1

Electrical Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

Principal Instrumentation Engineer

Monrovia, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $235K/yr

You will provide instrumentation and controls engineering services on large or mega projects to ... Accredited Engineering Degree in General Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ...

Instrumentation Engineer - NASA

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

As Senior Instrumentation Engineer - NASA at AMERICAN SYSTEMS you will have the opportunity to do ... Must read and understand electrical schematics. * Must be familiar with AutoCAD or equivalent for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Electrical Instrumentation Engineer information

See California salary details

$72K

$110.2K

$158.4K

How much do electrical instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical instrumentation engineer in California is $110,197.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Electrical Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, instrumentation systems, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with PLCs, SCADA systems, control software, and industry certifications like ISA or IEC standards is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for working on complex projects and collaborating across teams. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable design, installation, and maintenance of instrumentation systems in industrial environments.

What are Electrical Instrumentation Engineers?

Electrical Instrumentation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, install, and maintain equipment used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery, and processes. They work primarily with instruments that measure variables such as pressure, flow, temperature, and level, ensuring that industrial systems operate safely and efficiently. Their role is crucial in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, chemical processing, and power generation, where precise control and monitoring are essential. They also troubleshoot issues, calibrate instruments, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

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

AspectElectrical Instrumentation EngineerElectrical Maintenance Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or InstrumentationDiploma or technical certification in electrical maintenance
Work EnvironmentDesign, installation, and commissioning of instrumentation systems in industrial plantsRoutine maintenance and troubleshooting of electrical systems on-site
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, oil & gas, power plantsFactories, plants, facilities requiring electrical repairs

Electrical Instrumentation Engineers focus on designing, installing, and commissioning instrumentation systems, while Electrical Maintenance Technicians handle routine repairs and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in responsibilities, qualifications, and work scope.

How does an Electrical Instrumentation Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines on large industrial projects?

Electrical Instrumentation Engineers often work closely with mechanical, process, and control engineers to ensure that instrumentation and control systems integrate seamlessly with other plant systems. Collaboration usually involves regular project meetings, joint design reviews, and coordination during installation and commissioning phases. Effective communication and interdisciplinary understanding are essential, as decisions made by one discipline can significantly impact instrumentation design, safety, and overall project timelines. This collaborative environment fosters professional growth and provides valuable exposure to various aspects of industrial engineering projects.
Flight Test Instrumentation Electrical Design Engineer

Flight Test Instrumentation Electrical Design Engineer

Archer

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$185K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
What You'll Do:
  • Support the Design, Fabrication, Developmental Test, and Certification Efforts of Archer's piloted eVTOL aircraft project.
  • Perform the Electrical Installation Design for all Flight Test Instrumentation related hardware for flight test aircraft.
  • Support the Installation planning and liaison manufacturing for the installation of flight test instrumentation onto test aircraft in buildup and in active test.
  • Work with internal customers and vendors to solve instrumentation and measurement related challenges.
  • Key advisor to the Instrumentation Director regarding all aircraft instrumentation electrical design activities.
  • Develop processes and documentation to support the installation and maintenance of flight test instrumentation.
  • Collaborate with the Flight Test Engineering and Certification Teams to plan and perform all required development and certification flight test activities.
  • Collaborate with all engineering design and analysis teams to establish a comprehensive instrumentation plan including, but not limited to, monitoring of strain, temperature, vibration, pressure, airdata, ECS, etc.
  • Assist in designing all hardware required for flight test. For example, instrumentation racks, air data booms, aircrew interfaces, workstations, camera systems, telemetry systems, etc.
  • Support instrumentation technicians and Aircraft Operations Team in the implementation of instrumentation designs.
  • Ensure flight test instrumentation activities are completed on time and within budget.

What You Need:
  • B.S. in Engineering
  • 7+ years experience as Electrical Design Engineer or Instrumentation Engineer
  • Experience with design and installation of wiring for flight
  • Experience with the routing of wires/harnesses for aircraft
  • Experience generating work instructions
  • Experience with design for manufacturing
  • Must be able to lift 30 lbs unassisted

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Flight test configuration management process experience
  • Experience with FTI systems and sensor maintenance
  • Experience in Siemens Capital for Diagrams and Harnesses
  • Experience as an instrumentation engineer or in an instrumentation related field
  • Experience managing drawing configuration
  • Experience training people on Basics and Advanced Design Topics

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.
At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $185,000 - $235,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.