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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The Berkeley Cogeneration Plant is a 1x1 combined-cycle facility powered by an LM2500PJ gas turbine, providing 22–25 MW of electricity and steam to the University of California, Berkeley campus. Operating at 95% availability, the CHP plant serves as the campus’s primary steam provider, supported by auxiliary boilers and the steam plant to maintain reliable, year-round energy supply.
Opportunity Summary
The Instrumentation, Controls & Electrical (IC&E) Technician helps ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Berkeley Cogeneration Plant by maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation, control, and electrical systems. This position supports combined-cycle equipment, auxiliary boilers, and campus steam systems while working with plant personnel, contractors, and OEM representatives to maintain reliable electricity and steam delivery.
Your Role as IC&E Technician in Supporting Plant Reliability & Performance Includes:
- Calibrate, test, troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and install plant instrumentation, controls, and electrical equipment, including transmitters, analyzers, control valves, dampers, motors, variable-frequency drives, battery systems, chargers, and inverters.
- Execute preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on electrical systems, including medium-voltage switchgear, transformers, motor control centers, motors, batteries, generator excitation equipment, and associated components.
- Monitor and troubleshoot PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems, diagnose faults, support control logic and programming adjustments, and assist with system optimization and performance improvements.
- Service, calibrate, and troubleshoot turbine, boiler, and combustion control systems supporting the LM2500PJ gas turbine, steam turbine, auxiliary boilers, and associated balance-of-plant equipment.
- Conduct inspections, testing, calibration, and condition monitoring to identify equipment deficiencies and support plant reliability.
- Install and commission new equipment, controls, instrumentation, and system modifications in accordance with applicable safety and technical standards.
- Assist the Plant Engineer with equipment and plant testing, including turbine controls, combustion processes, boiler controls, and related systems.
- Coordinate with Operations and Maintenance personnel to troubleshoot equipment issues, prioritize work, minimize downtime, and support reliable electricity and steam delivery to the campus.
- Provide technical support and oversight to contractors, vendors, and OEM representatives during outages, overhauls, repairs, and improvement projects.
- Document maintenance activities, calibration records, equipment information, drawings, vendor data, and other required information in applicable plant systems and databases.
- Promote safe work practices by identifying potential hazards and initiating or recommending appropriate corrective actions.
- Maintain, clean, and properly store tools and test equipment, and handle applicable hazardous materials and waste in accordance with plant and regulatory requirements.
- Complete other duties as assigned to support safe and reliable plant operations.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
Working Relationships
The IC&E Technician reports to the O&M Manager and works closely with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and OEM representatives to support maintenance, troubleshooting, outages, and projects.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
The IC&E Technician works a standard Monday to Friday day-shift schedule. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $44.91 to $70.76 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Qualifications and Technical Competencies
- Associate degree in Instrumentation and Control Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Industrial Automation, or a related technical discipline preferred. Equivalent technical training, apprenticeship, military training, or relevant industry experience may be considered.
- Previous experience in power generation, utilities, manufacturing, or a comparable industrial environment, with knowledge of plant equipment, maintenance practices, and safe work procedures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of industrial electrical systems, including switchgear, transformers, motor control centers, motors, variable-frequency drives, batteries, chargers, inverters, and related equipment.
- Hands-on experience maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting instrumentation and control systems, including transmitters, analyzers, control valves, PLCs, DCS, and SCADA systems.
- Familiarity with turbine, boiler, combustion, and balance-of-plant control systems; combined-cycle or cogeneration experience is preferred.
- Proficiency in electrical and instrumentation troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, testing, calibration, and equipment condition assessments.
- Capable of reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, control logic, technical manuals, and other plant documentation.
- Proven troubleshooting, analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills to effectively diagnose equipment and control system issues.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative approach to working with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and OEM representatives.
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.
About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Education
Preferred- Associates or better in Instrumentation & Control Technology or related field
- Associates or better in Automatic Control Systems or related field
- Associates or better in Electronics Engineering Technology or related field
- High School or better
Licenses & Certifications
Required- Driver's License
Skills
Preferred- DCS - Distributed Control System
- Instrumentation Systems and Devices
- Piping&Instrumentation Schematics-Read&Interp
- PLC - Programmable Logic Controller
- Preventive Maintenance
- Electrical Systems and Equipment
- Electrical Schematics - Read & Interpret
- IC&E - Instrumentation, Controls & Electrical
- Electrical Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
- Instrumentation Calibration and Testing
- Controls
- Turbine Controls
- Switchgear O&M
- Motor Control Circuits and Starters
- Combined Cycle
- SCADA - Supervisory Control/Data Acquisition
- GE LM2500 Gas Turbine
- Steam Boiler O&M
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
The Berkeley Cogeneration Plant is a 1x1 combined-cycle facility powered by an LM2500PJ gas turbine, providing 22–25 MW of electricity and steam to the University of California, Berkeley campus. Operating at 95% availability, the CHP plant serves as the campus’s primary steam provider, supported by auxiliary boilers and the steam plant to maintain reliable, year-round energy supply.
