2

Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Hands-on familiarity with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, and UV-based systems ... About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent ...

New

... engineering and construction disciplines, developing the most innovative product and project ... Maintain Training Records / Field Instrumentation / Certifications (will provide training updates)

Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$15.3K

$128.4K

$200.8K

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

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level instrumentation engineer in Berkeley, CA is $128,439.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,900.00 and $161,000.00 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 Berkeley, CA? The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA? For Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation Engineer job openings in Berkeley, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 45% Physical, 30% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,439 per year, or $61.7 per hour.
Automation Engineer I/II, Sr. Automation Engineer I / II, Principal Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer I/II, Sr. Automation Engineer I / II, Principal Automation Engineer

Grifols

Clayton, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Grifols rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 268 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 70 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.

Location: Clayton NC

This position level will be determined by the successful candidate's education, experience and specific knowledge.

Automation Engineer I

The Automation Engineer I is an entry level professional who is responsible for using technology to improve and streamline a manufacturing process through automation. Depending on their specific assignment, this person provides automation support for projects or within a specific area or provide validation support for automation projects. The Automation Engineer I can also integrate into a project team. The incumbent is knowledgeable in Automation with the capability to learn specific control systems, instrumentation, process, utilities, or qualification testing. He/she supports meeting customer needs and business goals. In addition, he/she will collaborate with other automation engineers.  

Primary responsibilities:

  • Plan, execute, and oversee project management from start to finish, including budgeting, scheduling, and commissioning.
  • Act as a technical expert, providing support for systems like DCS, PLC, SCADA, BAS, and validation processes.
  • Foster a collaborative and cooperative work environment while ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GxP).
  • Use your problem-solving expertise to analyze and optimize manufacturing processes.
  • Provide after-hours support, as needed, to ensure project success.

Automation Engineer II

The Automation Engineer II is a junior level professional who is responsible for using technology to improve and streamline a manufacturing process through automation. Depending on their specific assignment, this person provides automation support for projects or within a specific area or provide validation support for automation projects.  The Automation Engineer II will also integrate into supporting a large-scale project.  He/she is recognized as proficient in their field such as specific control systems, instrumentation, process, utilities, or qualification testing.  He/she meets customer needs in support of business goals. In addition, the incumbent will collaborate with other automation engineers.

Primary responsibilities:

  • Project Support - Work within a project team, teamwork, schedule adherence, execution, start-up, commissioning, owner interaction, qualifications
  • Provide support in designated area/field.  Depending on assignment, this may be DCS, PLC, SCADA, BAS, Robotics, Validation, Manufacturing and Utilities Areas.
  • Communication - Will be responsible for providing excellent communications (verbal/written) within area of responsibility.  
  • Use/demonstrate problem solving skills to best support and meet the needs within area of responsibility.
  • Promotes a collaborative and cooperative environment which embraces the ability to work effectively within teams.
  • Capable of adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GxP) - Compliance, Change Control, Quality Oversight, Validation.
  • After hours support may be required.
  • Additional duties as assigned/required

Sr. Automation Engineer I 

The Senior Automation Engineer I is a senior level professional who is responsible for using technology to improve and streamline a manufacturing process through automation. Depending on their specific assignment, he/she may be a stand-alone contributor who can lead small scale automation projects, provide automation support within a specific area, or provide validation support for automation projects.  The incumbent can also integrate into supporting a large-scale project.  He/she is recognized as proficient in their field such as specific control systems, instrumentation, process, utilities, or qualification testing.  The Senior Automation Engineer I meets customer needs in support of business goals. In addition, he/she supports and collaborates with junior level engineers. 

Primary responsibilities:

  • Project Management - Proficient at leading small-scale projects, budget, planning, scheduling, logistics, procurement, communication, bid oversight, construction management, routine updates, qualifications.
  • Project Support - Work within a project team, teamwork, schedule adherence, execution, start-up, commissioning, owner interaction, qualifications
  • Provide support in designated area/field.  Depending on assignment, this may be DCS, PLC, SCADA, BAS, Robotics, Validation, Manufacturing and Utilities Areas.
  • May support development of standards and provide expertise to management.
  • Communication - Will be responsible for providing excellent communications (verbal/written) within area of responsibility.  
  • Use/demonstrate problem solving skills to best support and meet the needs within area of responsibility.
  • Promotes a collaborative and cooperative environment which embraces the ability to work effectively within teams.
  • Capable of adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GxP) - Compliance, Change Control, Quality Oversight, Validation.
  • After hours support may be required.
  • Additional duties as assigned/required

Sr. Automation Engineer II

The Senior Automation Engineer II is a senior level professional who is responsible for using technology to improve and streamline a manufacturing process through automation. Depending on their specific assignment, he/she may be a stand-alone contributor who can lead medium/small scale automation projects, be an automation lead within a specific area, or be the automation validation lead for medium/small scale automation projects.  The Senior Automation Engineer II can also integrate into supporting a large-scale project.  He/she is recognized as an SME in their field such as specific control systems, instrumentation, process, utilities, or qualification testing.  The incumbent will meet customer needs in support of business goals and is expected to collaborate with other Grifols manufacturing sites. In addition, he/she mentors and coaches junior level engineers.

