Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

JOB POSTING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS invites applications for the position of: Engineering Associate II - Electrical Engineer SG-159-26E Advance your engineering career while making a meaningful impact on public infrastructure and environmental sustainability with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. We are seeking motivated professionals-from experienced Engineering Associate IIs to licensed Electrical Engineers-to design, develop, and coordinate electrical and instrumentation projects that support our wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, landfills, and power generation facilities. Depending on your experience, you may work on power distribution design, control systems, electrical system modeling and analysis, protective device coordination, arc flash studies, and contract administration, while progressively taking on greater responsibility in project management, cross-disciplinary coordination, and utility collaboration.

If you are passionate about engineering, innovation, and contributing to critical infrastructure that serves millions, we encourage you to apply and grow your career with us. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, ELECTRICAL AND INSTRUMENTATION DESIGN SECTION, JOINT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, WHITTIER OUR MISSION The Sanitation Districts protects public health and the environment through innovative and cost-effective wastewater and solid waste management, and in doing so convert waste into resources such as recycled water, energy and recycled materials. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To perform professional electrical and instrumentation engineering work and coordinate progressively more complex projects in a variety of engineering disciplines including civil, architectural, structural, and mechanical engineering disciplines.

JOB SUMMARY: The major job responsibilities are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description. Under the general supervision of a Supervising Engineer, the incumbent will: Design and prepare electrical and instrumentation plans, specifications and cost analyses for wastewater treatment facilities, collection systems, and solid waste facilities Plan, schedule, conduct or coordinate detailed phases of electrical and instrumentation work for engineering projects Develop computer models of power systems and perform electrical system, protective device coordination and arc flash studies Perform electrical power systems and instrumentation engineering for wastewater treatment plants, pumping plants, landfills and power generation facilities Develop electrical and instrumentation drawings and specifications Design low- and medium-voltage power distribution systems Design microprocessor and hardwired-based control systems Review consultant, contractor and vendor submittals, RFI responses, and contractor change-order claims Coordinate work with other Districts' sections, outside agencies, and electrical utility companies This job may be filled at any of the following levels: ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE II, III: the work performed in these classes are normally a prerequisite to qualify for the Electrical Professional Engineer (PE) licensure examinations.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: this level differs from the Engineering Associate level classes by the PE license requirement, the greater engineering complexity involved in the assignments received and demonstrated proficiency. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must possess all of the following: A valid California Class C driver license -AND- ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE II: Option 1: A bachelor's degree and master's degree both in a pertinent engineering discipline from an accredited and recognized college or university Option 2: A bachelor's degree from an accredited and recognized college or university in a related science with an Engineer-In-Training Certificate and a master's degree from an accredited and recognized college or university in a pertinent engineering discipline Option 3: Two (2) years of professional engineering experience subsequent to earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university ENGINEERING ASSOCIATE III: Option 1: Two (2) years of experience as an Engineering Associate II Option 2: Four (4) years of professional engineering experience subsequent to earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer with the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists AND: Option 1: Six (6) years of professional engineering experience subsequent to earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university Option 2: A master's degree in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university -AND- Three (3) years of professional engineering experience Option 3: A PhD in engineering from an accredited and recognized college or university -AND- two (2) years of professional engineering experience DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: In addition to the minimum qualifications stated above, the ideal candidate would also possess: A bachelor's and/or Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in Power Systems Two (2) or more years' experience performing power systems engineering and design of low- and medium- voltage power distribution systems (control/instrumentation experience is desirable) for wastewater, power generation, petrochemical, or heavy industrial facilities projects EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The competitive selection process for ALL CLASSES may include: Knowledge of: Basic power systems theory and concepts, including transformers, AC machines, and solid-state motor controls. Power engineering and its application in wastewater treatment plants, pumping plants, petrochemical facilities, and/or power generation.

Industrial controls including instrumentation and programmable logic controllers. Electrical drawings such as one-line diagrams, motor and circuit breaker control diagrams, wiring diagrams, plot plans, etc. and project cost estimation.

Power system studies such as load flow, short circuit, motor starting, arc flash, and generator sizing. Protection coordination and protective device settings. National Electrical Code and its application in electrical design.

Electrical, controls and instrumentation design in coordination with civil, mechanical and structural designs. Ability to: Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Districts staff, the public, consultants and vendors.

Prepare, review, check or interpret electrical and instrumentation engineering plans and specifications. Write technical documents such as preliminary design reports and electrical system study reports. Perform construction contract administration work, including submittal reviews, responses to contractor requests for information, and extra work claims.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NOTE: This posting will remain open until vacancy is filled and is subject to closure without notice. SELECTION PROCESS: All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met. The selection process tentatively consists of an interview weighted at 100% and will be the same for all qualified applicants.

The initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of August 3, 2026. TO APPLY: Please apply online at governmentjobs.com within this application period. By using the online application system, you will receive confirmation via e-mail that your application was received for this position

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment Application or online application. Check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications may be sent via e-mail. Please verify that your registered email address is accurate and current.

To ensure proper delivery, add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list. NOTES: The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a job-related reference check, DMV report, and a drug test. Candidates who have completed their required college or university coursework outside the United States must provide a comprehensive evaluation of their foreign transcripts and degrees upon selection for this position

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Shelley Glasman at shelleyglasman@lacsd.org. As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply. To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts converts waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources

Joint Administration Office, Whittier