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Apprentice Instrumentation Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

Plant Electrician

Sunol, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Diagnose issues involving PLC-controlled equipment, sensors, instrumentation and plant automation ... Completion of an electrical apprenticeship, trade school or related technical program. * Minimum 5 ...

Plant Electrician

Sunol, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Diagnose issues involving PLC-controlled equipment, sensors, instrumentation and plant automation ... Completion of an electrical apprenticeship, trade school or related technical program. * Minimum 5 ...

Plant Electrician

Sunol, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Diagnose issues involving PLC-controlled equipment, sensors, instrumentation and plant automation ... Completion of an electrical apprenticeship, trade school or related technical program. * Minimum 5 ...

New

Apprentice Instrumentation information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$25

$37

$45

How much do apprentice instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice instrumentation in San Jose, CA is $37.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.80 and $42.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice instrumentation?

Apprentice Instrumentation jobs are entry-level positions where individuals learn how to install, maintain, and repair instruments and control systems used in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced instrumentation technicians to gain hands-on experience with equipment such as sensors, transmitters, and control valves. The role typically includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job training, providing foundational skills for a career in instrumentation technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice instrumentation?

To thrive as an Apprentice Instrumentation, you need a basic understanding of electronics, mathematics, and physics, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical coursework. Familiarity with industry tools such as multimeters, calibration devices, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate instrumentation setup, safe operations, and effective troubleshooting in industrial environments.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an apprentice instrumentation, and how will I be supported in learning new skills?

As an Apprentice Instrumentation, you'll typically assist in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a variety of instruments and control systems used in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants or refineries. Your daily tasks may include wiring sensors, calibrating equipment, and supporting senior technicians during system upgrades or repairs. You'll often work under the mentorship of experienced instrumentation professionals who will provide on-the-job training and feedback. Many employers also rotate apprentices through different departments, giving you exposure to a broad range of tools and processes, which helps accelerate your learning and prepares you for more advanced roles in the future.

What is the difference between Apprentice Instrumentation vs Apprentice Electrician?

AspectApprentice InstrumentationApprentice Electrician
CertificationsBasic electrical and instrumentation certifications, OSHA safety trainingElectrical trade certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesConstruction sites, commercial and industrial buildings
Job FocusInstalling, maintaining, and calibrating instrumentation systemsWiring, installing, and repairing electrical systems

Both roles require foundational electrical knowledge and safety training, but Apprentice Instrumentation focuses on instrumentation systems used in industrial processes, while Apprentice Electrician emphasizes electrical wiring and systems installation. The choice depends on your interest in process control versus general electrical work within industrial or construction settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation jobs in San Jose, CA?

The most popular types of Instrumentation jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Instrumentation jobs in San Jose, CA?

For Apprentice Instrumentation jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Instrumentation jobs in San Jose, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Instrumentation jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Apprentice Instrumentation jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Apprentice Instrumentation job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Instrumentation job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,970 per year, or $38 per hour.

Meteorological Electronic Technician

NCSL International

San Jose, CA • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Maintain, repair, install, troubleshoot, and calibrate meteorological and scientific instrumentation.

  • Diagnose and repair equipment such as Doppler radar, lidar, weather stations, cameras, and air-quality instruments.

  • Install instrumentation on fixed and mobile platforms and participate in scientific field deployments.


Job description

Department of Meteorology and Climate Science is seeking a Meteorological Electronic Technician to support the department’s teaching and research programs. This position works independently to perform skilled repair, maintenance, calibration, installation, and modification of meteorological equipment, with a primary focus on meteorological surface instrumentation used in laboratories, research, rooftop observatories, field locations, and vehicle-mounted applications; and mobile Doppler lidar and Ka and X-band radars.

Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain, repair, install, troubleshoot, and calibrate sophisticated scientific instrumentation
  • Diagnose and repair equipment such as Doppler radar, lidar, weather stations, cameras, and air-quality instruments
  • Install instrumentation on fixed and mobile platforms and participate in occasional scientific field deployments
  • Maintain data communications between instruments, data loggers, and campus websites.
  • Design, develop, modify, and fabricate specialized equipment for faculty and student research and instruction
  • Maintain equipment and component inventories and work with vendors to obtain quotes and technical information
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
  • General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices
  • Thorough knowledge of methods and procedures of electronic equipment
  • Thorough knowledge of workings of standard electronic equipment used in various scientific enterprises
  • Thorough knowledge of electronic diagnostic equipment with high and low voltage shock hazards
  • Thorough knowledge of equipment repair, maintenance, troubleshooting and overhaul
  • Ability to understand the basic concepts of physics and mathematics, and knowledge and experience in digital electronics
  • Ability to analyze and troubleshoot equipment problems and determine what repairs are needed
  • Ability to review and prepare specifications for technical equipment
  • Ability to install, repair, and maintain a wide variety of equipment
  • Thorough knowledge of all safety methods, procedures and practices
  • Knowledge of basic software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) and ability to work with instrument-specific software applications
  • Ability to perform accurately in a detail-oriented environment
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities, organize and plan work and projects
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies
  • Strong oral communications skills. Must possess excellent customer service and public relations skills
Required Qualifications
  • Equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible journey-level or skilled experience in the maintenance, repair and operation of scientific or technical equipment in the specialty area to which assigned, including one (1) year involving design modifications and fabrication of complex and highly technical equipment or equivalent to two (2) years of semi-skilled experience maintaining and repairing scientific or technical equipment or related equipment experience as part of instructional support activities may be substituted for one year of the required experience or equivalent to two years of trade school or technical arts training with specialization in the type of equipment repair to which assigned.
  • Completion of an apprenticeship program or completion of a full military specialization in the required type of equipment maintenance and repair may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
  • A Federal Communications Commission license is required for some positions
Preferred Qualifications
  • BS in a field in which electronic instrumentation is widely used (e.g., Physics, Engineering, Meteorology or a related field), or comparable military experience
  • Experience in calibration, testing and repair of such electronic equipment
  • Experience in weather station surface networks, data management and data communications systems
  • Experience working with radar and/or lidar remote sensing systems
  • Knowledge of radar and lidar theory
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