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Instrumentation Control Engineer Jobs in California

W3Global Inc.

Electrical Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Electrical/Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Engineer We are seeking an Electrical/Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer to join a growing team. This is an extraordinary opportunity to do ...

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All JobsInstrumentation Control Engineer JobsInstrumentation Control Engineer Jobs in California

Instrumentation Control Engineer information

See California salary details

$28

$53

$80

How much do instrumentation control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation control 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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior instrumentation control 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, aerospace, or manufacturing, and may require advanced knowledge of control systems, programming, and industry standards.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Control Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation Control EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesPower plants, electrical systems, construction sites
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, manufacturingPower generation, electrical systems, infrastructure
Job FocusDesign, installation, and maintenance of control systems and instrumentationDesign, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment

While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Instrumentation Control Engineers focus on control systems and automation within industrial processes, whereas Electrical Engineers work on electrical power systems and circuitry. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What does a control and instrumentation engineer do?

A control and instrumentation engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that monitor and control industrial processes. They work with sensors, controllers, and automation equipment to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability in manufacturing, energy, or other industrial environments, often using tools like PLCs and SCADA systems. Strong technical skills and understanding of process control are essential for this role.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Senior instrumentation control engineers working in industries like oil and gas or power generation with advanced skills and certifications may also reach this level with extensive experience and leadership roles.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior instrumentation control engineers in industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or nuclear power can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. High-level roles often involve managing complex systems, working in demanding environments, and leading large projects.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or instrumentation engineering, process control principles, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and certifications like ISA CAP or similar are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for diagnosing issues and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure reliable automation, efficient process control, and safe operation of industrial systems.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Instrumentation Control Engineer in an industrial setting?

As an Instrumentation Control Engineer, your daily tasks will often include monitoring and maintaining control systems, calibrating and troubleshooting instrumentation equipment, and collaborating with operations and maintenance teams to ensure optimal performance of automated processes. You'll also review system data, participate in safety checks, and help implement upgrades or modifications to improve reliability and efficiency. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as you'll frequently work with cross-disciplinary teams to resolve technical challenges and meet production goals.

What does an Instrumentation Control Engineer do?

An Instrumentation Control Engineer designs, develops, installs, and maintains the systems that monitor and control engineering processes, machinery, or equipment in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or power generation. They work with instruments that measure variables like pressure, flow, temperature, and level, ensuring that processes operate safely, efficiently, and within set parameters. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting, calibrating instruments, and optimizing control strategies to improve system performance.
What cities in California are hiring for Instrumentation Control Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Instrumentation Control Engineer job openings:
Instrumentation Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Control Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,940 per year, or $53.8 per hour.
Instrumentation Technician - Vacaville, CA

Instrumentation Technician - Vacaville, CA

Unicon Pharma Inc.

Vacaville, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

​​​​

Description:

2 Day Shift roles available: Front and Back Day shift

Front = Sunday - Wednesday (Wednesday is the rotating 3-4-3 day)

Back = Wednesday - Saturday (Wednesday is the rotating 3-4-3 day)

  • Today, Client is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents.
  • While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers.
  • Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.
  • The primary responsibility of Instrument Services is to maximize equipment availability for processing by safely maintaining equipment and instrumentation through Calibration, Preventive and Corrective maintenance.
  • In support of these activities, Instrument Services provides personnel 24/hours/day, 7 days per week for calibration, maintenance, discrepancy response, contractor oversight, vendor resource management, project support and training.All Instrument Services Technicians are trained to perform calibration and maintenance in the primary manufacturing support areas and Materials Management, Quality Control Labs, and Utility Operations.

Key responsibilities:

  • Microprocessor-based equipment {PLCs, DCS, smart devices, etc.) Exhibit detail-oriented documentation skills to ensure Right-First-Time operations.
  • Escalate process issues as necessary to ensure resolution of issue.
  • Comply with cGMP, SOP and manufacturing documentation.
  • Timely completion of tasks and work orders with appropriate documentation according to standard operating procedures, applicable standards, guidelines, practices, and policies.afe operation of tools and shop equipment, and safe execution of work in the field.
  • Computer skill level appropriate to navigate and use corporate intranet and related applications, CMMS/CCMS, and standard word processing and spreadsheet programs.
    Cross functional interaction with Manufacturing, Quality, Technology, Engineering, and other departments to ensure satisfactory performance of instruments and systems.
    Assistance with systems start-up and validation.
  • Collection and organization of technical data from equipment manufacturers, equipment users, and engineering personnel.
  • Assistance with identification, Purchase and organization of spare parts.
  • Installation, Troubleshooting and modification of process control instruments or systems, laboratory instruments and analyzers, and support utilities.
  • Programming/configuration of microprocessor-based equipment {PLCs, DCS, smart devices, etc.) Exhibit detail-oriented documentation skills to ensure Right-First-Time operations.
  • Train other technicians in group and individual settings.
  • Ability to read and understand Piping and Instrumentation Drawings. (P&ID)
  • Evaluate, review Standard Operating Procedures content and red line where appropriate.

Key requirements :

  • High School Diploma.
  • 5–6 years of relevant experience.
  • 4 years in manufacturing process instrumentation, control systems, or analytical instrumentation preferred.
    Strong understanding of industrial process instrumentation principles and systems.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs with reasonable accommodations.
    Valid driver’s license.
  • Enable Skills-Based Hiring No