Primary responsibilities:

  • Project Management - Expert at leading medium/small scale projects, budget, planning, scheduling, logistics, procurement, communication, bid oversight, construction management, routine updates, qualifications.
  • Project Support - Work within a project team, teamwork, schedule adherence, execution, start-up, commissioning, owner interaction, qualifications
  • Provide SME Leadership in designated area/field.  Depending on assignment, this may be DCS, PLC, SCADA, BAS, Robotics, Validation, Manufacturing and Utilities Areas.
  • Develop standards and provide expertise to management.
  • Communication - Will be responsible for providing excellent communications (verbal/written) within area of responsibility.  
  • Use/demonstrate problem solving skills in order to best support and meet the needs within area of responsibility.
  • Promotes a collaborative and cooperative environment which embraces the ability to work effectively within teams.
  • Capable of adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GxP) - Compliance, Change Control, Quality Oversight, Validation.
  • After hours support may be required.
  • Additional duties as assigned/required

Principal Automation Engineer

The Principal Automation Engineer is a senior level professional who is responsible for using technology to improve and streamline a manufacturing process through automation. Depending on their specific assignment, he/she may be a stand-alone contributor who can lead large scale automation projects, be an automation lead within a specific area, or be the automation validation lead for large scale automation projects.  He/she is recognized as an SME in their field such as specific control systems, instrumentation, process, utilities, or qualification testing.  The Principal Automation Engineer meets customer needs in support of business goals and is expected to collaborate with other Grifols manufacturing sites. In addition, he/she mentors and coaches junior level engineers.  The incumbent may also be expected to directly supervise others depending on assignment and organization.

Primary responsibilities:

  • Project Management - Expert at leading large-scale projects, budget, planning, scheduling, logistics, procurement, communication, bid oversight, construction management, routine updates, qualifications.
  • Project Support - Work within a project team, teamwork, schedule adherence, execution, start-up, commissioning, owner interaction, qualifications
  • Provide SME Leadership in designated area/field.  Depending on assignment, this may be DCS, PLC, SCADA, BAS, Robotics, Validation, Manufacturing and Utilities Areas.
  • If assigned as Area lead; Provide support for process issues, troubleshooting, continuous improvement projects, system administration, and providing point of contact to Operations personnel.
  • Develop standards and provide expertise to management.
  • Communication - Will be responsible for providing excellent communications (verbal/written) within area of responsibility.  
  • Use/demonstrate problem solving skills to best support and meet the needs within area of responsibility.
  • Promotes a collaborative and cooperative environment which embraces the ability to work effectively within teams.
  • Supervision (May be required):  Supervise other Automation engineers or staff.  Maintains accountability; Oversee employee career path, training plan, performance evaluation, and development opportunities; Oversee employee career path, training plan, performance evaluation, and development opportunities; Coaches, counsels, manages and directs personnel in appropriate assignments relative to priorities, sense of urgency and utilization of skill sets.  Performs resource planning for the group; Frequently interacts cross-functionally with peer managers.  Normally requires the ability to resolve conflict and work out solutions between groups; and, communicates higher level decisions/vision in the context of how it matters to the employees.
  • Capable of adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GxP) - Compliance, Change Control, Quality Oversight, Validation.
  • After hours support may be required.
  • Additional duties as assigned/required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

System Technical Skills 

Level II, Sr Level I (Proficient Level) Sr Level II, Principal (Expert Level):  Emerson DeltaV DCS - Design, Configuration, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration;  Allen Bradley PLC/HMI - Design, Configuration, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration; Wonderware SCADA - Design, Configuration, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration;  Schneider BAS - Design, Configuration, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration;  Optel Serialization/Vision Systems -  Design, Configuration, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration;  Instrumentation - Design, Specifying, Troubleshooting; System Documentation - Drawings, FRS, SDD, URS, SOPs;  Qualification / Validation - DeltaV, PLC's, Optel Vision systems, Serialization, Packaging Equipment;  Wincc7.4 SCADA Design, Configuration, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration; Siemens Automation Platform ,PLC/HMI/ Servo Drive - Design, Configuration, Troubleshooting;  iFIX SCADA, Configuration, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration;  PLC/PC Based Electrical Control Panel Design;  Kuka and Staubli Robots  Design, Configuration, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration; and Industrial Network, IO link , Smart IO. 

Process Technical Skills 

Level II, Sr Level I (Proficient Level) Sr Level II, Principal (Expert Level):  GxP Understanding - Compliance, Change Control, Quality Oversight, Validation;  Utilities - WFI, CSG, Steam, HVAC, Chillers, Air, Chemical Tank Farm, Water, WWTP, Alcohol/Ethanol;  Manufacturing - Fractionation, Purification, CIP, UF, Process, Chromatography;  Sterile Filling - Filling, Autoclave, Sterilization Tunnels, Freeze Drying, Pasteurizer, Glass Washer;  Packaging - Serialization, Packaging Equipment, Optics;  Continual Improvement - Optimize and implement process improvements;  Operational support - Provide support for process issues; and, Troubleshooting issues with operational areas and systems.

Requirements by level:

Education and Experience Requirements:

Automation Engineer I Level:

  • Master's Degree - Engineering, Automation, Computer, Industrial, Manufacturing, Related and 0 years of direct experience in automation engineering and/or validation OR
  • Bachelor's degree - Engineering, Automation, Computer, Industrial, Manufacturing, Related and 3 years of direct experience in automation engineering and/or validation.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. 

Automation Engineer II Level:

  • Master's Degree - Engineering, Automation, Computer, Industrial, Manufacturing, Related and 1 years of direct experience in automation engineering and/or validation or
  • Bachelor's degree - Engineering, Automation, Computer, Industrial, Manufacturing, Related and 3 years of direct experience in automation engineering and/or validation.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.  

Sr. Automation Engineer I Level:

  • Master's Degree - Engineering, Automation, Computer, Industrial, Manufacturing, Related and 3 years of direct experience in automation engineering and/or validation or
  • Bachelor's degree - Engineering, Automation, Computer, Industrial, Manufacturing, Related and 5 years of direct experience in automation engineering and/or validation.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.  

Sr. A...


What Grifols employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Grifols logo

About Grifols

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2013