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Instrument Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Arcadia Science

Instrument Product Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$185K - $225K/yr

Hands-on experience designing products or instruments for life science researchers * Direct experience with optics, either instrument development or hands-on use * Familiarity with laser safety ...

Muon Space

Manager, Instrument AIT

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$184K - $202K/yr

Basic proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) for designing GSE test fixtures, alignment adapters, or handling equipment. * Experience working within matrixed engineering organizations and ...

Muon Space

Manager, Instrument AIT

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$184K - $202K/yr

Basic proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) for designing GSE test fixtures, alignment adapters, or handling equipment. * Experience working within matrixed engineering organizations and ...

Flowserve

Instrument Technician

Temecula, CA · On-site

$29.48 - $44.23/hr

... designs. -Understand NDE (radiography, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, ultrasonic examination). -ASTM standards as applicable to material requirements and QA codes. -Experience with diagnostic ...

Flowserve

Instrument Technician

Temecula, CA

$29.48 - $44.23/hr

... designs.-Understand NDE (radiography, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, ultrasonic examination).-ASTM standards as applicable to material requirements and QA codes.-Experience with diagnostic ...

Fluor

Designer I - Control Systems

Aliso Viejo, CA

Instrument location plans 3D Modeling - junction box, field instruments, cable tray Cable schedule ... Fluor is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote employee health ...

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Lead Designer

Carson, CA · On-site

$8.0K/mo

The Lead Designer (E/I) is responsible for developing cost-effective project designs by ... Identifies and develops instrument cable routing, termination, marshalling and DCS I/O connections ...

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Instrument Designer information

See California salary details

$19

$50

$64

How much do instrument designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument designer in California is $50.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.17 and $61.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument designer?

An Instrument Designer is a professional who creates detailed plans and drawings for instruments and control systems used in industrial processes, such as those in oil and gas, chemical, or manufacturing plants. They collaborate with engineers to design layouts for piping, control panels, and instrumentation to ensure accurate process monitoring and control. Instrument Designers use specialized software to produce technical drawings and ensure that all designs meet safety, regulatory, and operational requirements.

What does an instrument designer do?

An instrument designer may work in a variety of industries, from the oil and gas industry to building and manufacturing to musical instrument design. The roles and responsibilities of an instrument designer change quite a bit depending on the industry. For instance, in the gas and oil industry, an instrument designer focuses on instrumentation and controls on projects and equipment to decide what and how many instruments are necessary for the job. In building and manufacturing, an instrument designer may come up with new instruments or new ways of using instruments for things like wiring and electrical systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument Designer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, instrumentation, and drafting, typically supported by a relevant technical diploma or engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SmartPlant), P&IDs, and instrumentation specification tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are soft skills that set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure precise, safe, and efficient design of instrumentation systems crucial for industrial and engineering projects.

How does an instrument designer typically collaborate with engineers and other team members during a project?

Instrument Designers work closely with process, mechanical, and electrical engineers to ensure the correct selection and placement of instrumentation within a project. They often participate in multidisciplinary meetings, review P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams), and coordinate with other designers to resolve design clashes and maintain consistency. Regular communication and collaboration are essential, as Instrument Designers must integrate their designs with overall project specifications and safety standards. This teamwork ensures that instrumentation systems are both functional and aligned with the project's goals.

What is the difference between Instrument Designer vs Instrument Technician?

AspectInstrument DesignerInstrument Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degree or technical diploma, certifications in CAD and instrumentation designTechnical diploma or associate degree, certifications in instrumentation maintenance and troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, manufacturing plantsField sites, maintenance workshops, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by engineering firms, manufacturing, oil & gas, chemical industriesUsed by maintenance departments, industrial plants, service providers

While both roles involve working with instrumentation, the Instrument Designer focuses on creating and developing new instrument systems and drawings, whereas the Instrument Technician primarily handles installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of existing instruments. The roles complement each other within industrial and manufacturing environments, but they require different skill sets and certifications.

How much do instrument designers make?

Instrument designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and industry. Salaries can vary based on location, specialization, and the complexity of the instruments designed, with advanced skills and certifications often leading to higher pay.
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Instrument Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,401 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Instrument Engineer

Centrillion Biosciences, Inc.

Palo Alto, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Centrillion is creating transformative genomic technologies leveraging engineering and biochemistry breakthroughs to accelerate discovery and reveal the real genome that has thus far been obscured by its complexity and the limitations of existing technologies. Our team of scientists and engineers is committed to making a new generation of genomic technologies accessible and affordable for a multitude of previously unapproachable apps. Centrillion is backed by venture capital and strategic investors and is located at Palo Alto, CA, at the innovation center of Silicon Valley and close to Stanford University.

Job Description

The Instrument Engineer is responsible for designing research instrument for performing biochemical reactions and for signal detection. The successful candidate should have a track record designing life science research instrument with experiences in mechanical stages, precision optical assemblies, fluidics, structural, housing parts and computer control.

Qualifications

MS or BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electric Engineering or related discipline

Minimum 3 years relevant professional experience.

Understand requirements and generate design concepts.

Select and specify components; make/buy decisions.

Develop 3D models, fab and assembly drawings.

Build and test prototypes.

Interface with purchasing and suppliers.

Maintain product documentation.

Release documentation for manufacturing.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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