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Electrical Control Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

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Electrical Control Instrumentation Engineer information

What is an electrical control instrumentation engineer?

Electrical Control Instrumentation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, install, and maintain systems that control and monitor engineering processes. They work with a variety of instruments and control systems used to measure and regulate factors such as pressure, temperature, and flow in industries like manufacturing, energy, and chemical processing. Their work ensures that processes operate efficiently, safely, and within regulatory standards. They often collaborate with other engineers and technicians to troubleshoot issues and optimize system performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical control instrumentation engineer?

To thrive as an Electrical Control Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, instrumentation, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in using PLCs, SCADA systems, and various instrumentation calibration tools, along with certifications like ISA or IEC, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex control systems that ensure safe, efficient, and reliable industrial operations.

What are some common challenges electrical control instrumentation engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Electrical Control Instrumentation Engineers often work closely with mechanical, process, and software engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and project timelines. Communication is key, as ensuring everyone understands the instrumentation needs and control systems integration is critical to project success. Additionally, adapting to evolving project specifications and troubleshooting unexpected issues with control systems under tight deadlines are common hurdles. However, this collaborative environment also provides valuable opportunities to learn from other disciplines and develop strong project management skills.

What is the difference between Electrical Control Instrumentation Engineer vs Electrical Maintenance Technician?

AspectElectrical Control Instrumentation EngineerElectrical Maintenance Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, certifications like CIE or ISATechnical diploma or associate degree, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, installation, and troubleshooting of control systems in industrial settingsMaintenance and repair of electrical systems and equipment
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, oil & gas, power plantsCommon in facilities, factories, and plants for routine maintenance

Electrical Control Instrumentation Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems, while Electrical Maintenance Technicians handle routine repairs and maintenance. Both roles are essential in industrial environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What cities in California are hiring for Electrical Control Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Electrical Control Instrumentation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Electrical Control Instrumentation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Project Engineer - Electrical, Controls & Instrumentation

Brea, CA • On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Evaluate, select, and adapt engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria for diverse project requirements.

  • Understand control, instrumentation, and automation concepts and technologies for power generation systems and related equipment.

  • Assist customers, engineers, and contractors with electrical, mechanical, and electronic equipment throughout project development stages.


Job description

Description
POSITION SUMMARY
Northeast-Western Energy Systems USA, LLC, a division of INNIO is looking for a Project Engineer - Electrical, Controls & Instrumentation to join the team. Working as part of our engineering team you will be responsible for electrical system and integration of controls and instrumentation for continuous duty and standby power generation systems inclusive of electrical and mechanical equipment. This position provides technical support to junior engineers while concurrently performing engineering duties for specifically assigned projects.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor of Science in engineering from an ABET accredited college or university - Electrical or Instrumentation and Controls Engineering
  • Engineer-in-Training Certification preferred
  • U.S. Citizenship or U.S Permanent Resident status
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • CAD Proficiency

Must be able to:
  • Provide intensity and commitment in daily activities
  • Have ability to work towards a personal "Best in Class" standard
  • Have ability to execute decisions with speed and conviction
  • Keep well organized files and provide accessibility to others inside and outside of the department
  • Demonstrate total commitment to outstanding customer service, developing a loyal customer base
  • Work under pressure, meet deadlines and be flexible in working on multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Demonstrate strong verbal, written, computer and technical communication and presentation skills
  • Work independently from home, job sites, office and other locations supporting multiple time zones

A minimum of five (5) years' experience with:
  • Electrical equipment and components system design, CAD, programming, operations and/or commissioning with engines, generators, pumps, boilers, gases, piping, power generation systems, switchgear, motor control centers, relays, transformers, surge suppression, etc.
  • Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation system design, programming, operations and/or commissioning with engines, generators, boilers, and process control systems
  • Strong organizational and project management capabilities
  • Direct involvement with moving mechanical systems and energized electrical circuits
  • Ability to produce and understand single lines, P&ID, process schematics, and flow charts.
  • Strong industrial power background
  • Utility interconnection requirements
  • Advanced proficiency with MS Office, networks, operating systems and Internet communications
  • Knowledge of and familiarity with industrial computer systems, PLC's and DCS's. Experience with GE Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Rockwell, and Siemens platforms is preferred.
  • Direct involvement with moving mechanical systems and energized electrical circuits
  • Programming and interpreting PLC programs, HMI/SCADA packages, electrical single lines, point to point wiring lists, and mechanical: electrical interfaces
  • Modbus and OPC communications

Accountabilities:
  • Ability to learn and develop skills to manage and produce results in a fast-paced growing business.
  • Establish procedures to monitor and/or regulate processes, tasks, or activities of junior engineers or job activities and responsibilities. Taking action to follow up the results of delegated assignments or projects.
  • Ability to understand and analyze financial data.
  • Ability to make rational and realistic decisions that are based on logical assumptions, reflect factual information and show consideration of organizational resources.
  • Proactive attitude towards confronting and resolving problems.
  • Ability to effectively express and present ideas or tasks to an individual or to a group
  • Ability to travel and remain overnight as required, including international destinations
  • Results driven: Taking ownership, sense of urgency, hands-on when and where necessary, pro-active.
  • Works independently, takes initiative and completes challenging assignments
  • Proven ability to work as a team member and collaborate with others
  • Manage high workload: Multi-tasking, multi-organizing, delivering contributions to multiple projects with sometimes conflicting resource requirements.

JOB DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work independently and as part of a team to evaluate, select, and adapt engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to evolving and diverse project requirements.
  • Understand control, instrumentation, and automation concepts and technologies for engines, electrical generators, switchgear, transformers, surge suppressors, grounding systems, compressors, pumps, boilers, heat recovery equipment and emissions control devices.
  • Remain informed of industry developments, codes, standards and accepted engineering practices affecting the services to be performed. Ensure compliance with company, industry, and regulatory safety standards and protocols.
  • Assist customers, engineers, and contractors with electrical, mechanical, and electronic equipment through stages of project development, installation, field start-up, training, and on-going customer support
  • Devise new approaches to problems and prepare or modify drawings, specifications, calculations, charts, and graphs.
  • Develop project specific functional requirements and technical specifications for control and instrumentation strategies required to integrate electrical and mechanical equipment into complete power generation solutions
  • Solicit and evaluate Control and Instrumentation proposals to meet established specifications
  • Produce calculations for Controls and Instrumentation required for complete power generation solutions including electrical and mechanical values.
  • Develop Control and Instrumentation schedules, bill of material(s), schematics, and calibration setting lists for control panels including VFD's, PLC's, device connections and required I/O point lists.
  • Develop detailed design drawings including P&ID's, instrument drawings, logic diagrams, single line, control panel I/O, panel layout(s), and conduit routing
  • Primary responsibility for development, programming and modification of PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications using Automation, SQL, and Web development platforms through initial design as well as startup and commissioning
  • Perform and provide technical support to assist and participate in maintenance, diagnostic evaluation, and problem resolution of Electrical and Controls and Instrumentation systems

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment and physical working characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
  • Person in this position needs to occasionally visit customer locations
  • Office environment, sedentary job. Hybrid office/home working conditions.
  • Person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery and occasionally visit customer sites.
  • Must have the ability to walk/stand throughout the day

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time