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Sr Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aston Carter

Controls Engineer

Woodland, CA · On-site

$43.27 - $45.67/hr

In this role you will work side-by-side with our Sr. Controls Engineer on both small and large automation projects across all three plants, as well as day-to-day maintenance work - troubleshooting ...

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 ...

Astra Space, Inc.

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 ...

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Sr Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$71.1K

$113.2K

$152K

How much do sr controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr 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 Sr Controls Engineer?

Sr Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems used in manufacturing, automation, or other industrial processes. They work with hardware and software to ensure machinery operates efficiently, safely, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities often include programming PLCs, troubleshooting system issues, leading projects, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Senior-level controls engineers also mentor junior staff and contribute to the strategic improvement of automation processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sr Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems design, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and significant industry experience. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These qualifications ensure effective system integration, reliable automation solutions, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What types of projects and cross-functional collaboration can a Sr Controls Engineer expect in this role?

As a Sr Controls Engineer, you will typically lead or contribute to projects involving the design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems. Collaboration is common with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, software developers, and operations personnel, to ensure seamless integration of control systems. You may also work closely with project managers and clients to define requirements, troubleshoot issues, and deliver solutions that align with production goals. This role often involves balancing technical problem-solving with strong communication skills to coordinate across departments.

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

AspectSr Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or related engineering; often 5+ years experience; certifications like PLC or automation certificationsBachelor's in relevant engineering; 1-3 years experience; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation projectsSimilar industrial settings, project-based work, automation systems
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control industriesManufacturing, industrial automation, equipment design

The main difference between a Sr Controls Engineer and a Controls Engineer lies in experience level, responsibilities, and expertise. Sr Controls Engineers typically have more years of experience, handle complex automation projects, and may mentor junior staff. Controls Engineers are often earlier in their careers, focusing on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles are vital in industrial automation and share similar work environments and industry applications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sr Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Controls Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,222 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Automation

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,712 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Manufacturing Automation team is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer (Second Shift) to join our team. The Manufacturing Automation team is responsible for the design, integration, and deployment of automated manufacturing systems across Anduril factories. As a member of this team, you will have the opportunity to help define what production automation looks like for Anduril at a national scale.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own controls engineering for production equipment on Night Shift (approx. 3:30PM - 12AM)
  • Support commissioning activities, troubleshooting, and process development for automation equipment including PLCs, HMIs, robots, and conveyors
  • Integrate internal and external FactoryOS software into automation equipment and production lines
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for automation failures, ensuring rapid resolution and long-term reliability
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot equipment issues, reduce downtime, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering,
    Electrical Engineering
  • 4+ years of experience in controls and automation in a production environment
  • Strong in PLC programming on Allen Bradley systems
  • Proficient in Ignition SCADA development
  • Strong in Fanuc robot programming and troubleshooting
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 6+ years of experience in controls and automation in a production environment
  • Experience integrating with MES and QMS
  • Familiar with CAD packages including Solidworks, NX, CATIA, and AutoCAD

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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