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Instrument Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ExxonMobil

A BSc in engineering or related sciences without a HND diploma is acceptable IF there is already established and verifiable working experience as an instrument technician in the oil and gas industry ...

Intel

Power Instrumentation Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $172K/yr

As a System Power and Perf Engineer, you will be responsible for measurements and analysis of OEM in-chassis notebook products at the silicon/SoC level and platform level on both Intel and competitor ...

JT4 LLC

Instrumentation Design Engineer III

Edwards, CA · On-site

$105K - $146K/yr

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J ...

Vast

Test Instrumentation Engineer

Mojave, CA

$86K - $120K/yr

Vast is looking for a Test Instrumentation Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design, build, and ...

JT4 LLC

Instrumentation Operations Engineer III

Edwards, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J ...

Vast

Test Instrumentation Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

Vast is looking for a Test Instrumentation Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design, build, and ...

JT4

Instrumentation Operation Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

JT4 is seeking an Instrumentation Operation Engineer for their Edwards AFB located in California. Must be a US citizen. The Instrumentation Operation Engineer Level III will modify, install, test ...

Lockheed Martin

Instrumentation Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

Instrumentation Operations Engineers are responsible for integrating requirements and programming new instrumentation data acquisition equipment, FTI fiber system, analog and digital signal ...

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All JobsInstrument Engineer JobsInstrument Engineer Jobs in California

Instrument Engineer information

See California salary details

$12.3K

$103.5K

$161.9K

How much do instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument engineer in California is $103,523.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an instrument engineer do?

As an instrument engineer, your job is to design and build mechanical and electronic instruments for your employer. Most instruments are purpose-built to accomplish specific objectives, such as measuring the presence of particular chemicals or the pressure within pipes. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of an instrument engineer often requires creativity, flexibility, and the ability to coordinate with other engineers. You may also need to manage supplies, test instruments, or work overtime as needed to develop better instruments. This job title refers exclusively to designing and building instruments that measure or control processes and should not be confused with jobs that design and create musical instruments.

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

To thrive as an Instrument Engineer, you need a solid background in instrumentation, control systems, and process automation, often supported by a degree in engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with tools like PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and certifications such as ISA CAP or equivalent are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex systems. These competencies are vital for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of industrial operations.

What are some common challenges instrument engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Instrument Engineers often collaborate with process, electrical, and mechanical engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and project timelines. Integrating instrumentation with complex systems requires clear communication to ensure proper data flow and control functionality. Adapting to evolving project specifications and troubleshooting issues during commissioning are also common, making flexibility and problem-solving skills essential. Building strong relationships with colleagues across disciplines helps streamline the process and achieve project goals efficiently.

Are instrument engineers in demand?

Instrument engineers are in demand in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and power generation, where they design, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentation. The profession requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of automation tools, and job opportunities are expected to grow with ongoing infrastructure and technological development.

What is the difference between Instrument Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectInstrument EngineerControl Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Instrumentation Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; similar certifications in control systems
Work EnvironmentOil & gas, manufacturing, chemical plants, focusing on instrumentation and process controlAutomation, manufacturing, power plants, focusing on control system design and integration
Employer & Industry UsageIndustries requiring precise instrumentation for process controlIndustries implementing automation and control system solutions

Both roles involve engineering expertise in process control, but Instrument Engineers focus on selecting, installing, and maintaining instrumentation devices, while Control Systems Engineers design and optimize control algorithms and systems. They often collaborate but serve different technical functions within industrial settings.

More about Instrument Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Instrument Engineer jobs in California? For Instrument Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Instrument Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Instrument Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Instrument Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Instrument Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Instrument Engineer jobs in CA? For Instrument Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Instrument Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,523 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Field Engineer - Instrumentation and Electrical

Nikkiso Cryogenic Industries

Huntington Beach, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
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.
Job Overview
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.
Responsibilities
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

Qualifications
  • 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
EEOC Statement
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.

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