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Electrical Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

Project Engineer II

Folsom, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

The Project Engineer II (Electrical) will be responsible for the design, development, and execution of complex electrical, instrumentation, control, and communication systems for water/wastewater ...

Project Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

The Project Engineer II (Electrical) will be responsible for the design, development, and execution of complex electrical, instrumentation, control, and communication systems for water/wastewater ...

Project Engineer II

Folsom, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

The Project Engineer II (Electrical) will be responsible for the design, development, and execution of complex electrical, instrumentation, control, and communication systems for water/wastewater ...

Project Engineer II

Brea, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

The Project Engineer II (Electrical) will be responsible for the design, development, and execution of complex electrical, instrumentation, control, and communication systems for water/wastewater ...

Instrumentation & Electrical Technician Pittsburg, CA, United States req31314 What you will enjoy ... engineering company with 2024 sales of $33 billion. We live our mission of making our world more ...

Electrical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Own electrical hardware design end-to-end: partner with mechanical engineers on instrumentation and ... actuation solutions, build out electronics systems using custom PCBs or off-the-shelf industrial ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 15, 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 is an electrical instrumentation engineer?

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.
Infographic showing various Electrical Instrumentation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,197 per year, or $53 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Instrumentation & Electrical Technician

DEPARTMENT: Field Operation - SJV

REPORTS TO: Operations Supervisor

BASIC PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Utilizing extensive knowledge of field operations and a strong knowledge of electrical, instrumentation, and automation, position will be responsible for testing of safety devices, maintaining records and performing troubleshooting and repairs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Prioritize job assignments. Plant wide testing of all instrumentation, pressures, levels, and control systems.
  • Anticipate and resolve problems.
  • A.P.C.D. testing.
  • Assist engineering with projects and system upgrades.
  • Do preventive maintenance PM's for all plant instrumentation (electronic, pneumatic).
  • Order and maintain an adequate parts inventory.
  • Calibrate and maintain safety devices pertaining to oil and gas measurement, pressures, levels and temperatures etc.
  • Read and be able to interpret P&ID's, & Pneumatic, Electrical and Mechanical equipment engineering drawings.
  • Configured PLC ladder logic Honeywell and Allen Bradley relay logic.
  • Interface with all plant departments including operations, SCADA, electricians, mechanics and engineering staff.
  • Troubleshoot process upsets on all associated plant equipment.
  • May train and assist less experienced technicians as needed.
  • May perform other job-related duties.

Requirements

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

8 or more year's related experience in the oil field preferred.

Must be able to take a lead role in planning and setting up job plans in major maintenance projects.

PC Computer literate.

Education and experience always ongoing in the field and classroom as an instrument and electrical technician.

Distributive Control Systems. P.L.C. Control Systems. Hardware and Software Control Systems.

Instrumentation / Electrical / Pneumatic, and Automation Control Systems.

Knowledge of running stainless steel tubing.

Able to read and understand electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics and P&ID's.

Interface with County (APCD) inspectors.

H-2-S Training / C-P-R Training / Hazmat training / Emergency response.

Training in Fisher Rosemount Systems / / Allen Bradley PLC Control systems, Honeywell, Modicon and Siemens PLC controls.

Training in Turbine and compressor control systems.

Understanding of power generation and distribution systems.

  Valid driver's license and good driving record

Preferred: Current California State Certified Journeyman Electrician Certification.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires working outside in all weather conditions.

The position requires manual dexterity to handle documents and operate office equipment such as fax machines, copiers, printers, shredders and computers. Also required is performing repetitive motions, and extended periods of sitting, standing and walking for varying lengths of time. The position requires interacting and communicating professionally with others via speaking, hearing and writing, learning new tasks, processes and concepts, thinking to solve problems, concentrating on required tasks, distinguishing color and depth perception and reading data, figures, electronic and hard copy documents.

The position requires frequent stooping, bending, squatting, crawling, crouching, pushing, reaching, pulling, lifting, grasping, fingering, reaching over the shoulders and below the waist, carrying of up to 75 lbs. while walking, lifting up to 95 lbs. to waist level and lifting up to 65 lbs. over shoulder level, the continuous use of both hands, arms, and feet and the manual dexterity to operate heavy and light tools, equipment, and materials.

The position requires walking or traversing over and across uneven terrain, accessing of areas outdoors and on or around equipment, over or around obstacles or structures such as pipes, low rails and walls, stooping or bending to reach certain locations, climbing stairs or ladders, and exposure to outside weather conditions.

The position requires wearing personal protection equipment such as gloves, gas mask, suits, etc. with an average weight of 10-25 pounds


DISCLAIMER:

The position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. The essential duties, responsibilities and physical requirements above describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job. The above description does not include all of the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management.

An Equal Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.