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Instrumentation And Controls Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

Controls Engineer

Woodland, CA · On-site

$43.27 - $45.67/hr

... and instrumentation into SCADA Support historian/reporting work, including SCADA production ... Skills Details controls engineering,scada Additional Skills & Qualifications Required ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 9, 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.

How much can an instrumentation and controls engineer make?

An instrumentation and controls engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in PLCs, SCADA systems, or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in industrial or manufacturing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrumentation and controls engineer?

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 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 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 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 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,940 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer II

Affiliated Engineers, Inc.

Pasadena, CA • On-site, Remote

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Join a Team Where Engineering Excellence Drives Opportunity

At Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI), we bring together expertise and innovation to solve the most complex challenges. Since 1978, we’ve supported mission-driven organizations in designing systems and environments that advance society and improve lives. Today, with more than 900 professionals across 22 offices, we help shape the future of healthcare, science and technology, energy, education, and other vital sectors.

From elevating patient care in Mayo Clinic’s world-class hospitals to enabling discovery in high-containment laboratories for U.S. agencies and driving environmental progress with Microsoft’s renowned Thermal Energy Center, our work enriches the human experience, safeguards the environment, and pushes the boundaries of possibility.

AEI consistently earns national recognition from leading industry publications, including Building Design+Construction, Engineering News-Record, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, with distinctions such as being named the #1 Laboratory Engineering Firm in the nation and receiving multiple Best of the Best Project awards, underscoring the lasting legacy of our work.

At AEI, you’ll join a collaborative community where your expertise fuels innovation, your ideas drive progress, and your work helps shape a brighter future.

As an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer in our Los Angeles office, you will help us empower our clients to achieve energy-efficient building solutions, save global environments, and create a better, greener future for all.

Why we need you:

In this role, you will be responsible for the instrumentation and control system engineering design, including determining applicable codes and standards. You will develop innovative and unique engineering solutions that align with the project, client, and partner needs, leading the discipline team in implementing these solutions.

Expertise of our most successful Instrumentation and Controls Engineer: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field of study.
  • Five years in the instrumentation and controls consulting engineering or control system integration industry.
  • Experience communicating with clients, partners and individuals at all levels within an organization.

Effective skills to help you flourish:

  • Experience in consulting engineering, control system integration, energy engineering, or commissioning for healthcare facilities, data centers, heating/cooling plants, or research laboratories.
  • Detailed, hands-on knowledge of Building Automation Systems.
  • Experience with control system networks and common communication protocols.
  • Ability to travel for client meetings, field survey, commissioning, and startup support.
  • Strong spoken and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organization and time management skills.
  • Quick technical comprehension and motivation focused on client outcomes.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Ability to work effectively individually and within team environments.
  • Experience with engineering design programs such as AutoCAD or Revit.
  • Position requires 30-35% domestic and international travel.

When you work here, you can expect:

  • A flexible, collaborative environment where your well-being matters—because your best work happens when you’re supported.
  • Real opportunities to grow—through mentorship, professional development programs, and exposure to high-impact projects across disciplines.
  • To collaborate with inspiring teammates who challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and pave the way for future leaders.
  • A benefits package that offers health, dental, vision, and retirement, a performance-based year-end bonus, and thoughtful perks tailored to your needs—whether that's a flexible work environment, wellness resources, or community-focused initiatives, we’ll continue to invest in.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $90,000 to $120,000
If this dynamic environment and the chance to contribute to transformative projects resonate with your ambitions, we would love to connect with you. Join us and make an impact!

Apply online at https://aeieng.com/about/careers/

If you know someone who would thrive in this role, please share this posting with them directly via email or through your LinkedIn network.

AEI is proud to be an EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled.