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Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Project Controls Specialist

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$82K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This entry-level opportunity is ideal for a motivated and detail-oriented professional looking to ... Collaborate with project managers, engineers, schedulers, cost engineers, and client stakeholders.

Quality Engineer II

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... instrumentation products. Partner with R&D, Regulatory, and cross-functional teams throughout the ... Support design controls, risk management, verification/validation, change control, and product ...

Outside Sales Engineer Irvine

Irvine, CA ยท On-site +1

$110K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rust Automation and Controls is a family-owned industrial instrumentation and automation sales ... Outside Sales Engineer Location: Irvine, CA (Remote role but must reside in this territory) Rust ...

Geotechnical Engineer (Entry-Level)

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... instrumentation, field reconnaissance, and/or underground work. * Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills. * Personable, flexible, and professional demeanor. * The ability to work ...

Geotechnical Engineer (Entry-Level)

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

$72K - $108K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... instrumentation, field reconnaissance, and/or underground work. * Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills. * Personable, flexible, and professional demeanor. * The ability to work ...

Geotechnical Engineer (Entry-Level)

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

$72K - $108K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... instrumentation, field reconnaissance, and/or underground work. * Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills. * Personable, flexible, and professional demeanor. * The ability to work ...

Firmware Engineer I-II

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

You will work closely with electrical, controls, reactor software, safety, and test teams to design ... Design, develop, test, and maintain firmware for reactor instrumentation, control, monitoring, and ...

Firmware Engineer I-II

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

You will work closely with electrical, controls, reactor software, safety, and test teams to design ... Design, develop, test, and maintain firmware for reactor instrumentation, control, monitoring, and ...

Firmware Engineer I-II

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

You will work closely with electrical, controls, reactor software, safety, and test teams to design ... Design, develop, test, and maintain firmware for reactor instrumentation, control, monitoring, and ...

Chemical Engineer (New Grad)

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$96K - $106K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... instrumentation, and build-out of an advanced laboratory. In this role, you'll work alongside ... students and entry level candidates encouraged to apply). * Knowledge of mass spectrometry ...

New

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Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer information

See Los Angeles, CA salary details

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation & controls engineer in Los Angeles, CA is $58.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.87 and $66.83 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 Los Angeles, CA?

For Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA are:

What cities near Los Angeles, CA are hiring for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Los Angeles, CA with the most Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,217 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

Project Controls Specialist

STV Incorporated

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$82K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

STV is seeking a Project Controls Specialist to join our Project Controls department at our Los Angeles, CA office.
STV is a leading national infrastructure-focused professional services firm providing engineering, architectural, planning, environmental, program management, and construction management services for transportation systems, buildings, water, energy, and other facilities. Our Project Controls professionals play a vital role in supporting the successful delivery of complex infrastructure and capital programs through cost management, scheduling, forecasting, reporting, and performance monitoring.
This entry-level opportunity is ideal for a motivated and detail-oriented professional looking to build a career in project controls while supporting some of the nation's most significant transportation, infrastructure, aviation, and facility projects.
Responsibilities
Project Controls Support
  • Assist project teams with tracking project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Support project controls reporting, dashboards, and status updates for internal and client stakeholders.
  • Maintain project controls logs, databases, and performance metrics to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
  • Assist with change management tracking, issue logs, and risk registers.
  • Support the collection, validation, and analysis of project performance data.
  • Assist in monitoring project progress against approved schedules and budgets.
  • Help maintain project controls documentation in accordance with company and client standards.

Cost Management & Forecasting
  • Support the preparation and maintenance of project budgets, cost reports, and forecasts.
  • Assist with tracking project expenditures, commitments, and budget performance.
  • Perform basic cost variance analysis and identify trends requiring management attention.
  • Support invoice reviews and cost documentation validation.

Scheduling & Performance Monitoring
  • Assist with maintaining project schedules using Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar scheduling tools.
  • Support schedule updates, milestone tracking, and project progress reporting.
  • Monitor project performance indicators and assist with performance analysis efforts.
  • Help identify schedule risks and coordinate updates with project teams.

Reporting & Communication
  • Prepare routine project status reports, dashboards, and presentations.
  • Support the development and maintenance of project controls reporting tools and templates.
  • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, schedulers, cost engineers, and client stakeholders.
  • Communicate project performance information clearly and professionally.

Project Controls Systems & Administration
  • Maintain project controls databases, reporting systems, and project records.
  • Support data entry, quality assurance, and document management activities.
  • Assist with implementing project controls procedures, standards, and best practices.
  • Ensure consistency and accuracy across project controls systems and reporting platforms.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.
  • 0-2 years of experience in project controls, project management, scheduling, cost management, construction management, or related fields.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Exposure to Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Power BI, Tableau, or similar project controls tools.
  • Internship or project experience supporting infrastructure, transportation, aviation, buildings, or capital improvement programs.
  • Familiarity with project management principles, cost control, scheduling, forecasting, or performance reporting.
  • Knowledge of PMIS platforms such as e-Builder, Kahua, Unifier, Procore, or similar systems.

Compensation Range:
$82,862.07 - $94,699.51
STV offers the following benefits โ€ข Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account โ€ข Dental insurance โ€ข Vision insurance โ€ข Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) โ€ข Disability insurance โ€ข Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment โ€ข 401(k) Plan โ€ข Retirement Counseling โ€ข Employee Assistance Program โ€ข Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days) โ€ข Paid Holidays (9 days) โ€ข Back-Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year) โ€ข Parental Leave (up to 80 hours) โ€ข Continuing Education Program โ€ข Professional Licensure and Society Memberships
STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV's good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.
Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV's work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don't always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.