Freelance Instrumentation Field Engineer Jobs in California

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Responsible for installation, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of instrumentation, electrical, and control systems for skid-mounted and modular process packages executed in an EPC-style environment.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring that all field devices, control systems, and electrical installations are delivered fully functional, compliant with engineering design, and ready for startup and operation. The technician will work closely with engineering, fabrication, vendors, and commissioning teams across shop and site environments.

The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on experience in instrument calibration, loop checking, PLC-based systems, and rotating equipment packages, with a practical understanding of skid fabrication and integrated system commissioning.

Instrument Installation & Calibration

• Install, inspect, and commission field instrumentation including:
• Pressure, temperature, flow, and level instruments
• Control valves, actuators, and positioners
• Analytical and specialty instrumentation (as applicable)
• Perform instrument calibration in shop and field environments, including:
• Transmitters, switches, gauges
• RTDs and thermocouples
• Flow meters (Coriolis, ultrasonic, differential pressure)
• Level instruments (radar, DP, ultrasonic)
• Utilize calibration and diagnostic tools such as:
• HART communicators
• Multifunction calibrators (e.g., Fluke)
• Loop calibrators and signal generators
• Maintain calibration documentation and ensure traceability to standards

Loop Checking & Functional Testing

• Perform end-to-end loop checks from field devices to control systems (PLC/DCS/HMI)
• Verify:
• Signal continuity and integrity
• Proper wiring, termination, and grounding
• Correct scaling, ranging, and configuration
• Execute pre-commissioning and commissioning procedures
• Identify and resolve instrumentation and wiring issues
• Support development and execution of loop check sheets and commissioning checklists

PLC & Controls System Support

• Support PLC-based control systems including:
• Verification of I/O mapping and signal integrity
• Basic troubleshooting of PLC logic and communication issues
• Upload/download of programs under engineering supervision
• Work with common platforms such as:
• Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation)
• Siemens
• Schneider Electric / Modicon
• Assist with HMI/SCADA system validation and functional testing
• Support debugging of control system issues during commissioning

Rotating Equipment & Package Integration

• Support installation and commissioning of rotating equipment packages, including:
• Pumps, compressors, expanders
• Verify instrumentation and controls associated with rotating equipment:
• Vibration monitoring systems
• Temperature, pressure, and shutdown instrumentation
• Package control panels and interlocks
• Assist in startup activities, operational checks, and troubleshooting
• Coordinate with OEM representatives such as Atlas Copco and similar vendors

Electrical Installation & Verification

• Install and inspect:
• Electrical panels, junction boxes, and marshalling cabinets
• Cable trays, conduits, and field cabling
• Perform cable pulling, termination, and continuity testing
• Verify installations against electrical drawings and standards

Drawings, Documentation & QA/QC

• Review and verify field installation against:
• P&IDs
• Loop diagrams
• Wiring diagrams
• Cable schedules and I/O lists
• Mark up redlines and support development of as-built documentation
• Perform field inspections, punch listing, and close-out activities
• Ensure compliance with:
• NEC
• IEC
• ISA standards
• Project and client specifications

Commissioning, FAT & SAT Support

• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
• Execute commissioning procedures and assist in system startup
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, electrical, and control issues during commissioning
• Support handover to operations teams

Coordination & Field Interface

• Coordinate with:
• Process, Mechanical, and I&C Engineering teams
• Fabrication shops and skid manufacturers
• Construction and commissioning teams
• Third-party inspectors and vendors
• Provide field feedback to engineering for design improvements
• Support resolution of technical issues during fabrication and site execution

• 5–10+ years of experience in oil & gas, LNG, industrial gas, or process industries
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, instrumentation, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with:
• Instrument calibration (shop and field)
• Loop checking and commissioning
• Electrical wiring, termination, and testing
• PLC-based control systems (troubleshooting level)
• Experience working with skid-mounted systems and modular process packages
• Experience supporting rotating equipment systems strongly preferred
• Ability to read and interpret:
• P&IDs
• Loop diagrams
• Wiring diagrams
• Electrical drawings
• Familiarity with EPC project workflows and field execution practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with major OEM equipment packages and controls
• Experience supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, and startup activities
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP)

Desired Attributes

• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic capability
• Hands-on, execution-focused mindset
• High attention to detail and documentation discipline
• Ability to work independently in field and shop environments
• Strong communication and coordination skills across engineering and field teams

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed above are typically acquired through the levels of education and experience listed. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides an applicant with the listed knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job, may be accepted.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools, or controls
• Overtime may be necessary as the workload dictates. This may include weekdays, weekends, nights, and/or holidays
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. may be required

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary: $70,000 - $100,000 annually

Nikkiso is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.