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Instrumentation And Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Perform instrumentation and controls engineering and design deliverables as part of a multidisciplinary project team. * Interpret and apply client specifications and technical requirements.

Instrumentation & Controls Tech

Woodland, CA · On-site

$42.63 - $54.09/hr

... programmable logic controls (PLC) and emission monitoring equipment Designs and installs new ... of instrumentation, control, and electrical systems Perform equipment and system tagging in ...

Instrumentation & Controls Tech

Woodland, CA · On-site

$42.63 - $54.09/hr

... programmable logic controls (PLC) and emission monitoring equipment • Designs and installs new ... instrumentation, control, and electrical systems • Perform equipment and system tagging in ...

Instrumentation & Controls Tech

Woodland, CA · On-site

$42.63 - $54.09/hr

Troubleshoot and perform maintenance on DC backup power equipment, process controls, programmable ... Train other team members in the areas of instrumentation, control, and electrical systems * Perform ...

The Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is responsible for developing, analyzing, and integrating measurement and control systems to support reactor operation. This position may reside within ...

The Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is responsible for developing, analyzing, and integrating measurement and control systems to support reactor operation. This position may reside within ...

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Instrumentation And Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$28

$53

$80

How much do instrumentation and controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation and controls engineer in California is $53.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.97 and $61.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or control engineering, strong analytical skills, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS, and industry-standard software, as well as certifications like ISA CAP or PE, is highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable automation and process control in industrial environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior-level instrumentation and controls engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or power generation. High compensation often reflects leadership roles, complex project management, and working in high-demand environments.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics between an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer and other engineering teams on a project?

Instrumentation and Controls Engineers frequently collaborate with other engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to ensure all systems integrate smoothly and operate safely. They are often involved from the early design phase—reviewing schematics and specifications—to commissioning and troubleshooting stages, working closely with project managers and field technicians. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Instrumentation and Controls Engineers must coordinate the selection, installation, and configuration of control systems to meet project requirements and safety standards. This cross-functional teamwork not only enhances project success but also provides valuable learning opportunities and exposure to different technical areas.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior instrumentation and controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, can earn $200,000 or more annually. These roles often involve managing complex systems in industries like oil and gas, power generation, or manufacturing, and may require advanced knowledge of control systems, programming, and industry standards.

What is an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer?

An Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains systems that control and monitor industrial processes. They work with instruments such as sensors, transmitters, and control systems (like PLCs and DCS) to ensure processes operate safely and efficiently. These engineers are crucial in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, energy, and pharmaceuticals, where precise control and automation are essential. Their work often involves programming, troubleshooting, and integrating new technologies into existing systems.

What can I do with instrumentation and control engineering?

Instrumentation and Controls Engineers design, develop, and maintain systems that monitor and control industrial processes, such as manufacturing, energy production, and automation. They work with sensors, controllers, and software to ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely, often using tools like PLCs and SCADA systems. This role typically requires technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of industry standards and safety protocols.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What is the difference between Instrumentation And Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation And Controls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation systemsPower plants, electrical systems, building infrastructure
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, manufacturingPower generation, construction, electronics
Job FocusDesign, programming, and maintenance of control systems and instrumentationDesign and testing of electrical systems and components

While both roles require electrical knowledge and certifications, Instrumentation And Controls Engineers focus on automation, control systems, and instrumentation within industrial settings. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, often working on electrical power systems and infrastructure. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments but differ in specific job functions and industry applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in California? For Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Instrumentation And Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Instrumentation And Controls Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,940 per year, or $53.8 per hour.
Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Anvil Corporation

