Control Engineer
Controls / Automation Engineer
Location: Orange County, CA Area (Hybrid Schedule Available)
Compensation: $120,000-$150,000 base salary + bonus + benefits
About the Opportunity
An established engineering and technical services organization is seeking a Controls/Automation Engineer to support the design, implementation, and startup of automated systems for industrial and manufacturing clients. This position offers exposure to a variety of projects involving equipment modernization, process optimization, systems integration, and operational improvements.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, configure, and implement automation and control solutions for industrial environments.
- Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based control programs.
- Configure operator interface systems and plant-level monitoring platforms.
- Create technical documentation including control narratives, electrical drawings, system architecture documents, and equipment specifications.
- Participate in system testing, on-site startup activities, commissioning, and performance validation.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to deliver projects from concept through operational hand-off.
- Analyze existing processes and recommend automation improvements to increase efficiency and reliability.
- Work directly with facility personnel and project stakeholders to define requirements and provide technical support.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or systems integration.
- Experience programming PLC-based control systems in manufacturing or industrial environments.
- Familiarity with HMI, SCADA, or industrial visualization platforms.
- Experience with electrical controls design, panel integration, instrumentation, and field commissioning.
- Ability to travel occasionally throughout Southern California for project meetings, startup support, and field activities.
- Background supporting industrial facilities, production environments, utilities, processing plants, logistics operations, or related sectors is highly preferred.
Ideal Candidate
- Enjoys owning projects from initial design through implementation.
- Comfortable troubleshooting complex technical systems in both office and field environments.
- Strong communication and client-facing skills.
- Able to manage multiple priorities while working independently and collaboratively.
Compensation & Benefits
- $120,000-$150,000 base salary depending on experience.
- Performance-based bonus opportunities.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement program and paid time off.
- Hybrid work flexibility.
- Long-term career growth within a stable and expanding engineering organisation.
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