Controls Engineer Jobs in San Diego, CA
Controls Engineer jobs in San Diego are concentrated in defense and aerospace, biomedical devices, and advanced manufacturing, with the heaviest hiring in Sorrento Valley, Kearny Mesa, and the Torrey Pines corridor. Employers actively posting right now include Northrop Grumman, Tesla, and ASML. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
At Jacobs, we don’t settle – always looking beyond to raise the bar and deliver with excellence. We apply our expertise and knowledge as we look into the future with great optimism and focus. We don’t settle until we give our best and know that we’re making a difference.
Our team continues to grow in the amount and variety of work we do. Historically the bulk of our work has focused on the advanced electronics facilities industry-semiconductor and data center clients. We're looking for an Entry-Level Instrumentation and Controls Engineer who is excited about working on projects that enable the heart of our clients’ business. Join us and you’ll have the chance to work on projects including state-of-the-art industrial and commercial facilities. You’ll be accountable for schedule and technical quality of challenging engineering tasks, as you gain familiarity with the client’s expectations, scope, budget, and schedule. You’ll also provide on-site assistance during startup, coordinate work activities with other staff members and the discipline lead. Your multi-discipline, highly interactive team will produce designs for control systems for a variety of processes for all aspects of the process. You will develop P&IDs, specify process instrumentation and valves, design PLC based systems, design networking for control system, program PLCs and SCADA systems, and you’ll be surrounded by expert mentorship opportunities to help you thrive in your new career.
Bring your curiosity, talent for multi-tasking and collaboration, and extreme organizational skills and we’ll help you grow, pursue and fulfill what drives you – so we can make big impacts on the world, together.
This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization now or in the future. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain such authorization throughout their employment without employer sponsorship.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD or Revit software
- Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Authorization to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship, now or in the future
Knowledge of process flow diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
Ideally, you’ll also have:
- Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers and SCADA systems.
- Engineer in Training (EIT)
- Forward-thinking, eager to learn best practices, and contribute with innovative ideas
- Displayed ability to learn quickly and driven to broaden knowledge base
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a variety of teams, including multi-disciplinary teams
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.
The base salary range for this position is $70,000.00 to $105,930.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on October 23, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
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Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman64

- Tesla43

- ASML21

- Eaton21

- Jacobs21

Top Industries Hiring
- Energy21
- Manufacturing21
- Electronics & Hardware21
- Construction & Real Estate21
- Transportation & Logistics21
Controls Engineer Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a controls engineer job in San Diego?
Target San Diego's defense primes, contract manufacturers, and medical device companies first, as they post the most controls engineer openings locally. Roles cluster in Kearny Mesa, Sorrento Valley, and the Miramar industrial corridor, so focusing your search on those zip codes narrows the field quickly. Hands-on experience with PLCs, motion control, or robotics stands out in San Diego's hardware-heavy hiring market, and familiarity with defense-adjacent compliance requirements gives candidates a clear edge over generalists.
Which companies hire controls engineers in San Diego?
San Diego controls engineer roles are posted by Northrop Grumman, Tesla, and ASML and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The local employer mix skews toward defense contractors, medical device manufacturers, and precision industrial firms with engineering campuses throughout the Kearny Mesa and Sorrento Valley business parks.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in San Diego?
Yes, but only for certain functions, since controls engineering is largely hands-on work tied to physical equipment and production floors. About 25% of controls engineer openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, mostly in system design, software configuration, and project coordination roles. The on-site requirement is especially firm at San Diego's defense and manufacturing facilities where classified environments or production floor access is required.
How can I get a controls engineer job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is through contract or junior engineering roles at mid-size manufacturers in Kearny Mesa or Otay Ranch, where teams are small enough to bring on candidates who show strong fundamentals. Internships with San Diego's defense and biotech-adjacent hardware firms, or technician roles that expose you to PLC programming and motion systems, build the hands-on portfolio local hiring managers look for. A degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering from a San Diego-area institution also carries real local recognition.
Which industries hire the most controls engineers in San Diego?
San Diego controls engineer roles concentrate in Energy, Manufacturing, and Electronics & Hardware, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Diego's deep presence in defense systems, precision medical devices, and contract electronics manufacturing means sustained demand for engineers who can design, program, and maintain automated control systems at scale.
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