Opportunity Summary
The Instrumentation, Controls & Electrical (IC&E) Technician helps ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Berkeley Cogeneration Plant by maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation, control, and electrical systems. This position supports combined-cycle equipment, auxiliary boilers, and campus steam systems while working with plant personnel, contractors, and OEM representatives to maintain reliable electricity and steam delivery.
Your Role as IC&E Technician in Supporting Plant Reliability & Performance Includes:
- Calibrate, test, troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and install plant instrumentation, controls, and electrical equipment, including transmitters, analyzers, control valves, dampers, motors, variable-frequency drives, battery systems, chargers, and inverters.
- Execute preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on electrical systems, including medium-voltage switchgear, transformers, motor control centers, motors, batteries, generator excitation equipment, and associated components.
- Monitor and troubleshoot PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems, diagnose faults, support control logic and programming adjustments, and assist with system optimization and performance improvements.
- Service, calibrate, and troubleshoot turbine, boiler, and combustion control systems supporting the LM2500PJ gas turbine, steam turbine, auxiliary boilers, and associated balance-of-plant equipment.
- Conduct inspections, testing, calibration, and condition monitoring to identify equipment deficiencies and support plant reliability.
- Install and commission new equipment, controls, instrumentation, and system modifications in accordance with applicable safety and technical standards.
- Assist the Plant Engineer with equipment and plant testing, including turbine controls, combustion processes, boiler controls, and related systems.
- Coordinate with Operations and Maintenance personnel to troubleshoot equipment issues, prioritize work, minimize downtime, and support reliable electricity and steam delivery to the campus.
- Provide technical support and oversight to contractors, vendors, and OEM representatives during outages, overhauls, repairs, and improvement projects.
- Document maintenance activities, calibration records, equipment information, drawings, vendor data, and other required information in applicable plant systems and databases.
- Promote safe work practices by identifying potential hazards and initiating or recommending appropriate corrective actions.
- Maintain, clean, and properly store tools and test equipment, and handle applicable hazardous materials and waste in accordance with plant and regulatory requirements.
- Complete other duties as assigned to support safe and reliable plant operations.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
Working Relationships
The IC&E Technician reports to the O&M Manager and works closely with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and OEM representatives to support maintenance, troubleshooting, outages, and projects.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
The IC&E Technician works a standard Monday to Friday day-shift schedule. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $44.91 to $70.76 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Qualifications and Technical Competencies
- Associate degree in Instrumentation and Control Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Industrial Automation, or a related technical discipline preferred. Equivalent technical training, apprenticeship, military training, or relevant industry experience may be considered.
- Previous experience in power generation, utilities, manufacturing, or a comparable industrial environment, with knowledge of plant equipment, maintenance practices, and safe work procedures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of industrial electrical systems, including switchgear, transformers, motor control centers, motors, variable-frequency drives, batteries, chargers, inverters, and related equipment.
- Hands-on experience maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting instrumentation and control systems, including transmitters, analyzers, control valves, PLCs, DCS, and SCADA systems.
- Familiarity with turbine, boiler, combustion, and balance-of-plant control systems; combined-cycle or cogeneration experience is preferred.
- Proficiency in electrical and instrumentation troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, testing, calibration, and equipment condition assessments.
- Capable of reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, control logic, technical manuals, and other plant documentation.
- Proven troubleshooting, analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills to effectively diagnose equipment and control system issues.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative approach to working with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and OEM representatives.
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.
About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Education
Preferred- Associates or better in Instrumentation & Control Technology or related field
- Associates or better in Automatic Control Systems or related field
- Associates or better in Electronics Engineering Technology or related field
- High School or better
Licenses & Certifications
Required- Driver's License
Skills
Preferred- DCS - Distributed Control System
- Instrumentation Systems and Devices
- Piping&Instrumentation Schematics-Read&Interp
- PLC - Programmable Logic Controller
- Preventive Maintenance
- Electrical Systems and Equipment
- Electrical Schematics - Read & Interpret
- IC&E - Instrumentation, Controls & Electrical
- Electrical Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
- Instrumentation Calibration and Testing
- Controls
- Turbine Controls
- Switchgear O&M
- Motor Control Circuits and Starters
- Combined Cycle
- SCADA - Supervisory Control/Data Acquisition
- GE LM2500 Gas Turbine
- Steam Boiler O&M
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 20 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
- 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 Thor Solutions, BNH, and Jobot, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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, Ione, and Clovis 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 September 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 20 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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