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Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bechtel is seeking a Senior Control Systems and Instrumentation (CS&I) Engineering Group Supervisor for the Mining & Metals team, based in Brisbane, Australia. This role will be responsible for ...

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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 Aug 7, 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 are popular job titles related to Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California? For Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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 - Dam Safety & Monitoring

AECOM

Orange, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


AECOM rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Civil Engineer or Electrical Engineer - Dam Safety & Monitoring to support our Water business line in Orange, CA. The successful candidate will work on dam safety projects involving the design, installation, and monitoring of instrumentation systems to ensure structural integrity and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform specific and moderate portions of a broader assignment of an experienced engineer.
  • Gather and correlate basic engineering data using established and well-defined procedures.
  • Design and implementation of instrumentation systems, including telemetry networks for dams and levees, including piezometers, inclinometers, and pressure transducers.
  • Conduct as needed field inspections, calibrations, and troubleshooting of malfunctioning monitoring equipment.
  • Analyze instrumentation data to assess dam performance and identify potential risks to Dam safety.
  • Prepare technical reports and documentation for review by clients and regulatory agencies.
  • Experience with instrumentation condition assessments.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including geotechnical, structural, hydraulics/hydrology, and environmental engineers.
  • Performs work in accordance with the agreed-upon budget and schedule with little supervision.
  • Independently performs all the tasks necessary to complete primary design elements for engineering works. 
Qualifications

Miinimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, electrical and/or Geotechnical Engineering, and 4+ years of experience in dam safety, instrumentation, or geotechnical monitoring. or demonstrated equivalency of experience and or education
  • US Citizenship is required

Preferred Qualifications

  • Geotechnical dam design and construction oversight.
  • Experience in the design and installation of ADAS, SCADA and telemetry systems.
  • Strong analytical and communication skills.
  • 8+ years of experience in dam safety, instrumentation, or geotechnical monitoring.
Additional Information
  • No sponsorship is available for this position
  • Relocation is not available for this position

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


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