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Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Instrumentation Engineer information

See California salary details

$12.3K

$103.5K

$161.9K

How much do instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,523 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Instrumentation Engineer - NASA with Security Clearance

American Systems Corporation

Edwards, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training. Responsibilities **This is a pipeline requisition designed to collect resumes for potential upcoming work at AMERICAN SYSTEMS and does not represent a current opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted when an opening/funding becomes available** As Senior Instrumentation Engineer - NASA at AMERICAN SYSTEMS you will have the opportunity to do the following: * Generate and lead the execution of requirements to fully design, test, and support flight instrumentation systems on current and future research projects. * Develop aircraft Instrumentation systems for NASA research vehicles. * Have Knowledge in the following instrumentation sensor applications: strain gages, accelerometers, pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, and pitot-static systems. * Must be familiar with data acquisition systems (i.e. Teletronics). * Must read and understand electrical schematics. * Must be familiar with AutoCAD or equivalent for creating, modifying, or updating electrical drawings. * Support the use of the TTC data processing systems in the checkout of instrumentation and ground test efforts. * Coordinate with the mission control room personnel in the development and design of the displays, development of the data cycle maps, calibration files and run files. * Able to lead system or subsystem teams in all aspects of design and implementation to include design reviews, safety analysis, and all documentation development and approval. * Analyze project objectives and requirements, develop plans for conducting projects, provide support for the project safety review process * Participate in the development of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, documentation of hazards, and the specification and implementation of mitigations to those hazards. * Review project instructions to ascertain requirements, specifications, procedures, objectives, equipment, nature of technical problem, and possible solutions. * Set up and conduct tests or studies of complete systems, components, or concepts under research test conditions to investigate proposals for improving performance or other factors. * Record test or report procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and make recommendations for changes. * Create reports and other documentation necessary to describe the results of studies and/or tests. * Analyze indicated and calculated results in relation to requirements, specifications, or test objectives. * Mentor engineers in specific technical areas and/or the system engineering process and project management principles. * Perform work in accordance with NASA ISO AS9100 procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. * Follow the safe practices and rules contained in the Safety and Health plan and other such rules and practices communicated on the job. * Report status to Senior Technical Lead and/or Task Focal Point in standardized format on or before due date. Qualifications * Bachelors degree in Engineering or Physical Science with at least 7 years of experience OR Masters or PhD degree in Engineering or Physical Science with 4 years of experience * Must be a US citizen. * Must be able to secure and maintain a security clearance. * Must pass drug testing. * Must be able to work in a dynamic and multi-task work environment by prioritizing work and coordinating task/project schedules. * Must be able to manage and decompose requirements in specific technical areas. * Experience in one or more of the following technology areas: telemetry data systems, data processing, data storage systems, or system test and validation. * Strong communications and ability to work in a team environment a must. NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES A 9/80 WORK SCHEDULE EEO Statement EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status