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Instrument Man Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Messer Americas

Instrument Technician I

Torrance, CA · On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

As an Instrument Technician I, your principal responsibility is to ensure the safe, reliable and ... Capable of operating a forklift, and/or overhead crane, and/or man lift. * Reside within a ...

Messer Americas

Instrument Technician I

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

As an Instrument Technician I, your principal responsibility is to ensure the safe, reliable and ... Capable of operating a forklift, and/or overhead crane, and/or man lift. * Reside within a ...

Messer LLC

Instrument Technician I

Torrance, CA · On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

As an Instrument Technician I, your principal responsibility is to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of our continuous chemical manufacturing process in accordance with ...

Messer LLC

Instrument Technician I

Sacramento, CA

$68K - $90K/yr

As an Instrument Technician I, your principal responsibility is to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of our continuous chemical manufacturing process in accordance with ...

Messer Americas

Tech, Instrument Ops

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

The primary function of this position is to serve as an Instrument Operations Technician. In ... Capable of operating a forklift, and/or overhead crane, and/or man lift. * Certified to ISA Level 1 ...

Messer Americas

Tech, Instrument Ops

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

The primary function of this position is to serve as an Instrument Operations Technician. In ... Capable of operating a forklift, and/or overhead crane, and/or man lift. * Certified to ISA Level 1 ...

Messer LLC

Tech, Instrument Ops

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

The primary function of this position is to serve as an Instrument Operations Technician. In ... Capable of operating a forklift, and/or overhead crane, and/or man lift. * Certified to ISA Level 1 ...

K2 Pure Solutions LP

I E Technician

Pittsburg, CA · On-site

... instrument technician normal duties. COMPETENCIES * Must be familiar in instrumentation troubleshooting and repair techniques. * Must be (or become) qualified to operate a man-lift, scissor lift ...

Avid Bioservices

Calibration Technician

Tustin, CA

$31.92 - $39.90/hr

Experience performing instrument or equipment calibration in a cGMP environment. * Experience with ... Experience operating or implementing calibration-management systems such as Cal-Man, Blue Mountain ...

Avid Bioservices

Calibration Technician

Tustin, CA · On-site

$31.92 - $39.90/hr

Experience performing instrument or equipment calibration in a cGMP environment. * Experience with ... Experience operating or implementing calibration-management systems such as Cal-Man, Blue Mountain ...

ITnova

$29.75 - $39/hr

... instrument, and armament systems, as required by functional assignment. * Performs quality and ... Must be able to man and perform flight line extinguisher duties, as required. * If required, must ...

ITnova

$29.75 - $39/hr

... instrument, and armament systems, as required by functional assignment. * Performs quality and ... Must be able to man and perform flight line extinguisher duties, as required. * If required, must ...

ITnova

Airframe/Hydraulic Mechanic (CDI)

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

... instrument, and armament systems, as required by functional assignment. * Conduct quality and ... Able to man and perform flight line extinguisher duties, as required. * If required, must be able ...

ITnova

Airframe/Hydraulic Mechanic (CDI)

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

... instrument, and armament systems, as required by functional assignment. * Conduct quality and ... Able to man and perform flight line extinguisher duties, as required. * If required, must be able ...

ITnova

$29.75 - $39/hr

... instrument, and armament systems, as required by functional assignment. * Performs quality and ... Must be able to man and perform flight line extinguisher duties, as required. * If required, must ...

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All JobsInstrument Man JobsInstrument Man Jobs in California

Instrument Man information

See California salary details

$13

$20

$35

How much do instrument man jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument man in California is $20.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument man?

An Instrument Man is a key member of a land surveying or engineering team responsible for operating and maintaining surveying instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, and levels. They assist the surveyor in collecting accurate field data for construction, mapping, and boundary determination. Their duties include setting up equipment, recording measurements, and ensuring data accuracy. This role requires precision, attention to detail, and familiarity with surveying techniques and tools.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an instrument man on a survey crew?

An Instrument Man is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining various surveying instruments to collect accurate data in the field. Daily tasks include assisting the Survey Party Chief in taking measurements, recording field notes, and ensuring equipment is properly calibrated and positioned. The role often involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and requires close collaboration with other team members. Attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions precisely are vital for ensuring data integrity and the success of the overall survey project.

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

To thrive as an Instrument Man, you need a solid understanding of land surveying principles, precise measurement skills, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with survey instruments such as total stations, GPS equipment, data collectors, and relevant software is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a team are crucial soft skills for success. These qualities ensure accurate data collection and efficient collaboration in dynamic, field-based environments.

