Control Systems Engineer (PLC Specialist)
KLA · Milpitas, CA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $118k–$173k
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 18 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at KLA (industrial) in Milpitas, CA. MATLAB, Python, etc.), detailed drawings, design review presentations, procurement of prototype parts, system integration, prototype testing, and handoff to manufacturing.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- PLC, Automation, AutoCAD
- Base pay
- $118k–$173k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
- Openings
- 2 with this title at this site
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $124k–$179k. This one lists $118k–$173k.
Median of the low and high ends of 56 live postings that list pay, out of 109 controls engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 108 other live controls postings in California.
- Base pay
- In line with similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $124k–$179k, from 53 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 66%
- ✓ PLC 47%
- Robotics 43%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 38%
- ✓ Python 33%
- Root cause 20%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at KLA
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: KLA in Milpitas
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Full description from KLAAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
What You'll Do
In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.
We are looking for an Electrical Control Systems Engineer with in-depth expertise in PLC programming, particularly across platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens. In this role, you will design complex PLC logic to automate and control systems, design schematics for control system (i.e. PLC I/O wiring, etc.), while also developing intuitive HMI (Human-Machine Interface) solutions to enhance operator usability. You will be responsible for PID control loops circuit design whether for precise temperature control, motion systems, or other process feedback, ensuring stable closed or cascade loops including PID tunning and configurations. You’ll work across the full project lifecycle: from gathering requirements, initial concept and detail design, integration, and implementation to commissioning and ongoing optimization. Familiarity with FPGA technology, microcontrollers (such as ARM or AVR), or DSPs will be beneficial as you contribute to diverse control architectures. In this role, you’ll ensure our control systems are robust, efficient, and seamlessly integrated into the overall solution.
Additional
Responsibilities
- ◆Conceptual and detailed design using design tools (i.e. OrCAD, AutoCAD, PSpice, Xilinx/Altera FPGA / EPLD development system, etc.), also firmware development using Siemens, Allen Bradley PLCS, etc.
- ◆Testing and data analysis using tools (i.e. MATLAB, Python, etc.), detailed drawings, design review presentations, procurement of prototype parts, system integration, prototype testing, and handoff to manufacturing.
- ◆Collaborates with mechanical, software, systems and manufacturing engineers to ensure seamless integration and test at the subsystem and system level.
- ◆Develops the required supporting documentation, such as assembly and test procedures, and service manuals.
- ◆Partners with suppliers to ensure all design
requirements
are specified and achieved.
- ✓Addresses and resolves product issues thru the product phases.
- ✓Leads and oversees projects from initiation to completion.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in Electrical Engineering
- ✓Electrical engineering background
- ✓Basic electrical circuit design with design tools such as OrCAD, AutoCAD, PSpice, Xilinx/Altera FPGA /EPLD or development system
- ✓PLC programming design (Siemens, Allen Bradley, OMRON, etc.)
- ✓Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar analysis tools
- ✓Project management experience preferred
Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years
About KLA
We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.
Total Rewards
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.
Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage
requirements
where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Use of AI Statement
At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.
Group/Division
The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. KLA's Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation, motion control, sensors, platform design, and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise, best practices, and advanced tools that elevate both what we build—and how we build it.
