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Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

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Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer information

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$12.3K

$103.5K

$161.9K

How much do entry level instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level instrumentation engineer in California is $103,523.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, instrumentation, and process control, typically supported by a degree in electrical, electronics, or instrumentation engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as PLCs, SCADA systems, and calibration equipment, along with relevant certifications like ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative and troubleshooting scenarios. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring accurate system performance, safety, and efficient process operations in industrial environments.

What are some typical projects or tasks assigned to entry level instrumentation engineers during their first year on the job?

As an entry level instrumentation engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting with the installation, calibration, and maintenance of instrumentation equipment, supporting senior engineers in troubleshooting control systems, and preparing technical documentation. You may also participate in field inspections, help with system testing, and contribute to project meetings. These responsibilities are designed to build your practical skills and understanding of industry standards, while giving you opportunities to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams such as process engineers and electricians.

What does an Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer do?

An Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer assists with the design, installation, and maintenance of instruments and control systems used in various industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, or energy. Their responsibilities often include calibrating equipment, troubleshooting technical issues, and supporting senior engineers in ensuring that instrumentation systems function safely and efficiently. They may also help with data collection and analysis to improve system performance. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to gain hands-on experience and develop technical skills in instrumentation and control engineering.

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

AspectEntry Level Instrumentation EngineerEntry Level Electrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Instrumentation, Control Systems, or Electrical Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are a plusBachelor's in Electrical Engineering; PE license optional for entry level
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, process industries, automation systemsPower plants, electrical design firms, manufacturing
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, manufacturingPower, electronics, telecommunications

Entry Level Instrumentation Engineers focus on control systems and automation within industrial settings, while Entry Level Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems and circuitry. Both roles require similar foundational education but differ in specialization and typical work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer job openings:
Microscopy Technician (Sample Prep) - NIGHT SHIFT

Microscopy Technician (Sample Prep) - NIGHT SHIFT

Eurofins

Milpitas, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Eurofins rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 175 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Company Description
Eurofins EAG Laboratories has almost 50 years of experience in engineering and materials testing services. Our parent company, Eurofins Scientific, is a multi-billion-dollar global leader in engineering and scientific services operating over 950 labs in 60 countries with 65,000 employees with a portfolio of over 200,000 validated analytical methods.
At EAG, curiosity fuels everything we do. Every analysis, every test, and every question asked in our labs helps unlock what materials and products are capable of-and what the world can build next. If you're energized by materials science, analytical chemistry, engineering rigor, and solving problems that matter, you'll feel right at home here.
Every analysis, every test, and every question asked in our labs helps unlock what materials and products are capable of-and what the world can build next. If you're energized by materials science, analytical chemistry, and engineering rigor, you'll feel right at home here.
Our scientists and engineers support industries ranging from semiconductors and advanced electronics to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, energy systems, and consumer products. Using advanced techniques in analytical chemistry, microscopy, surface analysis, and engineering sciences, we help clients solve complex challenges across the product lifecycle.
What sets EAG apart isn't just our world-class instrumentation-it's our people. We're problem solvers, collaborators, and lifelong learners who value precision, curiosity, and impact. Here, your work directly influences the safety, reliability, and performance of products used around the globe.
Imagine the possibilities. Let's explore them together.
Job Description
The Advanced Microscopy team is seeking a skilled Microscopy Technician to join our dynamic Dual Beam group in Milpitas, CA. In this role, you will play a critical part in our core operations by preparing high-quality TEM lamellae from diverse client samples across multiple industries using state-of-the-art Dual Beam FIB tools.
A Typical Day Includes:
  • Precision Sample Preparation: Operating dual-beam (SEM-FIB) systems in the laboratory to prepare high-quality TEM lamellae from advanced semiconductor devices and novel materials.
  • Laboratory Workflows: Utilizing a variety of specialized lab equipment to apply precise surface coatings for optimal sample imaging.
  • Team Collaboration: Partnering closely with team members to manage workflows and deliver on high-priority client projects under tight deadlines.

Work Schedule: *9pm-8am, Sundays to Wednesdays or Wednesdays to Saturdays (4days/10hrs)
*Shift differential will apply.
Qualifications
  • AS Degree in Electron Microscopy - Materials Science, or similar field. (MS or PhD candidates will not be considered).
  • Ability to proactively accomplish tasks.
  • Problem solver, team player; thrives in a fast-paced environment.

What Would Set You Apart
  • Understanding the fundamentals of electron microscopy.
  • Excellent verbal and written communicator.

Why This Role
  • Exposure to a wide range of advanced materials and semiconductor technologies.
  • A collaborative team culture focused on technical excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Evening shift structure that supports deep focus and accelerated technical mastery.

Physical Requirements
  • The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office or laboratory to access file cabinets, machinery, equipment etc.
  • Ability to continuously operate a personal computer or lab equipment for extended periods of time (4 or more hours).
  • Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and other lab equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 90% of the time.
  • Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in a group setting.
  • Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, make timely decisions in the context of a workflow, ability to communicate with visitors, ability to complete tasks in situations that have a speed or productivity quota.

The essential physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Additional Information
What It's Like to Work Here
  • Teamwork: Be inspired by your leaders, be encouraged by your teammates and be supported in all parts of your journey while you work with us.
  • Learning & Development: Take on career development programs and goal setting to create big possibilities for your career and life. Develop within the company; be mentored and grown as a leader.
  • Diversity & Authenticity: We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Benefits & Perks to Foster Work/Life Balance
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• 401k Company Matching
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness Program
• Education Assistance
• Volunteer Time Off
• ...and more!
If you enjoy being immersed in technology, tackling problems head-on, finding solutions through teamwork, and taking pride in accomplishments, join us today!
Eurofins EAG Laboratories is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all of our employment practices. Eurofins EAG Laboratories recruits, hires, trains, promotes and administers all employment-related matters based on an individual's qualifications, abilities, and efforts. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, military and/or protected veteran status, and/or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Check out our other opportunities: www.eag.com/about/careers/
Eurofins USA Material Sciences is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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