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Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Vast

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Mojave, CA

$86K - $120K/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 ...

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 ...

Beacon Engineering Resources

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA · On-site

$88K - $113K/yr

Troubleshoot electrical controls, instrumentation, VFDs, and related equipment * Work with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve system performance and reliability * Assist with ...

Beacon Engineering Resources

Controls Engineer

Modesto, CA

$88K - $113K/yr

Troubleshoot electrical controls, instrumentation, VFDs, and related equipment * Work with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve system performance and reliability * Assist with ...

CDM Smith

Automation and Controls Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$86K - $114K/yr

Under light supervision, creates basic to moderately complex instrumentation, controls and related ... designs, programmable logic controllers (PLC), reports, etc. Performs testing and startup of ...

Mach Industries

Controls Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Integrate sensors and instrumentation including pressure, temperature, vibration, fuel flow, and ... Aerospace Engineering or related field. * 2+ years of experience in controls systems, test ...

VOLT

Entry Level Controls Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$32/hr

Volt is immediately hiring a entry level Controls Engineer in San Diego, CA . As a Controls Engineer , you will: * Assist in the selection of electrical hardware and placement of components within ...

CDM Smith

Automation and Controls Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$86K - $114K/yr

... controls and instrumentation in the process industries? Do you have a track record of providing ... An Automation Engineer at CDM Smith: • Under light supervision, creates basic to moderately ...

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All JobsEntry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer JobsEntry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer information

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$28

$53

$80

How much do entry level instrumentation & controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation & controls engineer in California is $53.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.97 and $61.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you need a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering and a solid understanding of process control fundamentals. Familiarity with PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and industry-standard software like AutoCAD or MATLAB is typically required, and certifications such as EIT/FE can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies ensure accurate system design, smooth project execution, and effective troubleshooting in complex industrial settings.

What types of projects and tasks can an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you can expect to assist with designing, configuring, and testing control systems for industrial processes, such as those found in power plants, manufacturing, or water treatment facilities. Your responsibilities may include creating wiring diagrams, selecting and specifying instrumentation, supporting field installations, and collaborating with senior engineers or project managers. You'll also likely help troubleshoot control system issues and participate in commissioning activities, providing valuable hands-on experience. This role offers a blend of office-based design work and on-site support, giving you exposure to both technical and practical aspects of engineering projects.

What does an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer do?

An Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer assists with the design, installation, and maintenance of systems that measure and control industrial processes. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to develop control systems, select appropriate instruments, and ensure that equipment operates safely and efficiently. Typical responsibilities include preparing technical documentation, troubleshooting control systems, and supporting project execution. This role often serves as a starting point for engineers interested in automation, process control, or industrial systems.

What is the difference between Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer vs Entry Level Electrical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Instrumentation & Controls EngineerEntry Level Electrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like CAP or ISA are a plusBachelor's in Electrical Engineering; PE license optional for entry level
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation systemsPower plants, electronics manufacturing, construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageProcess industries, automation companies, oil & gas, manufacturingUtilities, electronics, consulting firms, construction
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes, while Entry Level Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but serve different technical functions within the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in California? For Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,940 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Vast

Mojave, CA

$86K - $120K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

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, build, and test of the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Mojave location. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Support test engineers by maintaining all test stand instrumentation and control systems on all rocket engine and structures test stands.
  • Generate and maintain electrical schematics for all test stand instrumentation and control systems.  
  • Manage all instrumentation calibration records.
  • Manage all instrumentation checkout and calibration equipment.
  • Coordinate recalibration of all instrumentation.
  • Work alongside electrical technicians to build, test, and maintain electrical systems on rocket engines and rocket engine test stands.
  • Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software related systems on the test stands. 
  • Implement continuous improvements to improve safety and test site productivity

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of experience in the operation, design and development of instrumentation and controls equipment.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Experience with PLCs.
  • Experience with National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW.
  • Experience with coding languages (Python, Matlab Visual Basic).
  • Experience with strain gauges, IEPE accelerometers, TCs, RTDs and 4-20mA loop sensors.  
  • Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical documentation such as wire diagrams, sensor data sheets, and data systems equipment manuals.
  • Experience with NX and Teamcenter.
  • Experience with JIRA / Confluence.
  • Extreme attention to detail.
  • Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities.
  • Ability and willingness to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Pay Range: 

  • Instrumentation and Controls Engineer I: $86,000 - $120,000
  • Instrumentation and Controls Engineer II: $110,000 - $155,000

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