Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in California
Electrical controls engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, semiconductor fabrication, and clean energy across a broad range of seniority from entry-level automation technician roles through principal engineer positions. The heaviest hiring clusters around the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Northrop Grumman, Applied Materials, and Tesla maintain large engineering workforces. Candidates with PLC programming, SCADA systems experience, and functional safety expertise are in particularly strong demand across these hubs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 21+ Electrical Controls Engineer jobs
POSITION SUMMARY
The Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls Superintendent will serve as McCarthy's primary field leader for all Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage systems on water/wastewater construction projects. This role requires a technically experienced professional who thrives in a fast-paced, team-driven environment and can effectively manage subcontractors, coordinate with commissioning agents and owners, and drive Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage systems from installation through successful commissioning. The ideal candidate brings deep field expertise, strong communication skills, and a commitment to quality and schedule.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and manage a comprehensive commissioning schedule from the baseline Critical Path Method schedule for all Instrumentation and Controls systems and Low Voltage start-up and commissioning activities.
- Review Contract Documents as necessary, making suggestions and modifications as they relate to Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage commissioning.
- Act as McCarthy's liaison with the Commissioning Agent, owner, and Instrumentation and Controls/Low Voltage subcontractors throughout the duration of the project to ensure systems are commissioned correctly and on schedule.
- Assist the Scheduling department in developing detailed Critical Path Method schedules for all Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage start-up, Building Management System controls, commissioning, and related activities, including cost and resource loading.
- Work with other Project Superintendents on project logistics and temporary facility requirements for assigned subcontractors.
- Review submittals and approve material and equipment for Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage systems prior to installation.
- Monitor the installation and start-up of Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage systems and commissioning activities with the Engineer, Commissioning Agent, Inspectors, and Owner's representatives.
- Coordinate activities, materials procurement, and other related efforts with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Field Staff.
- Communicate progress and prepare appropriate reports as needed by Project Managers, Superintendents, Project Director, Owner's Representative, Architect, and others.
- Represent McCarthy in all matters related to the Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage process at project meetings as necessary.
- Supervise, develop, and mentorInstrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage staff as applicable.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 10 years' of experience in construction with a focus on Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage coordination
- Thorough knowledge of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and low-voltage systems, including building and process commissioning
- General understanding of Building Codes, Mechanical Codes, Electrical Codes, and Plumbing Codes as they relate to construction
- Experienced in managing Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage subcontracts and subcontractor relationships
- Ability to work effectively in a large team environment with a problem-solving, project-first mentality
- Determination to take ownership, identify issues, drive resolution, and communicate with all team members to ensure work is installed correctly the first time
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering is a plus
- Water/Wastewater construction experience preferred
McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthy’s Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.
McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.
If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls Superintendent will serve as McCarthy's primary field leader for all Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage systems on water/wastewater construction projects. This role requires a technically experienced professional who thrives in a fast-paced, team-driven environment and can effectively manage subcontractors, coordinate with commissioning agents and owners, and drive Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage systems from installation through successful commissioning. The ideal candidate brings deep field expertise, strong communication skills, and a commitment to quality and schedule.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and manage a comprehensive commissioning schedule from the baseline Critical Path Method schedule for all Instrumentation and Controls systems and Low Voltage start-up and commissioning activities.
- Review Contract Documents as necessary, making suggestions and modifications as they relate to Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage commissioning.
- Act as McCarthy's liaison with the Commissioning Agent, owner, and Instrumentation and Controls/Low Voltage subcontractors throughout the duration of the project to ensure systems are commissioned correctly and on schedule.
- Assist the Scheduling department in developing detailed Critical Path Method schedules for all Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage start-up, Building Management System controls, commissioning, and related activities, including cost and resource loading.
- Work with other Project Superintendents on project logistics and temporary facility requirements for assigned subcontractors.
- Review submittals and approve material and equipment for Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage systems prior to installation.
- Monitor the installation and start-up of Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage systems and commissioning activities with the Engineer, Commissioning Agent, Inspectors, and Owner's representatives.
- Coordinate activities, materials procurement, and other related efforts with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Field Staff.
- Communicate progress and prepare appropriate reports as needed by Project Managers, Superintendents, Project Director, Owner's Representative, Architect, and others.
- Represent McCarthy in all matters related to the Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage process at project meetings as necessary.
- Supervise, develop, and mentorInstrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage staff as applicable.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 10 years' of experience in construction with a focus on Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage coordination
- Thorough knowledge of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and low-voltage systems, including building and process commissioning
- General understanding of Building Codes, Mechanical Codes, Electrical Codes, and Plumbing Codes as they relate to construction
- Experienced in managing Instrumentation and Controls and Low Voltage subcontracts and subcontractor relationships
- Ability to work effectively in a large team environment with a problem-solving, project-first mentality
- Determination to take ownership, identify issues, drive resolution, and communicate with all team members to ensure work is installed correctly the first time
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering is a plus
- Water/Wastewater construction experience preferred
McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthy’s Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.
McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.
If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
See All 21 Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in California
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Find JobsElectrical Controls Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Electrical Controls Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in electrical controls engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or closely related engineering discipline required
- Proficiency with PLC programming platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi
- Experience designing and troubleshooting control panels, schematics, and wiring diagrams
- Familiarity with SCADA, HMI systems, and industrial communication protocols like Modbus or Profibus
- Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, and California Title 24 electrical codes and safety standards
- Experience with functional safety standards such as IEC 61508 or ISO 13849 preferred
Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a electrical controls engineer in California?
The standard path is a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field, followed by hands-on experience with control systems. California does not require a specific state license solely to work as an electrical controls engineer in industry, but engineers who stamp drawings or offer services to the public must hold a Professional Engineer license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Many employers also value industry certifications such as those from the International Society of Automation.
How much do electrical controls engineers make in California?
Electrical controls engineers in California earn a median of about $144,040 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $81,840 for the lowest 10% to over $217,760 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire electrical controls engineers in California?
Employers hiring electrical controls engineers in California right now include Jobot, MYTra, and Tesla, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's dense concentration of aerospace, semiconductor, and clean energy manufacturers means demand comes from a wide range of established industrial and technology companies with long-term engineering needs in the state.
Which California cities have the most electrical controls engineer jobs?
San Diego, Boron, and Tustin have the most electrical controls engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its high density of semiconductor manufacturers, robotics firms, and clean energy companies, while Los Angeles and San Diego draw demand from aerospace contractors, defense systems integrators, and medical device manufacturers that operate large facilities in those regions.
Are there remote electrical controls engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Electrical controls engineering is inherently hands-on work, requiring physical access to control panels, machinery, and production facilities, so fully remote roles are uncommon. About 20% of electrical controls engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to cover tasks like controls design, documentation, and code development rather than commissioning or troubleshooting on the floor.
How can I get hired as a electrical controls engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is an associate or junior controls engineer role at a California manufacturer, often requiring only a relevant degree and exposure to PLC platforms through coursework or a capstone project. Large employers such as Applied Materials and Northrop Grumman run structured new-graduate programs in California. Candidates coming from adjacent roles like electrical technician, field service technician, or automation technician positions also convert successfully, particularly when they hold an EIT designation from the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.
Where can I find and apply to electrical controls engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to electrical controls engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from California employers. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 21 Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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