, 2, 3, Senior, or Lead, depending upon the knowledge ...

SCADA Controls Engineer

Folsom, CA · Remote

$115K - $175K/yr

Position Description The SCADA Controls Engineer will work with the SCADA Engineering team and ... This position may be filled as a level 1, 2, 3, Senior, or Lead, depending upon the knowledge ...

Power Controls Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

Position Description The Power Controls Engineer will work with the SCADA Engineering team and ... This position may be filled as a level 1, 2, 3, Senior, or Lead, depending upon the knowledge ...

SCADA Controls Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

Position Description The SCADA Controls Engineer will work with the SCADA Engineering team and ... This position may be filled as a level 1, 2, 3, Senior, or Lead, depending upon the knowledge ...

SCADA Controls Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site +1

$89K - $115K/yr

Position Description The SCADA Controls Engineer will work with the SCADA Engineering team and ... This position may be filled as a level 1, 2, 3, Senior, or Lead, depending upon the knowledge ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Rancho Cordova, CA salary details

$76.8K

$122.4K

$164.3K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Rancho Cordova, CA is $122,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,500.00 and $136,500.00 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 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 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 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 cities near Rancho Cordova, CA are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rancho Cordova, CA with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Sr. Controls Engineer- Terafab R&D

Terabase Energy

Davis, CA

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

What We Do

At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next wave of innovation and cost reduction in large scale solar. To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform. We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a blend of solar-industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world. If all this piques your interest, we'd love to hear from you! 

Position Summary


Terabase is looking for an experienced automation controls engineer. This position reports directly to our Controls and Electrical Engineering manager and will work very closely with the factory design teams. Daily activities include everything from contributing to new designs, building and programming prototypes, and commissioning and supporting existing factory systems. 

Successful candidates will exhibit strong resourcefulness, analytical thinking/problem solving, excellent communication skills, and adaptability all coupled together by a superlative work ethic.  Most importantly, you, like us, will be dedicated to accelerating the decarbonization of the global economy using digital and automation technology to further reduce the cost of utility-scale solar. 

Responsibilities 

  • Program and debug primarily on multiple PLC controller platforms (TwinCAT, TwinSAFE, Allan Bradley, Siemens, B&R) 
  • Develop code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable  
  • Proficiency in object-oriented programming and Structured Text 
  • Create robust programs and sequences to control complex, multi-station machinery to perform processes such as material pick and place, dispense, fastening, welding, testing, and conveyance. 
  • Use Python scripting and SQL to interface equipment with Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and to collect data into production databases  
  • Create intuitive HMI's using Ignition  
  • Familiarity with industrial protocols including EtherCAT, TCP, Ethernet/IP, CAN 
  • Set up and tune servo drives and VFDs for fast and smooth operation (Festo, SEW, Nord) 
  • Design and implement reliable safety systems for safeguarding robots, gantries, conveyors, and other high-volume manufacturing equipment as per codes and standards (ISO/ANSI/RIA) 
  • Assist in electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatics, and general equipment troubleshooting 
  • Manage suppliers during specification, design, buyoff and installation of automated manufacturing equipment  
  • Write robot programs from scratch for new designed cells using Kuka KRL and Inline Forms 
  • Implement Interference Zones for SafeOperation, DCS, Workspaces/Protected spaces 
  • Commission robots including Mastering, TCP, User Frames, Collision Detection, and Payload calibration 
  • Use robotic simulation software (e.g., KukaSim, Roboguide, VC, etc.) for robot reach studies and offline programming 
  • Design, document, and conduct comprehensive machine and system testing 
  • Assist purchasing during component selection and vendor approval process 
  • Assist in risk assessment of newly designed machines 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering  
  • Minimum 5 years of experience programming industrial robots (Kuka preferred) 
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% 
  • Preferred experience in industrial manufacturing industry 
  • Self-starter, able to thrive in a fast-paced and continually changing environment. 
  • Strong communication, customer relationship skills, and ability to communicate effectively and interact within a team environment. 
  • Proven skill in MS Suite of software (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)  

Benefits

Compensation And Benefits

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.

The salary for this role will range between $130,000 - $170,000 annually.

Within each posted range, individual pay is determined (and may be higher) depending on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Terabase offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Generous time off and holiday policy

Remote flexibility

Flexible time off

Comprehensive benefits package

Career progression

401k match

Stock options

Home office set up allowance

And much more!

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.

Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates, and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third-party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at careers@terabase.energy with any staffing-related inquiries.