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Instrument Electrical Designer Jobs in California

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 ...

New

Muon Space

Manager, Instrument AIT

Mountain View, CA

$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 ...

New

Ducommun

Electrical Engineer II

Carson, CA · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

... designs performance of an existing product in a fast paced industrial environment. * The position ... Experience in printed circuit boards for instrument panels, preferred * Experience in cabling and ...

Ducommun, Inc.

Electrical Engineer II

Carson, CA · On-site

... designs performance of an existing product in a fast paced industrial environment. * The position ... Experience in printed circuit boards for instrument panels, preferred * Experience in cabling and ...

Agilent

R&D Electrical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$172K - $269K/yr

Execute verification testing on prototypes and complete systems to demonstrate instrument ... Experience designing for analytical, scientific, medical-device, or other regulated/precision ...

Agilent

R&D Electrical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$172K - $269K/yr

Execute verification testing on prototypes and complete systems to demonstrate instrument ... Experience designing for analytical, scientific, medical-device, or other regulated/precision ...

IonQ

Staff Engineer- Electrical

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Drive the evolution of engineering procedures and refine PCB designs to enhance instrument ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 8-12 years of experience, or a ...

MAG INSTRUMENT, INC.

Be Seen First

Engineer/Product Design Drafter

Ontario, CA · On-site

$71K - $90K/yr

Engineer/Product Design Drafter MAG INSTRUMENT, INC., the manufacturer of the Mag-Lite ® ... Electrical connectors * Automotive parts and accessories * Electrical hardware * Electronics ...

Urgent

IonQ

Staff Engineer- Electrical

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Lead high-level electrical architecture for quantum sensors, balancing complex trade-offs between ... Drive the evolution of engineering procedures and refine PCB designs to enhance instrument ...

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All JobsInstrument Electrical Designer JobsInstrument Electrical Designer Jobs in California

Instrument Electrical Designer information

What does an instrument electrical designer do?

An instrument electrical designer creates electrical schematics and layouts for control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes. They select appropriate components, ensure compliance with safety standards, and use design software like AutoCAD or EPLAN. Their work supports the installation, maintenance, and operation of electrical instrumentation in various facilities.

How much do instrument electrical designers make?

Instrument electrical designers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals in this role often require knowledge of control systems, electrical schematics, and industry standards, with salaries increasing for those with specialized skills or certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument electrical designer?

To thrive as an Instrument Electrical Designer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, instrumentation design, and relevant technical qualifications such as an associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SmartPlant), knowledge of industry standards, and familiarity with control systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set stand-out designers apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate, efficient, and safe design of electrical and instrumentation systems in complex industrial projects.

What is an instrument electrical designer?

Instrument Electrical Designers are professionals who specialize in designing and drafting the electrical and instrumentation systems used in industrial facilities, such as power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants. They create detailed drawings and diagrams for the installation, modification, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems. Their work ensures that these systems meet industry standards, safety regulations, and project specifications, supporting efficient and reliable plant operations.

What is the difference between Instrument Electrical Designer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrument Electrical DesignerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical or Instrumentation TechnologyBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, process facilities, instrumentation labsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, consulting firms
Industry UsageProcess control, instrumentation, automation projectsPower systems, electronics, large-scale electrical systems

Instrument Electrical Designers focus on creating detailed electrical and instrumentation diagrams for process control systems, often working closely with instrumentation and automation teams. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, designing electrical systems across various industries, including power and electronics. Both roles require technical knowledge but differ in specialization and project scope.

What are some common challenges instrument electrical designers face when coordinating with multidisciplinary teams on large projects?

Instrument Electrical Designers often work closely with engineers, project managers, and other design disciplines, which can present challenges in communication and integration of design data. Ensuring that instrument layouts and electrical schematics align with mechanical and process requirements requires attention to detail and proactive problem-solving. Additionally, managing revisions and updates across multiple teams and software platforms can be complex, making strong organizational and interpersonal skills essential for success in this role.

How to become an instrument electrical designer?

To become an instrument electrical designer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, instrumentation, or a related field. Gaining experience with electrical design software, such as AutoCAD or EPLAN, and understanding control systems and industry standards are also important. Certifications like Certified Electrical Designer (CED) can enhance job prospects in this field.
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What cities in California are hiring for Instrument Electrical Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Instrument Electrical Designer job openings:
Instrument Electrical Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Electrical Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Senior Instrument and Controls Technician - 24590

The Bergaila Companies

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Instrument and Controls Technician for assignment in Santa Clara, California. The selected candidate will be designing, developing and leading the implementation of complex industrial automation systems; To include: advanced PLC programming, HMI/SCADA system design, system architecture and full project lifecycle ownership from concept through commissioning.
Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Responsibilities
- Design and develop advanced PLC programs using structured, modular and scalable architectures
- Lead development of HI/SCADA systems with focus on usability, performance and reliability
- Architect full automation solutions including PLC, HMI, SCADA, networks and field devices
- Oversee system integration with databases, historians and enterprise systems
- Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex system failures and production issues
- Manage system testing, validation and onsite commissioning activities
- Establish and enforce PLC/HMI programming standards and best practices
- Review and approve electrical designs, control strategies and system documentation
- Collaborate with project managers, clients, vendors and cross-functional engineering teams
- Mentor and guide junior and intermediate engineers
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, industry regulations and cybersecurity practices
Qualifications
- Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics or a related field
- 8+ years of experience in PLC/HMI programming or industrial automation
- Expert-level PLC programming skills across one or more platforms
- Proven experience leading automation projects and system commissioning
- Strong knowledge of control system design, electrical systems and industrial processes
- Experience with Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, ControlLogix), Siemens (TIA Portal, S7) or Emerson (Machine Edition) is highly preferred
- Experience with SCADA platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk, WinCC, Cimplicity) is highly preferred
- Experience with communication protocols such as, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet or OPC UA is highly preferred

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