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 13+ Electrical Controls Engineer jobs
About Us:
BW Packaging is driving performance at the intersection of people, technology, and customer care. As part of the privately held Barry-Wehmiller family, we unite a global team of packaging experts with a clear purpose: People Who Care, Building Solutions that Perform. We take on our customers’ toughest challenges as our own — delivering both innovative and enduring solutions that set the standard for value and performance. Our strength comes from our people and the power of our brands — trusted names in packaging that are known worldwide for engineering excellence, application expertise, and lifetime commitment to customer success. Truly Human Leadership guides our belief that exceptional business results and profound respect for people together provide the foundation of enduring success. We are committed to forging lasting partnerships with our customers, earning their trust through integrity, expertise, and execution. With our full range of packaging solutions and long term partnership and service, we help customers achieve operational excellence today while building the future of packaging together.Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.
Job Description:
Job Summary: The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, and support of electrical control systems for automated packaging machinery . This role partners closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and service teams to deliver safe, reliable, and high-performing equipment that meets customer and regulatory requirements. S uccess is measured by on-time, on - budget , quality equipment that meets performance expectations .
Key Responsibilities
Develop and program PLC, HMI, motion control , and automation systems for packaging equipment.
Program and optimize high-speed machine sequences with a focus on throughput, accuracy, and finished product quality to specifications.
Configure and commission servo axes, sensors, vision systems, barcode scanners, printers, and inspection devices .
Configure and troubleshoot safety systems, including safe zones, guarding, light curtains, and safety-rated monitored stops .
Support machine build, debug, validation, , and commissioning during FAT and SAT .
Collaborate with Electrical Design Engineers in the development of electrical schematics, panel layouts, component selection , and bills of material.
Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, controls, and system issues during build, installation, and field support .
Perform limited electrical design modifications and documentation updates in support of machine enhancements, issue resolution, and customer-specific requirements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support robotic integration into overall machine design and performance .
Ensure compliance with applicable machine safety standards .
Develop and maintain technical documentation, including electrical drawings, programs, and backups .
Provide technical support to customers and field service teams, including occasional on-site startup and optimization .
May lead , guide, coach, or mentor less experienced team members; be a positive role model for the team.
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to work on other non-core product lines based on demand.
Flexibility to take on evolving responsibilities in response to strategic priorities and business needs.
Travel is an essential element to expand knowledge, support of our customers, and support business growth needs. Travel could be to company sponsored training, customers’ facilities, or other BW facilities both domestic and international. Estimated at up to 2 5 % annually.
Qualifications & Desired Experience
Bachelor’s degree in E lectrical E ngineering, Electrical Engineering Technology , Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, from an accredited college or university ; equivalent combination of formal education and relevant job experience may be considered.
Minimum 5 years of electrical controls design and PLC/HMI development .
Strong experience with PLC programming (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley preferred) .
Experience with HMI development and user interface development .
Experience developing and commissioning multi-axis motion control systems, including servo motion, coordinated machine sequencing, electronic camming and gearing, and VFD-controlled equipment.
- Working knowledge with electrical design tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN , etc. ) .
Solid understanding of industrial networks and machine safety systems .
Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills .
Physical Demands (Essential Functions)
Ability to perform work in an engineering office and manufacturing environment.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to operate a computer and engineering tools.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds.
Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and/or internationally.
Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and electrical systems in a safe manner, following all PPE and safety requirements.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
Company:
BW PackagingAbout Us:
BW Packaging is driving performance at the intersection of people, technology, and customer care. As part of the privately held Barry-Wehmiller family, we unite a global team of packaging experts with a clear purpose: People Who Care, Building Solutions that Perform. We take on our customers’ toughest challenges as our own — delivering both innovative and enduring solutions that set the standard for value and performance. Our strength comes from our people and the power of our brands — trusted names in packaging that are known worldwide for engineering excellence, application expertise, and lifetime commitment to customer success. Truly Human Leadership guides our belief that exceptional business results and profound respect for people together provide the foundation of enduring success. We are committed to forging lasting partnerships with our customers, earning their trust through integrity, expertise, and execution. With our full range of packaging solutions and long term partnership and service, we help customers achieve operational excellence today while building the future of packaging together.Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.
Job Description:
Job Summary: The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, and support of electrical control systems for automated packaging machinery . This role partners closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and service teams to deliver safe, reliable, and high-performing equipment that meets customer and regulatory requirements. S uccess is measured by on-time, on - budget , quality equipment that meets performance expectations .
Key Responsibilities
Develop and program PLC, HMI, motion control , and automation systems for packaging equipment.
Program and optimize high-speed machine sequences with a focus on throughput, accuracy, and finished product quality to specifications.
Configure and commission servo axes, sensors, vision systems, barcode scanners, printers, and inspection devices .
Configure and troubleshoot safety systems, including safe zones, guarding, light curtains, and safety-rated monitored stops .
Support machine build, debug, validation, , and commissioning during FAT and SAT .
Collaborate with Electrical Design Engineers in the development of electrical schematics, panel layouts, component selection , and bills of material.
Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, controls, and system issues during build, installation, and field support .
Perform limited electrical design modifications and documentation updates in support of machine enhancements, issue resolution, and customer-specific requirements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support robotic integration into overall machine design and performance .
Ensure compliance with applicable machine safety standards .
Develop and maintain technical documentation, including electrical drawings, programs, and backups .
Provide technical support to customers and field service teams, including occasional on-site startup and optimization .
May lead , guide, coach, or mentor less experienced team members; be a positive role model for the team.
Demonstrate flexibility and ability to work on other non-core product lines based on demand.
Flexibility to take on evolving responsibilities in response to strategic priorities and business needs.
Travel is an essential element to expand knowledge, support of our customers, and support business growth needs. Travel could be to company sponsored training, customers’ facilities, or other BW facilities both domestic and international. Estimated at up to 2 5 % annually.
Qualifications & Desired Experience
Bachelor’s degree in E lectrical E ngineering, Electrical Engineering Technology , Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, from an accredited college or university ; equivalent combination of formal education and relevant job experience may be considered.
Minimum 5 years of electrical controls design and PLC/HMI development .
Strong experience with PLC programming (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley preferred) .
Experience with HMI development and user interface development .
Experience developing and commissioning multi-axis motion control systems, including servo motion, coordinated machine sequencing, electronic camming and gearing, and VFD-controlled equipment.
- Working knowledge with electrical design tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN , etc. ) .
Solid understanding of industrial networks and machine safety systems .
Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills .
Physical Demands (Essential Functions)
Ability to perform work in an engineering office and manufacturing environment.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to operate a computer and engineering tools.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds.
Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and/or internationally.
Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and electrical systems in a safe manner, following all PPE and safety requirements.
At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.
Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.
Company:
BW PackagingSee All 13 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
- Energy
- Automotive
- Aerospace & Defense
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Transportation & Logistics
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 BNH, Jobot, and Winpak, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
Lathrop, Clovis, and Corona 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 0% of electrical controls engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 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 13 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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