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.

Find Controls Technician Jobs

Overview

Open roles42
Top employerJobot
Top citySan Jose, CA
Cities hiring28
Work type78% On-site
Top industryStaffing

Showing 4 of 42+ Controls Technician jobs

Animations Technician - Controls
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Added 3d ago
Animations Technician - Controls
Universal Studios Hollywood
Hollywood, California
Engineering (Non-Software)
Maintenance & Repair
Manufacturing Operations
Skilled Trades
Associate's degree
5,001-10,000

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Automation & Controls Technician, NA
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Added 3d ago
Automation & Controls Technician, NA
Vantage
Santa Clara, California
Business Operations
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$130k - $140k/yr
Hybrid
501-1,000

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Building Automation Controls Technician
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Added 3d ago
Building Automation Controls Technician
Mach10 Solutions
Orange, California
Automation QA
Cloud & DevOps
DevOps
$23.75 - $35.2/hr

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Controls Service Technician
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Added 1w ago
Controls Service Technician
Johnson Controls
Huntington Beach, California
Account Management
Business Development
Sales
$29.95 - $37.45/hr
Associate's degree
10,000+

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Controls Technician Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Jose
4 jobs
Orange
3 jobs
San Francisco
3 jobs
Folsom
2 jobs
Fremont
2 jobs
Lathrop
2 jobs
San Diego
2 jobs
Costa Mesa
2 jobs
Pleasanton
2 jobs

Controls Technician Job Market in California

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

Who's Hiring

Jobot5 open roles
The Building People3 open roles
ACCO Engineered Systems3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Staffing & Recruiting
  • Consulting & Professional Services

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 ACCO Engineered Systems, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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, Orange, and San Francisco 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 22% of controls technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 42 Controls Technician Jobs in California

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

Find Controls Technician Jobs