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.

Find Control Systems Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open roles53
Top employerApple
Top citySan Diego, CA
Cities hiring36
Work type77% On-site
Top industryEnergy

Showing 4 of 53+ Control Systems Engineer jobs

Manager, Quality Systems - Document Control (Contract)
We won't show you this job again
Added 2d ago
Manager, Quality Systems - Document Control (Contract)
CYTOKINETICS
San Francisco, California
Business Strategy
Data Analytics
Data Science
Bachelor's degree in business
51-200

Have you applied for this role?

Project Engineer, HVAC Control Systems
We won't show you this job again
Added 3d ago
Project Engineer, HVAC Control Systems
Ramboll
Los Angeles, California
Software Engineering
Solutions Engineering & Architecture
Specialized Engineering
Technical Program Management
$100k - $125k/yr
Bachelor of Science
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Engineering Technician V – Computer Control Systems Operator (NWS 00960)
We won't show you this job again
Added 3d ago
Engineering Technician V – Computer Control Systems Operator (NWS 00960)
North Wind Group
Livermore, California
Biotech & Life Sciences
Engineering (Non-Software)
Research & Academia
$45.5 - $52/hr
Associate's degree in computer science
1,001-5,000

Have you applied for this role?

Engineer Shipboard Control Systems
We won't show you this job again
Added 1w ago
Engineer Shipboard Control Systems
Noblis
San Diego, California
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Data Science
ML (Machine Learning)
$72k - $112k/yr
On-Site
High school diploma or GED
1,001-5,000

Have you applied for this role?

See All 53 Control Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Control Systems Engineer Jobs

Control Systems Engineer Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Diego
4 jobs
El Segundo
4 jobs
Los Angeles
4 jobs
San Jose
3 jobs
Milpitas
2 jobs
Monrovia
2 jobs
Cupertino
2 jobs
Santa Cruz
2 jobs
Walnut Creek
2 jobs

Control Systems Engineer Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Apple4 open roles
The Aerospace Corporation3 open roles
HDR2 open roles

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

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Control Systems Engineer Jobs