Control Systems Engineer Jobs in California
Control Systems Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, oil and gas processing, and advanced automation across the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Major employers with a deep-rooted California presence include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Chevron, all of which maintain large engineering workforces in the state. Demand runs from entry-level controls engineers supporting production lines through senior systems architects leading complex automation projects. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, building on its over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology, and advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction.
The Quality Systems Manager is responsible for managing day-to-day GxP document control processes, ensuring controlled documents and quality records are compliant with regulatory requirements, internal standards, and company procedures.
This role reports to the Senior Manager of Quality Systems and acts as a subject matter expert and collaborates with cross-functional teams to support the document lifecycle, drive process improvements, maintain inspection readiness, and promote compliance with quality system requirements.
Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day document control operations and ensure controlled documents are maintained throughout their lifecycle in the electronic document management system (e.g., SOPs, Policies, Work Instructions, Forms) in compliance with Business Process and GxP requirements.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for the electronic document management system, including document workflows, user support, testing, and implementation of system enhancements as applicable.
- Partner with document authors, reviewers, approvers, and cross-functional stakeholders to facilitate timely document review, approval, issuance, periodic review, and retirement activities.
- Support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of document control procedures, standards, templates, and best practices to support an effective Quality Management System.
- Provide guidance and training to document authors, collaborators, reviewers, and approvers on GxP documentation practices, document management processes, and electronic document management system functionality.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, deliver, and facilitate end-user training for Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS), including creating training materials and user guides.
- Monitor and report document control metrics, identify trends, and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and document quality.
- Support change controls, CAPAs, deviations, and continuous improvement initiatives related to document control processes.
- Support internal audits, external audits, and regulatory inspections by providing documentation, records, and subject matter expertise related to document control systems.
- Ensure document control processes remain inspection-ready and compliant with applicable FDA, EMA, ICH, and other GxP regulatory requirements. Provide Training coverage as needed.
Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Quality, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 6+ years of experience in Document Control and Quality Systems within a regulated GxP environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing document control processes and electronic document management systems.
- 2+ years of recent experience administering Veeva Vault QualityDocs and Vault Training.
- Strong knowledge of FDA, EMA, ICH, and applicable GxP regulations governing quality documentation.
- Experience supporting regulatory inspections, customer audits, and internal audits.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Word for document formatting and template management.
- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with a collaborative, customer-focused approach.
- Experience with quality metrics, process improvement, and inspection readiness preferred.
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Pay Range:
Our employees come from different backgrounds, and we celebrate those differences. We are looking for the best candidates for our open roles, but do not expect applicants to meet every qualification in order to be considered. If you are excited about what you could accomplish at Cytokinetics and believe you can add value to our team, we would love to hear from you.
Please review our General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy PRIOR to applying.
Our passion is anchored in robust scientific thinking, grounded in integrity and critical thinking. We keep the patient front and center in all we do – all actions and decisions are in service of the patient and their caregivers. We champion integrity, ethics, doing the right thing, and being our best selves.
Fraud Warning: How to Identify Impersonated Cytokinetics Job Postings and Offers
Recently, there have been fraudulent employment offers being sent to candidates on behalf of Cytokinetics. Please be advised that all legitimate offers from Cytokinetics will come directly from our official email domain (Cytokinetics.com) and will only be made after completing a formal interview process.
Here are some ways to check for authenticity:
We do not conduct job interviews through non-standard text messaging applications
We will never request personal information such as banking details until after an official offer has been accepted and verified
We will never request that you purchase equipment or other items when interviewing or hiring
If you are unsure about the authenticity of an offer, or if you receive any suspicious communication, please contact us directly at talentacquisition@cytokinetics.com
Please visit our website at: www.cytokinetics.com
Cytokinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Control Systems Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Construction & Real Estate
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in control systems engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or controls engineering required
- Proficiency with PLC programming using platforms such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens
- Experience with SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial network protocols
- Familiarity with control system design tools including MATLAB, Simulink, or LabVIEW
- Knowledge of California electrical codes and relevant IEEE or ISA standards
- Professional Engineer licensure through the California Board for Professional Engineers preferred for senior roles
Control Systems Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a control systems engineer in California?
A bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an ABET-accredited program is the standard starting point in California. For roles in infrastructure, utilities, or government projects, many employers expect candidates to be working toward licensure through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, beginning with the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Certifications from ISA, such as the Certified Control Systems Technician credential, strengthen candidacy for manufacturing and process industry positions.
How much do control systems engineers make in California?
Control systems engineers in California earn a median of about $130,850 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,950 for the lowest 10% to over $212,130 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire control systems engineers in California?
Employers hiring control systems engineers in California right now include Apple, The Aerospace Corporation, and HDR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor fabs, and large oil refining operations means demand is distributed across both the greater Bay Area and the Los Angeles basin.
Which California cities have the most control systems engineer jobs?
San Diego, El Segundo, and Los Angeles account for the highest concentration of control systems engineer openings in California. The Bay Area and Los Angeles lead because of their density of aerospace contractors, semiconductor manufacturers, and industrial automation firms, while San Diego draws heavily from defense electronics and biomedical device companies with large embedded controls teams.
Are there remote control systems engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Much of a control systems engineer's work involves hands-on commissioning, site integration, and hardware testing that requires physical presence. About 23% of control systems engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be concentrated in design, simulation, and software-side controls work rather than field or manufacturing roles.
How can I get hired as a control systems engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a controls or automation engineering associate role at a large California manufacturer or defense contractor. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Chevron run structured new-graduate programs that place candidates directly into controls teams. Lateral moves from electrical technician or instrumentation roles are common at refineries and semiconductor fabs. Building a project portfolio using PLC simulation software and earning an ISA student certification gives early-career candidates a concrete edge in California interviews.
Where can I find and apply to control systems engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to control systems engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and defense. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly from each listing.
See All 53 Control Systems Engineer Jobs in California
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