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 173+ Electrical Controls Engineer jobs
Company Overview
Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
Overview
Job Overview
Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate individual to join our Powertrain and Electronics team as a Senior/Staff Automation Controls Engineer in San Carlos, CA. As part of this team, you will lead the electrical engineering design and development of first-generation manufacturing test equipment used to validate powertrain and electronic systems for the Joby S4 aircraft. This role combines automation controls with deep electrical engineering fundamentals, requiring strong analytical capability in circuit design, precision measurement, sensor selection, and electronics validation. You will architect robust end-of-line (EOL) and electronics test platforms that form the foundation for scalable, automated manufacturing systems. The Joby Aviation team is made up of extremely talented, hardworking, proactive, and hands-on individuals operating in a fast-paced and rewarding environment as we push toward FAA certification, scale manufacturing, and prepare for commercial service.
Responsibilities:
- Lead electrical architecture and controls development for first-generation manufacturing and EOL test equipment from concept through low-volume production
- Apply strong electrical engineering fundamentals (circuit analysis, signal integrity, grounding, noise mitigation, power distribution, precision measurement) to develop robust electronics test systems
- Design and integrate high-precision sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems into Beckhoff-based platform
- Develop full electrical designs, drawing packages, BOMs, and schematics for complex manufacturing test equipment
- Architect test methodologies for validation of electronic assemblies, power electronics, and electromechanical systems
- Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A requirements
- Procure custom and off-the-shelf hardware and manage technical suppliers as needed
- Design, write, and debug PLC software in Structured Text IEC 61131-3 (TwinCAT) to automate test sequences and equipment operation
- Develop HMI and data collection tools using Ignition (Perspective) and integrate results into manufacturing databases
- Lead system integration and commissioning of test equipment, ensuring measurement accuracy, repeatability, and reliability
- Troubleshoot complex electrical and electronic test systems in a production environment
Required
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering (strongly preferred) or related discipline
- 6+ years of experience developing electrical hardware and test equipment in a manufacturing or product development environment
- Strong foundation in analog and digital circuit analysis, instrumentation, and measurement systems
- Experience developing end-of-line (EOL) or electronics manufacturing test equipment
- Proficiency in PLC programming using Structured Text IEC 61131-3 (TwinCAT), Python, and Ignition
- Experience selecting and integrating precision sensors, DAQ hardware, and instrumentation
- Proficiency in electrical schematic creation (AutoCAD Electrical)
- Hands-on experience building and wiring electrical panels and test systems
- Experience architecting data acquisition systems connecting PLCs, SCADA, and MES
- Strong organizational and communication skills with cross-functional engineering teams
Desired
- 8+ years of relevant industry experience
- Experience with Beckhoff hardware and EtherCAT-based measurement systems
- Experience designing high-accuracy electrical test systems for power electronics or aerospace applications
- Knowledge of servo/drive system integration
- Experience with HMI/SCADA development using Ignition (Perspective)
- Familiarity with calibration methods, measurement uncertainty, and statistical analysis for production test
- Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and UL508A
Additional Information
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $131,700 - $209,030/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Company Overview
Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
Overview
Job Overview
Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate individual to join our Powertrain and Electronics team as a Senior/Staff Automation Controls Engineer in San Carlos, CA. As part of this team, you will lead the electrical engineering design and development of first-generation manufacturing test equipment used to validate powertrain and electronic systems for the Joby S4 aircraft. This role combines automation controls with deep electrical engineering fundamentals, requiring strong analytical capability in circuit design, precision measurement, sensor selection, and electronics validation. You will architect robust end-of-line (EOL) and electronics test platforms that form the foundation for scalable, automated manufacturing systems. The Joby Aviation team is made up of extremely talented, hardworking, proactive, and hands-on individuals operating in a fast-paced and rewarding environment as we push toward FAA certification, scale manufacturing, and prepare for commercial service.
Responsibilities:
- Lead electrical architecture and controls development for first-generation manufacturing and EOL test equipment from concept through low-volume production
- Apply strong electrical engineering fundamentals (circuit analysis, signal integrity, grounding, noise mitigation, power distribution, precision measurement) to develop robust electronics test systems
- Design and integrate high-precision sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems into Beckhoff-based platform
- Develop full electrical designs, drawing packages, BOMs, and schematics for complex manufacturing test equipment
- Architect test methodologies for validation of electronic assemblies, power electronics, and electromechanical systems
- Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, and UL508A requirements
- Procure custom and off-the-shelf hardware and manage technical suppliers as needed
- Design, write, and debug PLC software in Structured Text IEC 61131-3 (TwinCAT) to automate test sequences and equipment operation
- Develop HMI and data collection tools using Ignition (Perspective) and integrate results into manufacturing databases
- Lead system integration and commissioning of test equipment, ensuring measurement accuracy, repeatability, and reliability
- Troubleshoot complex electrical and electronic test systems in a production environment
Required
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering (strongly preferred) or related discipline
- 6+ years of experience developing electrical hardware and test equipment in a manufacturing or product development environment
- Strong foundation in analog and digital circuit analysis, instrumentation, and measurement systems
- Experience developing end-of-line (EOL) or electronics manufacturing test equipment
- Proficiency in PLC programming using Structured Text IEC 61131-3 (TwinCAT), Python, and Ignition
- Experience selecting and integrating precision sensors, DAQ hardware, and instrumentation
- Proficiency in electrical schematic creation (AutoCAD Electrical)
- Hands-on experience building and wiring electrical panels and test systems
- Experience architecting data acquisition systems connecting PLCs, SCADA, and MES
- Strong organizational and communication skills with cross-functional engineering teams
Desired
- 8+ years of relevant industry experience
- Experience with Beckhoff hardware and EtherCAT-based measurement systems
- Experience designing high-accuracy electrical test systems for power electronics or aerospace applications
- Knowledge of servo/drive system integration
- Experience with HMI/SCADA development using Ignition (Perspective)
- Familiarity with calibration methods, measurement uncertainty, and statistical analysis for production test
- Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and UL508A
Additional Information
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $131,700 - $209,030/yr. The compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer
See All 173+ 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
- Apple9
- Eaton6
- Mainspring Energy6
- Ford Motor Company5
- Jobot5
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services29
- Electronics & Hardware27
- Technology & Software27
- Manufacturing24
- Energy16
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 Apple, Eaton, and Mainspring Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
Sunnyvale, Los Angeles, and Menlo Park 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 16% of electrical controls engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 173+ 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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