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

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

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

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

Instrument Man jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Man job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,872 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Instrument Technician I

Torrance, CA • On-site

Messer Americas
See more jobs at Messer Americasexternal

$68K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Messer rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Messer

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.0

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.0 out of 10

Oil and gas companies average

Based on 3,681 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Messer

  • 93%

    93% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 92%

    92% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

  • 87%

    87% say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

    say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

Featured by Messer, based on 21 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

Job Summary:
As an Instrument Technician I, your principal responsibility is to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of our continuous chemical manufacturing process in accordance with local and national regulations and standards. You will also implement maintenance activities (preventive, corrective and predictive).
Why Messer?
Messer is the world's largest privately held industrial gases company and what we do matters because it is woven into every part of life, from the medical gases that patients rely on to the essential elements needed to safely and sustainably produce the goods our communities depend on.
The true strength of Messer is our people-at every level and in every role.
Join us and take pride in the impact you will make by providing solutions essential to our world and lives. Reach your highest potential at our stable, inclusive company with diverse opportunities in a growing industry, supported by people who care.
Messer stands apart because we put what matters first, and you matter.
Principal Responsibilities:
  • Understand and adhere to company safe work policies; lead and participate in safety meetings.
  • Apply the hazardous work permit (HWP) process, lockout-tagout (LOTO) and energy isolation procedures as required for company and contractor personnel.
  • Follow management of change (MOC) procedures for all changes to process and operating procedures.
  • Supervisor, provide direction to and monitor contractors.

Reliability
  • Support plant inventory organization efforts.
  • Set up and safely operate all instruments and equipment necessary to perform assigned work.
  • Effectively prioritize and schedule all work activities.

Once certified:
  • Calibrate, configure, and/or replace field instrumentation devices.
  • Perform and document process and product analyzers calibration checks.
  • Troubleshoot and repair electrical equipment control circuits.
  • Troubleshoot and repair process control equipment.
  • Functionally test or troubleshoot instrument or electrical control loops through field devices to verify proper operation.

Process Operation and Efficiency
  • Assist in shutdowns, start-ups, and production state changes for plant(s) in the area.
  • Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)(SAP).
  • Troubleshoot process problems to identify equipment requiring maintenance.
  • Accept on-call duty and overtime as required.

Required Skills:
  • Math - Basic algebra, fractions/percentages, unit conversion.
  • Personal computer proficiency.
  • Effective interpersonal abilities to support team philosophy and program.
  • Ability to work alone.
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with simple mechanics' hand tools.
  • Basic knowledge of chemical manufacturing hazards.
  • Understanding of basic electrical hazards and safety and skills in troubleshooting electrical systems, with support from subject matter authority.
  • Ability to troubleshoot 4-20 mA transmitter and electro-pneumatic control loops.
  • Ability to rack in/out 480 & 4160V breakers and wire up to 480V motors.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings including P&IDs and PFDs.
  • Capable of operating a forklift, and/or overhead crane, and/or man lift.
  • Reside within a reasonable distance of the plant.
  • Capable of distinguishing different colors.
  • Be familiar with codes and standards associated with wiring and conduit.

Qualifications:
  • HSD or GED
  • 3 years of relevant experience in a related process plant operations reliability activity.
  • ISA Level 1 certification or the ability to obtain one in two years.
  • Certificate in a technical discipline, two-year related degree or recent military training in a technical field will be considered in lieu of ISA Level 1 certification. The job requirement is to obtain your ISA Level 1 certification within two years of hire date.
  • Physically able to perform all duties required which may involve among other things: bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing ladders, and lifting and carrying loads of up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to climb to heights over 200 ft above grade and work effectively.
  • Valid driver's license

The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $90,000.
About Messer:
Messer's safety culture, commitment to providing dependable supply and innovative gas technology solutions help customers unlock opportunities to be safer, more sustainable, more productive and more efficient, so their business thrives. We nurture lasting, meaningful relationships with customers, our communities, and with one another.
We offer comprehensive benefits and appreciable pay, with steady schedules and opportunities for ongoing training and career progression. We prioritize and invest in our people at every level of our organization - the dedication, knowledge, customer focus and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees is what make Messer refreshingly different.
If you need assistance with the application or would like to request accommodation, call (877) 243-1030.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Working at Messer

Perks for frontline workers

From Messer, via Breakroom

  • Health insurance

  • Retirement Plan

  • Paid Time Off

  • Ongoing training & development opportunities

About Messer, in their own words

From Messer

Messer offers more than 125 years of expertise in industrial, medical, specialty and electronics gases. The company delivers quality gases, related services and technology via an extensive production and distribution network. Health and safety, sustainability practices and environmental protection are core Messer values that are embedded in the company’s daily operations.

Company values

From Messer

Our Mission: To become the premier supplier of choice for industrial, medical and specialty gas solutions, admired for our safety culture, customer focus, performance, and innovation.

Our Vision: ​As the leading privately held provider of industrial, medical, and specialty gas solutions, we are the first choice for customers and employees.

Our Purpose: We help people drive progress.

At Messer, we know people – who are welcomed and empowered – create our success. Whether you’re a recent graduate starting your career or returning to the workforce after a break, you might be the perfect fit to spark innovative thinking and bring creative new ideas to our growing team.

From ongoing training and development opportunities to tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs, you’ll feel valued and get to make a real impact.

We’re expanding into new markets and creating technologies that impact nearly every aspect of daily life, with new and exciting opportunities for you to thrive every single day. Will you join us?

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