Associate Controls Engineer - Entry Level 2026 (PLC)

Location: San Diego, California; onsite five days a week. Relocation is available. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Salary: $72,360–$108,540 per year, based on experience and other individualized factors.

Company

hirify.global, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar, manufactures mid-sized industrial gas turbines and provides gas turbine-powered energy solutions.

What you will do

• Design electrical hardware and control systems for gas turbines, power generators, natural gas compressors, and methane emissions reduction systems.
• Produce electrical schematic drawings and ladder-logic control software for programmable logic controllers.
• Test software using simulation tools to understand system operation.
• Coordinate with multiple engineering disciplines, manufacturing, internal organizations, and external customers.
• Support field personnel during commissioning and installed-equipment activities.
• Participate in Customer Design Review and HAZOP meetings and help resolve safety-critical risk assessments.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• GPA of 2.8 or above.
• Educational or experience-based exposure to electrical equipment design and PLC control software.
• Strong written and verbal communication, teamwork, attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to deliver on time across multiple projects.
• Willingness to work onsite in San Diego five days a week and travel for customer meetings and field support.
• Must be eligible to work without visa sponsorship.

Nice to have

• Direct experience programming PLCs and Windows-based HMI systems.
• Knowledge of turbomachinery electrical loop schematics, P&IDs, and control systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Mentorship within a multidisciplinary Engineering Value Stream.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on the first day.
• Paid vacation, holidays, volunteer time, and parental leave.
• 401(k) savings plan with company match, HSA, and FSA options.
• Disability coverage, life insurance, employee assistance programs, voluntary benefits, discounts, and career development.