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Controls Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

Vast

Test Instrumentation Engineer

Mojave, CA

$86K - $120K/yr

Vast is looking for a Test Instrumentation Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design, build, and ...

Vast

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

Vast is looking for an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design ...

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Controls Instrumentation Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Instrumentation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, instrumentation, process control, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA software, and industry certifications like ISA CAP are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you excel when collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable automation and control of industrial processes.

What are Controls Instrumentation Engineers?

Controls Instrumentation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, install, and maintain systems that control and monitor industrial processes. They work with instruments and control devices such as sensors, transmitters, and automation systems to ensure that processes operate efficiently, safely, and within specified parameters. Their expertise is essential in industries like manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, and chemical processing. These engineers also troubleshoot and optimize control systems to improve performance and reliability.

What are some typical challenges Controls Instrumentation Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Controls Instrumentation Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and project timelines. Effective communication is crucial to ensure that instrumentation specifications meet the overall system needs and comply with industry standards. Balancing the integration of new technologies with existing infrastructure and addressing unexpected technical issues during commissioning are also common challenges. Developing strong teamwork and problem-solving skills helps overcome these hurdles and leads to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Controls Instrumentation Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls Instrumentation EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, electronics, or control engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industries, automation systemsPower generation, electrical systems design, construction sites, consulting firms
Industry UsageHeavy industries, oil & gas, manufacturing, automationPower, construction, consulting, manufacturing

Controls Instrumentation Engineers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining control systems and instrumentation in industrial settings. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuit design. While both roles require electrical knowledge, Controls Instrumentation Engineers specialize in automation and control systems within industrial environments.

What Does an Instrumentation Controls Engineer Do?

An Instrumentation Controls Engineer works with production equipment in a manufacturing environment. Your primary duties and responsibilities will typically include researching, designing, developing devices and controls, and monitoring and managing these systems. This job incorporates two interrelated technology disciplines: control engineering and instrumentation engineering. Control engineers develop the systems. Instrumentation engineers monitor and manage temperature, pressure, humidity, speed, and other process variables while the machines are operating. In light of the expanded focus on automation in U.S. manufacturing, you’ll find the role of Instrumentation Controls Engineer to be a valuable career.
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Controls Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Affiliated Engineers, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$120K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Join a Team Where Engineering Excellence Drives Opportunity

At Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI), we bring together expertise and innovation to solve the most complex challenges. Since 1978, we’ve supported mission-driven organizations in designing systems and environments that advance society and improve lives. Today, with more than 900 professionals across 22 offices, we help shape the future of healthcare, science and technology, energy, education, and other vital sectors.

From elevating patient care in Mayo Clinic’s world-class hospitals to enabling discovery in high-containment laboratories for U.S. agencies and driving environmental progress with Microsoft’s renowned Thermal Energy Center, our work enriches the human experience, safeguards the environment, and pushes the boundaries of possibility.

AEI consistently earns national recognition from leading industry publications, including Building Design+Construction, Engineering News-Record, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, with distinctions such as being named the #1 Laboratory Engineering Firm in the nation and receiving multiple Best of the Best Project awards, underscoring the lasting legacy of our work.

At AEI, you’ll join a collaborative community where your expertise fuels innovation, your ideas drive progress, and your work helps shape a brighter future.

As an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer in our San Francisco  office, you will help us empower our clients to achieve energy-efficient building solutions, save global environments, and create a better, greener future for all.

Why we need you:

In this role, you will be responsible for establishing criteria for industrial and advanced manufacturing systems, including determining applicable codes, selecting controllers for various applications, and establishing hazardous area boundaries. Position is also responsible for developing system routing options; coordinating and implementing the layout of industrial systems and equipment; and, monitoring, interpreting, and conducting tests of Programmable Logic Controllers/distributed control system.  

Expertise of our most successful Instrumentation and Controls Engineer: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field of study and five years of instrumentation and controls engineering experience. In the alternative, employer will accept a Master’s Degree in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field of study and three years of instrumentation and controls engineering experience. 

Effective skills to help you flourish:

  • 4 years of experience designing, programming, and implementing control systems, including Allen Bradley, Modicon, or Siemens PLCs;  
  • 2 years of experience with industrial networks and communication protocols;
  • 4 years of PLC programming experience using various software, including RS Logix 5000, RS Logix 500 Concept, or UnityPro;
  • 3 years of experience with Wonderware packages (In-touch and Archestra System Platform), Factory Talk View, or Citect SCADA;
  • 3 years of experience with industrial system design codes, standards, and specification requirements; and,
  • 4 years of experience with engineering design programs, including AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical.
  • Position requires 25-30% domestic travel
  • Interest in smart building technologies, universal system integration and convergence of data and intelligence.

When you work here, you can expect:

  • A flexible, collaborative environment where your well-being matters—because your best work happens when you’re supported.
  • Real opportunities to grow—through mentorship, professional development programs, and exposure to high-impact projects across disciplines.
  • To collaborate with inspiring teammates who challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and pave the way for future leaders.
  • A benefits package that offers health, dental, vision, and retirement, a performance-based year-end bonus, and thoughtful perks tailored to your needs—whether that's a flexible work environment, wellness resources, or community-focused initiatives, we’ll continue to invest in.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $120,000 to $170,000
If this dynamic environment and the chance to contribute to transformative projects resonate with your ambitions, we would love to connect with you. Join us and make an impact!

Apply online at https://aeieng.com/about/careers/

If you know someone who would thrive in this role, please share this posting with them directly via email or through your LinkedIn network.

AEI is proud to be an EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled.


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