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Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

Mattson Technology, Inc.

RF Engineer 1

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

Job Summary The RF Engineer I is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for supporting ... Knowledge of RF measurement techniques and instrumentation. * Strong analytical and problem-solving ...

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Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer information

See California salary details

$12.3K

$103.5K

$161.9K

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

As of Sep 6, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level instrumentation engineer?

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 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.

Are entry level instrumentation engineers in demand?

Entry level instrumentation engineers are in steady demand across industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities, where they work on installing, maintaining, and calibrating control systems and sensors. Strong technical skills, knowledge of automation tools, and relevant certifications can enhance job prospects in this field.

How much does an entry level instrumentation engineer earn?

Entry-level instrumentation engineers typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and education level. Starting salaries may increase with relevant certifications, such as Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), and experience with tools like PLCs and SCADA systems.

How to get into entry level instrumentation engineering?

To enter an entry-level instrumentation engineering role, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or instrumentation engineering. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, developing skills in control systems and PLC programming, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects. Familiarity with industry tools and safety standards is also beneficial.

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:

Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,523 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

RF Engineer 1

Mattson Technology, Inc.

Fremont, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Job description

About Mattson

ย 

Company:ย Mattson Technology, Inc., a 38-year Silicon Valley company, designs, manufactures, markets, and globally supports plasma and rapid thermal processing equipment to fabricate integrated circuits for the global semiconductor industry.

Mattson Technology, Inc. offers processing equipment that utilizes innovative technologies to deliver advanced processing capabilities and high productivity for the fabrication of current and next-generation integrated circuits. Our equipment and technologies are used by leading memory and logic, analog /power device manufacturers worldwide. Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineeringย address the most critical logic and memory manufacturing challenges.

In May 2016, Mattson Technology was acquired by Beijing's E-Town Capital. Our new investor's vision is that Mattson Technology, with its Silicon Valley DNA, will continue to operate as a global, market-driven technology provider serving worldwide semiconductor manufacturing customers. In July, 2025, the company successfully listed in Shanghai's STAR Exchange. As the external trade compliance environment evolves, Mattson Technology now operates independently from the parent company in product, business, and operations, serving customers outside of China.

Job Summary

The RF Engineer I is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for supporting the design, development, testing, integration, and validation of radio frequency (RF), microwave, and wireless communication systems. This role assists with the development of RF subsystems, signal transmission solutions, matching networks, amplifiers, antennas, and high-frequency electronic circuits used in commercial, industrial, semiconductor, telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and advanced technology applications.

The RF Engineer I works closely with Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Software Engineering, and Quality teams to support new product development, system integration, laboratory testing, and product qualification activities. This position provides hands-on experience in RF design, measurement, troubleshooting, and product development within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities RF System Development
  • Assist in the design and development of RF and microwave circuits and subsystems.
  • Support development of transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, matching networks, filters, and antenna systems.
  • Participate in RF architecture and design reviews.
  • Assist with component selection and circuit implementation.
  • Support system integration and qualification activities
Manufacturing Support
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations teams.
  • Support RF production testing and process development.
  • Assist with development of manufacturing test procedures.
  • Resolve RF-related production issues.
  • Improve yield and product consistency
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
  • 0-2 years of engineering experience, including internships, co-ops, or academic projects.
  • Basic understanding of RF and microwave engineering principles.
  • Familiarity with electronic circuits and signal processing fundamentals.
  • Knowledge of RF measurement techniques and instrumentation.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective communication and teamwork abilities.


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