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Controls Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

Controls Engineering Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineering Manager who will support multiple projects and lead a growing ... Specify and configure various hardware components such as, instrumentation, PLCs, communication ...

Controls Engineering Manager

San Jose, CA

$97K - $126K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineering Manager who will support multiple projects and lead a growing ... Specify and configure various hardware components such as, instrumentation, PLCs, communication ...

Controls Engineering Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineering Manager who will support multiple projects and lead a growing ... Specify and configure various hardware components such as, instrumentation, PLCs, communication ...

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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.
What job categories do people searching Controls Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California are:
Mid Level Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Mid Level Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Carollo Engineers Inc.

Sacramento, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Carollo Engineers is a leading engineering firm dedicated exclusively to water. For over 90 years, we've specialized in the planning, design, and construction of water, wastewater, stormwater, and reuse facilities, bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to the water sector's most complex challenges.

We work with water agencies, municipalities, utilities, research organizations, and private companies across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and beyond. These clients choose Carollo because we employ some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the world. When you join our team, you'll work alongside industry leaders who are advancing the science of water, protecting public health, and building resilient communities.

Carollo's vision is to be the best water consulting firm and the best place for you to build your career. If you're passionate about making a difference in this critical field, we invite you to explore a career with Carollo.


  • Works with project manager and clients
  • Develops scopes of work for I&C systems, networks and projects
  • Leads I&C design teams for medium and large projects
  • Designs PLC SCADA networks for medium and large systems
  • Specifies industrial fiber optic networks, systems and components
  • Designs SCADA network block diagrams
  • Selects instrumentation
  • Develops P&IDs
  • Develops control strategies
  • Designs control panel layouts
  • Prepares ISA data sheets and instrument sites
  • Develops input/output point lists
  • Reviews submittals
  • Prepares specifications for instruments, computers, networking equipment, PLCs and associated components
  • Develops preliminary and final construction cost estimates for I&C
  • Meets with clients for design-related workshops, including instrument preferences, HMI graphics design and standard development
  • Designs radio telemetry SCADA systems using microwave, spread spectrum, licensed MAS, cellular or other radio technologies
  • Mentors and trains Staff Instrumentation Engineers
  • Prepares technical memorandums and reports
  • Manages the instrumentation portion of medium to large sized instrumentation and control projects for water and wastewater treatment facilities
  • Conducts quality management reviews of instrumentation and control designs
  • Participates in continuing editing and development of I&C master specifications
  • Develops project specific specifications for unusual or unique instrumentation applications
  • Prioritizes and balances competing project demands and conflicting project requirements
  • Manages other instrumentation and control engineers and CADD technicians to effectively complete work with attention to detail
  • Delegates tasks to others and follows ups on completion and quality of work
  • Identifies and consults with others on solutions to unusual, difficult, or complex tasks
  • Effectively participates in client contacts and business development efforts
  • Identifies alternatives, evaluates each, and determines appropriate actions to move forward
  • Makes solid and implementable decisions in a timely manner
  • Reduces complex aspects of instrumentation and control engineering to terms understandable to others
  • Attends to details in preparation or review of calculations, drawings, and specifications
  • Monitors scope, schedule, and budget and controls the work to the project plan
  • Understands, implements, and enforces company and client technical standards on projects
  • Travel required when requested
  • Makes site visits to observe during construction and operation

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering
  • 6-12 years experience in electrical power and control systems for water, wastewater, and petrochemical facilities
  • Capable of 480 VAC designs, detailed conduit routing, P&IDs, load studies, power distribution, lighting and process control, short circuit studies, single line diagrams, elementary diagrams, MCC layouts, electrical specifications, logic diagrams, control schematics, assist in field construction and start-up activities
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer or the ability to obtain within six months. 

  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

$120,000 to $160,000 annually. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.


Carollo is committed to providing employees with a competitive, comprehensive benefits program that provides the support employees and their families need to lead healthy, productive lives. Carollo’s benefits package includes paid time off and holidays, comprehensive health insurance coverage, pre-tax savings account options for healthcare, dependent care and commuter expenses, disability insurance and life insurance options for you and your dependents. We also offer free Caregiver Support, Travel Assistance, counseling services, discount programs, and a Lifestyle Reimbursement Account. Other compensation that may be available includes: 401(k) company contribution matching, tuition reimbursement, discretionary bonuses, career advancement bonuses, professional registration bonuses, employee referral bonuses, and compensatory time for exempt employees. Flexible work arrangements may also be available.  Eligibility for benefits varies based on employment status.

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