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Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Qualifications: - Bachelor's/Master's (BS/MS) in Computer Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Computer Science or relevant experience - Understanding of power measurement/instrumentation ...

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Instrumentation Engineer information

See California salary details

$12.3K

$103.5K

$161.9K

How much do instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrumentation 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 is an instrumentation engineer?

Instrumentation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, install, manage, and maintain equipment used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery, and processes. They work primarily in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation, and chemical processing. Their main goal is to ensure that these systems operate efficiently, safely, and within regulatory standards by using instruments like sensors, control systems, and automation technologies. Instrumentation Engineers often collaborate with other engineering disciplines to optimize and troubleshoot complex processes.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid understanding of instrumentation and control systems, process automation, and a degree in engineering (typically electrical, electronics, or instrumentation). Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS, and relevant industry certifications such as ISA CAP are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in project teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial processes.

What are some common challenges instrumentation engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Instrumentation Engineers frequently collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and process engineering backgrounds, which can present coordination challenges. Aligning instrumentation requirements with broader project timelines and ensuring compatibility with other systems often requires clear communication and adaptability. Additionally, troubleshooting integration issues and maintaining safety and compliance standards are ongoing aspects of the role. Successful Instrumentation Engineers develop strong teamwork and problem-solving skills to navigate these complexities.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Instrumentation, Control Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, process industries, automation systemsPower plants, electrical systems, construction sites
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, manufacturingPower generation, electrical infrastructure, electronics
Job FocusDesign, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentationDesign, develop, and maintain electrical systems and circuits

Instrumentation Engineers primarily focus on control systems and automation within manufacturing and process industries, while Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems across various sectors. Both roles require technical certifications and often overlap in industrial environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Instrumentation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Instrumentation Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,523 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Caspar, CA • On-site

Anvil Corporation
1 - 5K employees

Other

Re-posted 7 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)