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 roles80+
Top employerApple
Top citySan Jose, CA
Cities hiring36
Work type84% On-site
Top industryElectronics

Showing 5 of 80+ Control Systems Engineer jobs

Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Staff Control Systems Engineer
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Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Added 4d ago
Staff Control Systems Engineer
Super Micro Computer, Inc.
San Jose, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Industrial Engineering
$170k - $200k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Apple
Camera Control-Systems Engineer
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Apple
Added 3w ago
Camera Control-Systems Engineer
Apple
Cupertino, California
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Project & Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
Project Management
$181k - $318k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Apple
Control Systems Engineer
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Apple
Added 3w ago
Control Systems Engineer
Apple
San Francisco Bay Area, California
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$181k - $318k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Apple
Control Systems Engineer
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Apple
Added 1mo ago
Control Systems Engineer
Apple
San Diego, California
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$172k - $302k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Applied Materials
Controls/Systems Engineer
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Applied Materials
Added 1mo ago
Controls/Systems Engineer
Applied Materials
Benicia, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
IT Support & Systems Administration
Engineering (Non-Software)
Systems Administration
$120k - $165k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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See All 80 Control Systems Engineer Jobs in California

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

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Control Systems Engineer Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Jose
8 jobs
Sunnyvale
8 jobs
Menlo Park
6 jobs
Mountain View
6 jobs
Palo Alto
5 jobs
Pleasanton
4 jobs
San Diego
3 jobs
Aliso Viejo
2 jobs
Campbell
2 jobs

Control Systems Engineer Job Market in California

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

Who's Hiring

  • Apple
    Apple8
  • Ford Motor Company
    Ford Motor Company4
  • Mainspring Energy
    Mainspring Energy4
  • Noah Medical
    Noah Medical3
  • Rivian
    Rivian3

Top Industries Hiring

  • Electronics & Hardware21
  • Technology & Software12
  • Science & Research10
  • Manufacturing9
  • Automotive6

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, Ford Motor Company, and Mainspring Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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 Jose, Sunnyvale, and Menlo Park 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 16% of control systems engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 80 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