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Instrument Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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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.

Instrumentation Engineer - NASA

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Edwards, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview
AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.
Responsibilities
**This is a pipeline requisition designed to collect resumes for potential upcoming work at AMERICAN SYSTEMS and does not represent a current opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted when an opening/funding becomes available**
As Senior Instrumentation Engineer - NASA at AMERICAN SYSTEMS you will have the opportunity to do the following:
  • Generate and lead the execution of requirements to fully design, test, and support flight instrumentation systems on current and future research projects.
  • Develop aircraft Instrumentation systems for NASA research vehicles.
  • Have Knowledge in the following instrumentation sensor applications: strain gages, accelerometers, pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, and pitot-static systems.
  • Must be familiar with data acquisition systems (i.e. Teletronics).
  • Must read and understand electrical schematics.
  • Must be familiar with AutoCAD or equivalent for creating, modifying, or updating electrical drawings.
  • Support the use of the TTC data processing systems in the checkout of instrumentation and ground test efforts.
  • Coordinate with the mission control room personnel in the development and design of the displays, development of the data cycle maps, calibration files and run files.
  • Able to lead system or subsystem teams in all aspects of design and implementation to include design reviews, safety analysis, and all documentation development and approval.
  • Analyze project objectives and requirements, develop plans for conducting projects, provide support for the project safety review process
  • Participate in the development of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, documentation of hazards, and the specification and implementation of mitigations to those hazards.
  • Review project instructions to ascertain requirements, specifications, procedures, objectives, equipment, nature of technical problem, and possible solutions.
  • Set up and conduct tests or studies of complete systems, components, or concepts under research test conditions to investigate proposals for improving performance or other factors.
  • Record test or report procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and make recommendations for changes.
  • Create reports and other documentation necessary to describe the results of studies and/or tests.
  • Analyze indicated and calculated results in relation to requirements, specifications, or test objectives.
  • Mentor engineers in specific technical areas and/or the system engineering process and project management principles.
  • Perform work in accordance with NASA ISO AS9100 procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Follow the safe practices and rules contained in the Safety and Health plan and other such rules and practices communicated on the job.
  • Report status to Senior Technical Lead and/or Task Focal Point in standardized format on or before due date.

Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in Engineering or Physical Science with at least 7 years of experience OR Masters or PhD degree in Engineering or Physical Science with 4 years of experience
  • Must be a US citizen.
  • Must be able to secure and maintain a security clearance.
  • Must pass drug testing.
  • Must be able to work in a dynamic and multi-task work environment by prioritizing work and coordinating task/project schedules.
  • Must be able to manage and decompose requirements in specific technical areas.
  • Experience in one or more of the following technology areas: telemetry data systems, data processing, data storage systems, or system test and validation.
  • Strong communications and ability to work in a team environment a must.

NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES A 9/80 WORK SCHEDULE
EEO Statement
EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status

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