Control Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Position Description:

What You'll Do

Technical Authority & Execution Excellence

Serve as Anvil’s discipline expert for control systems and electrical design across all sectors. Own discipline-specific SOPs, training programs, software selection, and standardized templates. Audit sectors for adherence to best practices, lead Root Cause Analysis investigations, and provide emergency technical support on critical projects.

Project Design & Execution

Execute complex design tasks in partnership with Electrical Engineer counterparts. Lead the development of detailed construction packages in accordance with codes and standards. Establish design budgets, forecast work, and manage scope and budget for yourself and the design team across all phases of a project.

Multi-Discipline Coordination

Coordinate directly with Electrical & Control Systems Engineers and counterparts in other disciplines such as piping and civil/structural. Work within 3D design software where applicable, contributing to and extracting information from the model. Perform detailed vendor document reviews and incorporate findings into project design.

Standards, Mentorship & Knowledge Management

Make technical expertise accessible across the organization. Guide practitioners on accuracy, define processes and policies, and mentor designers at all levels. Represent Anvil through technical papers, conferences, and participation in relevant professional societies.

Sector Resource Support

Provide input on job descriptions and hiring decisions, consult on staffing recommendations within your discipline, and support long-term resource planning across the organization.

What You Bring

Must-Have Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive technical experience across multiple sectors; 15+ years preferred
• Education: 2-year degree from technical school preferred
• Cross-sector versatility: Demonstrated experience supporting multiple client types and project sectors
• Track record: Proven history leading complex, high-value projects and technical innovation
• Standards experience: Background developing technical standards, procedures, or training programs
• Certifications: Must be able to obtain a TWIC card; valid driver’s license

Technical Competencies

• Ability to create, modify, and work with 2D drawings in AutoCAD 2010 or newer
• Read and develop basic to complex P&IDs and translate them into control system documents such as block diagrams
• As-build control and instrument systems in the field, producing accurate document and drawing markups
• Design infrastructure for industrial communication and control networks
• Design wiring, conduit, and cable tray systems for NEC-hazardous classified areas
• Working knowledge of conduit, wire, and breaker sizing calculations
• Working knowledge of 120/480VAC power and lighting design, and motor control circuit/schematics
• Design PLC and DCS hardware and wiring systems; working knowledge of PLC and DCS point types
• Specify and review control panel layout, wiring, and BOM in concert with engineers
• Basic working knowledge of 3D design software

Leadership & Communication

• Exceptional ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Strong mentorship and coaching skills with a passion for developing others
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including technical writing and presentations
• Proven ability to influence and build consensus across organizational levels and locations
• Experience leading communities of practice or technical working groups

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., Autodesk Certified Professional, NICET)
• Additional industry certifications in area of specialization
• History of mentoring junior and mid-level designers
• Experience publishing technical papers or presenting at industry conferences

What We Offer

Technical Authority

Step into a true technical-authority role — own the SOPs, tools, and training that define how your discipline is executed company-wide.

Organizational Influence

Advise on hiring, resource planning, software selection, and specialty service offerings — shaping how the discipline grows across the organization.

Breadth Over Depth

Unlike a specialist, the Principal Designer role is built around versatility — supporting multiple client types, sectors, and project phases. No two years look the same.

Industry Recognition

Publish, present, and represent Anvil at industry events. Build a professional legacy that extends well beyond any single project or client.

Physical Requirements

• Able to sit/stand and perform computer work for long periods of time.
• Frequent use of hands/fingers for data entry and managing calls via Teams.
• Able to perform occasional bending, lifting, and reaching.
• Visual acuity sufficient for reading technical drawings, specifications, computer screens, and field conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally in-person, by phone, and via video conferencing.
• Hearing ability adequate for meetings, collaboration, and safety awareness in field environments.
• Ability to concentrate and maintain attention for extended periods on technical tasks.
• Ability to travel to project sites and client locations as required, with possible remote site assignments.
• May require walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs or ladders at construction and field sites.
• Exposure to industrial environments including loud noise, varying temperatures, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to wear required PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.
• Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights when conducting site inspections or assessments.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing and complying with all company drug and alcohol testing policies. Including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing.

No AI is used to screen or select candidates for this role. All candidates are evaluated by Anvil's human recruiting and hiring team.

Anvil Corp is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply.

About Anvil: At Anvil, our employees are part of a company with a long-standing reputation for excellence in the engineering industry. We believe that our greatest strength is our people and their potential. That’s why we support our employees with great benefits, a strong work-life balance, training, mentorships, and hands-on experience at client sites. At Anvil, you get to be part of a larger family. We look forward to meeting you!