Controls Technician Jobs in California
Controls Technician jobs in California are in steady demand across advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, water treatment, and building automation, with openings at every level from entry-level automation assistant through senior controls engineer. Los Angeles, San Jose, and Sacramento represent the largest hiring concentrations, anchored by employers like Siemens, Honeywell, and Rockwell Automation, all of which maintain a lasting operational presence in the state. PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial networking are the most in-demand specialties among California postings right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At Tesco Controls (a UFT company), our culture is grounded in the idea that the how we achieve results is just as important as the results themselves. Our winning behaviors guide the way we work, collaborate, and grow—both as individual employees and as a team. Our core winning behaviors are to Build Relationships, have a Relentless Drive for Results, to Communicate with Integrity and Focus, and to Be a Mentor, Teacher, Learner. These behaviors are more than words—they are the foundation of our success and continued growth.
Here, you’ll join a stable, growing company where your work directly supports cleaner water, stronger communities, and critical infrastructure across the country. If you want meaningful work, real growth opportunities, and a team that takes pride in doing the right thing—you’ll find it here. Apply today and help power the systems that keep our world running.
Tesco Controls is seeking a Field Service Technician to lead and support on-site commissioning and startup activities for Water and Wastewater control system projects. This role is responsible for commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting instrumentation and motor control cabinets, PLC cabinets, while ensuring all startup activities are thoroughly documented. The position offers the opportunity to apply expertise in PLC programming and automated control processes, working hands-on with advanced equipment in dynamic field environments and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver successful project outcomes.
What you'll do:
- Configures parameters and troubleshoots VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives)
- Troubleshoots instrumentation and control systems using electrical ladder schematics
- Calibrates, traces, and corrects control loop malfunctions; participates in the maintenance and production concerning instrument systems
- Verifies accuracy of gauges and measuring instruments such as pressure, flow, temperature, pH, turbidity, and conductivity; documents failure rates on specified equipment
- Start-up Commissioning Pump/Motor Controls
- Loop Check wires from Field to Monitoring Devices
- Inspect/Commission/Calibrate Instrumentation (Pressure/Level/Flow)
- Inspect/Commission/Calibrate Analytical Sensors (pH/Chlorine/Turbidity)
- Troubleshoot Electrical/Control Logic
- Troubleshoot Instrumentation (Pressure/Level/Flow)
- Wire modifications to panels per drawings
- Site installations of electrical devices/motor controls
- Repairs, tests, adjusts, or installs electronic equipment such as industrial controls, transmitters, HMI, VFD, and PLCs.
- Assembles, installs or repairs wiring, electrical and electronic components
- Other duties as required
What you bring:
- Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
- Ability to travel through the SoCal Territory, stay overnight, and participate in 24/7 on-call rotation
- College degree preferred or high school with relevant experience
- Team-oriented with strong communication skills
- Experience with instrumentation calibration documentation
- Ability to read technical, maintenance, and safety documentation
- Basic report writing and customer-facing communication skills
- Knowledge of AC/DC voltage and current measurement
- Profibus qualified
- Proficient with digital multimeters and basic power tools
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management
- Able to work in confined spaces and at heights (ladders/lifts)
Tesco Controls is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. TESCO provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)
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See All 37 Controls Technician Jobs in California
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Find Controls Technician JobsControls Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls technician jobs across California.
- Experience with Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs and ladder logic programming
- Hands-on knowledge of SCADA systems and HMI configuration and troubleshooting
- Associate or bachelor's degree in electronics, electrical engineering technology, or mechatronics
- Familiarity with NEC standards and California Title 24 energy code compliance
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control panel drawings, and P&IDs
- Experience with industrial networking protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or Profibus
Controls Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls technician in California?
Most California employers look for an associate or bachelor's degree in electronics technology, electrical engineering technology, or mechatronics, combined with hands-on PLC and SCADA experience. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for controls technicians, but electrically licensed work on control panels may require a California Electrician Certification issued through the Department of Industrial Relations. Earning certifications from vendors like Rockwell or Siemens strengthens a candidacy significantly in the California market.
Which companies hire controls technicians in California?
Employers hiring controls technicians in California right now include Jobot, The Building People, and EMCOR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of semiconductor fabs, defense contractors, and large-scale water infrastructure projects keeps demand from a broad mix of industrial and facilities employers throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most controls technician jobs?
San Jose, San Diego, and Santa Clara post the most controls technician openings in California. The Bay Area and Los Angeles lead because of their density of semiconductor manufacturers, building automation contractors, and defense and aerospace firms, while Sacramento draws consistent demand from water utilities and state government facilities that require ongoing process control support.
Are there remote controls technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring on-site access to panels, PLCs, and physical equipment, which limits full remote arrangements. About 17% of controls technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those roles typically involve remote HMI monitoring, SCADA administration, or technical documentation rather than field commissioning or panel work.
How can I get hired as a controls technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which runs active California programs in Los Angeles, San Jose, and Sacramento that include controls and automation training. Candidates can also apply for automation technician trainee or maintenance technician associate roles at large California manufacturers and water agencies, where on-the-job training is common. A Rockwell Automation certification or a community college certificate in PLC programming from a California institution gives applicants a clear edge over peers with no credentials.
Where can I find and apply to controls technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to controls technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 37 Controls Technician Jobs in California
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