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Instrument Commissioning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Giant Magellan Telescope

Project Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$155K - $240K/yr

... and commissioning phases. * Serve as a member of the GMT Change Control Board. * Works closely with the Science Instrument Element Manager to develop the first-generation science instruments and ...

Solcoa Industries

Senior Process Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$150K - $350K/yr

... commissioning plans, SOPs, and operator training; support ramp-to-rate and reliability growth. * Optimize processes for yield, throughput, cost, environmental compliance, and uptime; instrument KPIs ...

ABM Industries, Inc.

Field Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Instrument transformers * Circuit breakers * Motor control centers * Automatic transfer switches ... Minimum 5-8 years of experience in electrical testing, commissioning, field service, industrial ...

ABM Industries

Field Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Instrument transformers * Circuit breakers * Motor control centers * Automatic transfer switches ... Minimum 5-8 years of experience in electrical testing, commissioning, field service, industrial ...

Antora Energy

Senior Field Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

... instrument wiring. * Lead loop checks, functional testing, controls commissioning, and site acceptance. * Troubleshoot controls/instrumentation and network issues during startup and operations.

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Instrument Commissioning information

See California salary details

$69.6K

$133.6K

$186.5K

How much do instrument commissioning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument commissioning in California is $133,597.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,200.00 and $174,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument commissioning?

An Instrument Commissioning job involves testing, calibrating, and verifying the functionality of instrumentation and control systems before they are put into operation. This ensures that all instruments meet design specifications, safety standards, and operational requirements. Commissioning engineers work closely with construction, engineering, and operations teams to troubleshoot and resolve any issues. The role is critical in industries like oil & gas, power plants, and manufacturing to guarantee smooth startup and optimal performance of systems.

What does an instrument commissioning do?

Instrument Commissioning professionals are responsible for verifying that all instrumentation and control systems are installed and functioning correctly according to project specifications. On a daily basis, you might perform loop checks, instrument calibrations, troubleshooting, system integration, and safety tests. You’ll typically collaborate closely with project engineers, electricians, project managers, and client representatives to coordinate commissioning activities and promptly resolve any technical issues. The role may also require meticulous documentation and reporting to ensure compliance with industry standards. This position often involves fieldwork in construction or plant environments, where adaptability and strong teamwork are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in instrument commissioning, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument Commissioning professional, you need a solid background in instrumentation, electrical systems, and process control, often supported by relevant technical degrees or certifications. Familiarity with industry standards, PLC/DCS systems, loop checking tools, and calibration instruments is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, precise, and efficient startup and integration of instrumentation systems during project commissioning phases.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Commissioning jobs in California?

The most popular types of Instrument Commissioning jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Instrument Commissioning jobs in California?

For Instrument Commissioning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Instrument Commissioning jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrument Commissioning jobs in California are:

Instrument Commissioning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Commissioning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,597 per year, or $64.2 per hour.

Project Scientist

Giant Magellan Telescope

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$155K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Title: Project Scientist
Element: Science
Manager: Chief Scientist
Type: Full-Time
Location: Pasadena, CA
Job Summary
Reporting to the GMTO Chief Scientist (CS), the Project Scientist (PS) will assist and support the CS in all aspects of the scientific definition, development, and planning efforts for design and construction of the GMT observatory, and in interacting with the scientific community.
To this end, the PS will have a variety of specific responsibilities working with the GMTO Science Advisory Committee; working with the Project Manager and technical team; supporting the activities of the Development and Communications team and the Education and Public Outreach team. The successful candidate will represent the project at national and international meetings.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced observational astronomer with at least 10 years of post-doctoral experience in research, writing publications and grants, and giving scientific, technical, and public talks. Research and observational experience should include a range of observational techniques, data analysis and reduction. The ideal candidate will also have experience in the development of optical and infrared imagers and spectrographs, adaptive optical (AO) systems, and the integration and scientific operation of AO-enabled high-contrast, high spatial resolution, and high temporal resolution astronomical instrumentation
Job Duties
Work with the Chief Scientist to provide scientific leadership for the GMT Project. Specific areas of support will include:
  • The scientific and logistical organization of the annual Community Science Meetings.
  • Serve as an ex-officio member and vice-Chair of the Science Advisory Committee to support the Chair in coordinate the activities and presentations to the SAC and organize SAC meetings.
  • Monitor and refine the scientific, functional, and operational requirements for the Observatory as appropriate, responding to evolution of the field and input from the community and Project.
  • Maintain the GMT Observatory Level One Requirements.
  • Work closely with the GMT Project Manager, Project Engineer and System Engineer to ensure the implementation of the Level 1 Requirements throughout the construction and commissioning phases.
  • Serve as a member of the GMT Change Control Board.
  • Works closely with the Science Instrument Element Manager to develop the first-generation science instruments and develop the second-generation instrumentation plan.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of the science requirements for the GMT instruments during the development of the first-generation instruments, in collaboration with the Science Instrument Element Manager.
  • Work with the Project Manager on the development of the operational plans for the observatory.
  • Work with the Lead Systems Engineer to guide commissioning activities.
  • Support GMT's Development and Communications Team as needed.
  • Support GMT's Education and Public Outreach activities as needed.

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
  • A PHD in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field.
  • 10 years post-doctoral experience engaged in observational research using ground-based observations.
  • Demonstrated analytical, leadership, maangement, and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated excellence in scientific writing and verb al communication in English.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in diverse scientific, technical, and public environments.
  • Ability to travel and work in a variety of environments, including the GMTO offices in Pasadena, Santiago (Chile), international GMTO partner sites, and the GMTO site within Las Campanas Observatory (LCO) in Chile.

Desired Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
  • Experience in instrument development for ground-based observatories
  • Experience in the development and use of adaptive optics systems on 8-m class telescopes
  • Experience with the daytime and nighttime operation of 8-m class optical observatories.
  • Experience supporting the development of international scientific projects.

Working Conditions
  • Open-plan office spaces
  • Indoor and outdoor fabrication and construction sites
  • National and international travel

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to travel by air between US, Chile, and international work sites
  • Ability to function safely and effecitvely in remote and high elevation (2500m/8500ft) observatory environments

Direct Reports
None
Featured Benefits
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Disability Insurance

Hiring Range
$155,000-$240,000
The salary for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, and training.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation Human Resources Representative.

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