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Instrumentation Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AURA

Instrumentation Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$155K - $187K/yr

... help answer fundamental questions about our Sun and its complex magnetic fields. DKIST, which ... The Instrumentation Manager works with and takes direction from the Program Scientist for ...

Worley

Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$130K - $191K/yr

Join us and help drive innovation and sustainability in our projects. Purpose: The Senior Instrumentation Engineer provides instrumentation and controls engineering services on large or mega projects ...

Cascades

Electro-Instrumentation Technician

Ashland, VA · On-site

$32.38 - $44.84/hr

Join us as a Electro-Instrumentation Technician in Ashland and help bring materials to life in a workplace where health and safety always come first. What's in it for you Taking care of our people is ...

Lonza

Instrumentation Specialist

Bend, OR · On-site

... instrumentation that supports critical quality control processes. This is an exciting opportunity ... Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help ...

Lonza

Instrumentation Specialist

Bend, OR

... instrumentation that supports critical quality control processes. This is an exciting opportunity ... Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help ...

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How much do instrumentation helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation helper in the United States is $17.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrumentation helper?

Instrumentation Helpers assist instrumentation technicians and engineers with the installation, maintenance, and repair of instruments and control systems used in industrial settings. Their duties often include running wires, assembling parts, calibrating equipment, and ensuring tools and materials are available for projects. They work under supervision and play a vital role in ensuring that measuring and control devices function properly, which is crucial for safety and efficiency. This entry-level position is a great starting point for a career in industrial instrumentation.

What are the typical responsibilities of an instrumentation helper during a project installation phase?

During a project installation phase, an Instrumentation Helper typically assists in mounting and wiring instruments, running conduit and cable trays, and supporting senior technicians with calibrating and testing equipment. The role often involves reading basic schematics, using hand tools, and ensuring that all installations comply with safety standards. Instrumentation Helpers also help with organizing and maintaining tools, cleaning work areas, and may be asked to assist with troubleshooting under supervision. This hands-on experience is valuable for learning industry best practices and advancing within instrumentation roles.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Helper, you need basic knowledge of instrumentation and electrical systems, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, measurement devices, and safety protocols is important, and OSHA or similar safety certifications are often beneficial. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn help individuals excel in this support role. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate assistance to technicians, maintain safety standards, and contribute to the smooth operation of industrial processes.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Helper vs Instrument Technician?

AspectInstrumentation HelperInstrument Technician
CertificationsBasic safety and entry-level certificationsAdvanced certifications like ISA certifications or technical diplomas
Work EnvironmentAssists in installation, maintenance, and repair under supervisionPerforms troubleshooting, calibration, and repair independently
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports instrument installation and basic maintenanceExecutes detailed diagnostics, calibration, and complex repairs

Instrumentation Helpers typically assist Instrument Technicians by performing basic tasks and supporting installation and maintenance. Instrument Technicians have more advanced skills, certifications, and responsibilities, including troubleshooting and calibration. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, but the Instrument Technician role requires more technical expertise and experience.

Is it hard to get into instrumentation helper?

Getting into an instrumentation helper position typically requires basic technical skills, such as understanding of electrical or mechanical systems, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer candidates with relevant certifications or experience working with tools and equipment in industrial environments, but entry-level roles are generally accessible with proper training and a willingness to learn.
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Instrumentation Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Helper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,322 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Instrumentation Manager

National Solar Observatory

Boulder, CO • On-site

$155K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), operated by the National Solar Observatory (NSO), is the world's largest and most advanced solar telescope, designed to help answer fundamental questions about our Sun and its complex magnetic fields. DKIST, which completed construction and began operations in November 2021 on the summit of Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii is a major program within the NSO. The NSO, an NSF national research and development center dedicated to solar science, is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). AURA, a consortium of 49 U.S. institutions and 3 international affiliates, operates world-class astronomical observatories. Its role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that drive innovative astronomical research.
We are hiring a DKIST Instrumentation Manager who will be responsible for managing major upgrades of existing DKIST instrumentation and for the implementation of new instrumentation developments. The Instrumentation Manager works with and takes direction from the Program Scientist for Instrumentation to establish and implement instrumentation program priorities. The Instrumentation Manager manages a team of engineers and technicians that accomplish prioritized instrumentation tasks. The Instrumentation Manager also works with the Instrumentation Operations Manager on the implementation of upgrades and new developments for the telescope on the summit. The Instrumentation Manager functionally reports to the DKIST Program Scientist for Instrumentation. This position will be located at the NSO headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.
Essential Functions
  • Lead a team of engineers and technicians to develop and implement major upgrades to the current suite of operational DKIST instruments.
  • Work in close collaboration with the DKIST Program Scientist for Instrumentation to implement new instrumentation concepts to meet DKIST future science mission needs.
  • Work with the Instrumentation Operations Manager on the implementation of new instrumentation initiatives on the summit.
  • Manage resources and delegate instrumentation tasks and as required.
  • Develop program plans for new instrument development projects involving all relevant stakeholders.
  • Manage instrumentation project performance using appropriate systems, tools and techniques (e.g., Atlassian Confluence and JIRA). Ensure instrument projects are executed within schedule, scope and budget
  • Maintain project documentation, manage instrument vendor contracts, and manage project risk.
  • Communicate regularly with the Program Scientist for Instrumentation and DKIST Management about project progress, changes, issues, and solutions. Provide regular updates on program status, including schedule and budget.
  • Maintain effective communication with other DKIST operations teams.
  • Coordinate work, schedules and resources within the instrumentation team and other DKIST operations teams.
  • Adhere to established safety and other pertinent DKIST guidelines and procedures
  • Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements
  • Degree in engineering, physics, astronomy or other relevant field, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years of experience with managing complex science projects, including preparation and management of performance, budget, schedule and risk.
  • Experience preparing and coordinating technical procurements of varying scale ($K - $M)
  • Experience managing teams of engineers and technicians.
  • Ability to apply project management practices and relevant project management tools.
  • Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) tools and the development of instrumentation maintenance plans
  • Excellent organizational skills and good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with managing development and/or operations of telescope and instrument systems, or systems of similar nature and complexity
  • Familiarity with astronomical observatories and observing practices.
  • Ability to speak and write effectively in English, including preparation of comprehensive reports
  • Basic computer skills

Preferences
  • Advanced degree in engineering, physics, astronomy or other relevant field, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience in the development or support of astronomical instrumentation.
  • Experience and interest in ground-based observational solar research and science analysis

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
  • Primarily office-based with extended computer use
  • Occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs)
  • Periodic work at high-elevation observatory site (~10,000 ft)
  • Frequent communication and collaboration with team members
  • Ability to work at 10,000' elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.
  • There will be occasional working at height utilizing fall protection equipment, ladders and scaffolding.
  • Regular travel between Boulder, CO and Maui, HI. Occasional domestic and international travel will be necessary.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary Range: $155,000-$187,000 per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources
Apply by September 4, 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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