Caspar, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Description: JOB SUMMARY
This is a mid-level control systems and instrumentation engineer position. The position requires strong technical ability to perform engineering tasks, ability to work independently with guidance, working knowledge and understanding of stage-gated industrial projects, and strong communication skills in written, spoken, and personal formats. Our mid-level engineers are expected to work largely independently, with basic guidance from a lead engineer or project leader. This position requires enough technical experience and competence to perform the majority of controls and instrumentation engineering tasks on a variety of projects without senior support, and to quickly recognize when an engineering problem requires more expertise. A successful candidate may desire either a technical career path, or a path directed toward leadership and management.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES - TECHNICAL
Read and develop Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
As-build control and instrument systems in the field, producing accurate markups of documents and drawings
Specify and size instrumentation in all applications of industrial control: flow, pressure, level, temperature
Able to recognize when unique solutions are needed for instrumentation and control items in difficult services
Specify and size control valves and regulators: self-contained, pneumatic, sliding stem and rotary
Understand and apply basic material and alloy considerations for instruments in various industrial processes
Specify and design infrastructure for industrial communication and control networks
Specify and design wiring, conduit, and cable tray methods for NEC-hazardous classified areas
Prepare detailed design of projects in compliance with governing codes, regulations, and client standards
Integrate control strategies and wiring with electrical motor controls related to motor starters, VFDs, electrical safety relays, electrical monitoring networks, etc.
Specify HMI, PLC, and DCS hardware and wiring.
Understand physical and soft I/O and point types, create I/O lists for project scope, and review loop drawings
Basic understanding of design considerations for control panel layout, wiring, BOM, etc.
Working knowledge of industrial equipment (pumps, vessels, heaters, flares, etc) and respective considerations for instrument design
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES - OTHER
Familiar with and able to work within stage-gated project processes and requirements
Prioritize work based on guidance from team leader and project leaders
Perform effectively in a team environment, both in-person and remotely
Strong communication and organizational skills
Able to develop basic engineering and design budgets and provide input to project schedules
Experience developing construction packages for small to medium projects ($1MM to $30MM TIC)
Able to point out and provide solutions for drawing consistency, quality, and presentation errors in deliverables.
Highly detail oriented with a strong, self-driven work ethic
Able to identify areas of personal technical strengths and weaknesses, ask for help when needed, and quickly learn new responsibilities
Able to evaluate equipment in the field, including climbing ladders, flights of stairs, etc.
Able to travel to remote work sites on occasion
Strong computer skills - Microsoft Applications
Fluent in English language
Applicants must be able to obtain a TWIC card.RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIESProvide instrument engineering for small to large capital and maintenance projects
Develop scope for projects in the detailed design phase; provide input to project plans and deliverable lists
Review and provide input to basic project schedules
Develop project P&IDs of moderate complexity
Develop procurement specifications, documentation, and data sheets of basic to moderate complexity
Perform detailed vendor document reviews
Establish engineering budgets for small projects
Develop basic Total Installed Cost (TIC) estimate Material Take-Offs (MTO)
Work within an engineering budget, forecast work, manage scope and budget
Develop detailed specifications and construction packages
Write detailed construction scope of work documents for basic to moderately complex projects
Perform Factory and Site Acceptance tests (FAT/SAT) on vendor equipment. Travel may be required.
Perform quality checks on ones’ own work
Adhere to Anvil’s Project Services Quality System (PSQS)
Perform work with minimal supervision and guidance
Work within a small team of engineers and designers; guide and direct design team in development of construction work packages
Work with other technical resource groups and project management to meet the requirements of a given project
Develop and foster working relationships with vendor and client representatives
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
B.S. in Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical or Control Systems Engineering - required
3+ years of professional experience within the oil and gas or related industry - required
P.E. or Prof. Eng. in Control Systems Engineering - preferred
ISA or TUV certification in Functional Safety - preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Able to work in heavy industrial facilities: climb ladders, work off elevated surfaces, and walk over uneven surfaces while wearing required PPE
Able to sit for long periods of time working at a computer
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time
PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Basic working knowledge of INtools (SPI)
Specify and design Pressure Safety Valves
Some experience in front-end project development (FEL 1-2)
Working knowledge and basic understanding of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)
Working knowledge of PLC and DCS HMI design, point configuration, and control types
Basic DCS and/or PLC programming experience
Basic knowledge of specialty instrumentation and control for rotating equipment
Experience working on-site at an industrial facility in maintenance, reliability, or projects groups
Specify and size motor-operated valves (MOVs) and corresponding control schemes
Basic understanding of analyzers for various purposes, both in-situ and extractive
Interpret and design ladder logic, both for hardwired relay systems and software
Create test plans and perform Factory and Site Acceptance Tests; review and approve vendor FAT/SAT plans
Create high-level and detailed control design and configuration documents, such as Control Narratives, Cause & Effects diagrams, Logic diagrams, and block diagrams.
Understand and participate in Process Hazard Assessments (PHAs) and Layer of Protection Analyses (LOPA)