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Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

drive for MPC

Instrumentation Project Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Instrumentation Project Engineer****Job Summary**Marathon Petroleum Corporation's (MPC) Los Angeles Refinery, located in Carson/Wilmington, California, is looking for an Instrumentation Project ...

Bechtel

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 ...

General Atomics

Engineer I&C

San Diego, CA · On-site

Manage plant instrumentation for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, industrial electronics, and various other, control systems. * Deploy ...

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All JobsInstrumentation Engineer JobsInstrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

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 8, 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 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:

What are popular job titles related to Instrumentation Engineer jobs in CA?

For Instrumentation Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,523 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Sr Instrumentation & Controls Test Engineer

Astra Space, Inc.

Alameda, CA • On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Astra's mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry's leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Test Engineer, you'll lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our test infrastructure-spanning real-time state machines, instrumentation networks, and control logic for complex test systems. Your work will directly influence the safety, repeatability, and performance of propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft hardware testing.
You will serve as a technical lead across multiple projects, mentor junior engineers, and be trusted to architect scalable control solutions that support rapid iteration and flight readiness.
How You'll Fulfill Your Mission
  • Architect and implement robust, real-time state machines to automate test stand operations, including complex sequencing, fault detection, and recovery logic.
  • Design, deploy, and maintain instrumentation systems for pressure, temperature, flow, vibration, and electrical measurements across engine and subsystem testbeds.
  • Develop scalable control software and hardware solutions to support current and future test infrastructure.
  • Operate confidently in headless Linux environments, using Git for version control and scripting tools (e.g., Bash, PowerShell) for automation and system management.
  • Build and wire up harnesses and controls cabinets, ensuring high-quality electrical integration and safety compliance.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration with software, mechanical, avionics, and propulsion teams to align test control systems with system requirements and mission goals.
  • Drive standardization and continuous improvement in I&C test practices across the team.
  • Own commissioning of new test stands, including PLC configuration, sensor integration, and safety interlocks.
  • Analyze complex test data and use system-level insight to drive failure investigations and performance improvements.

Why We Value You
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in instrumentation and control systems for test or automation
  • Deep knowledge of real-time control systems, including implementation of state machines in Python, LabVIEW, C/C++, or equivalent
  • Proficiency with version control systems (e.g., Git) and scripting for automation (e.g., Bash, PowerShell)
  • Comfortable working in headless Linux environments and managing remote deployments
  • Strong understanding of data acquisition systems (e.g., NI, Keysight), PLCs, and industrial communication protocols
  • Demonstrated experience wiring up harnesses and assembling control panels or test cabinets
  • Experience designing and operating test stands for propulsion, aerospace, or other high-risk systems
  • Comfortable working with hazardous fluids, high voltages, and safety-critical hardware
  • Proven ability to lead cross-disciplinary engineering efforts and mentor early-career engineers
  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Mechatronics, or related field

Desired Multipliers
  • Experience with test automation frameworks and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups
  • Experience designing PCBs to rapidly prototype or integrate test hardware
  • Familiarity with model-based design tools (e.g., Simulink, Stateflow)
  • Working knowledge of CAN, EtherCAT, or Modbus communication protocols
  • Background in flight hardware testing or space systems
  • Experience deploying telemetry and real-time data visualization systems
  • Exposure to system safety analysis methods (FMEA, HAZOP)
  • CAD experience for designing brackets, enclosures, or mechanical integrations

The pay range for this role is: $140,000-180,000 per year
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Astra, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
ITAR Requirements: This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant's status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

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