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Instrumentation Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Intern

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Flight Test Intern Company: Grid.aero Location: Onsite 4 days/week [San Leandro, CA] About Grid ... This is a highly hands-on role spanning subscale aircraft, autonomy test beds, instrumentation ...

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Flight Test Intern

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Flight Test Intern Company: Grid.aero Location: Onsite 4 days/week [San Leandro, CA] About Grid ... This is a highly hands-on role spanning subscale aircraft, autonomy test beds, instrumentation ...

Flight Test Intern

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Flight Test Intern Company: Grid.aero Location: Onsite 4 days/week [San Leandro, CA] About Grid ... This is a highly hands-on role spanning subscale aircraft, autonomy test beds, instrumentation ...

Intern, Bioprocess

Davis, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Profarm is seeking a Fermentation Intern to join our Fermentation team. This internship offers the ... aseptic techniques, instrumentation, analyses and data processing. This individual will be ...

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Instrumentation Intern information

See California salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do instrumentation intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation intern in California is $16.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Instrumentation Intern do?

An Instrumentation Intern typically assists engineers and technicians in the installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of instruments used to measure and control variables like pressure, temperature, and flow in industrial settings. They may help collect and analyze data, prepare technical reports, and support ongoing projects to ensure instrumentation systems function properly. This role provides hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and procedures, helping interns build foundational skills for a career in instrumentation engineering.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Intern vs Instrumentation Technician?

AspectInstrumentation InternInstrumentation Technician
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant technical or engineering degreeVocational training, certifications, and some work experience
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, supervised, learning-focusedOperational facilities, maintenance, troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageInternships in manufacturing, energy, or process industriesIndustrial plants, oil & gas, manufacturing

The main difference is that an Instrumentation Intern is usually a student or recent graduate gaining hands-on experience, while an Instrumentation Technician is a trained professional responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting instrumentation systems in industrial settings.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Intern, you need a basic understanding of control systems, electronics, and instrumentation principles, often supported by coursework in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), data acquisition systems, and industry software such as LabVIEW or AutoCAD is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate findings effectively help interns excel in collaborative technical environments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate data collection, safe operation, and effective support of engineering projects.

What types of projects and hands-on experiences can I expect as an Instrumentation Intern?

As an Instrumentation Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects involving the calibration, installation, and maintenance of instrumentation equipment. You'll likely assist engineering teams with collecting and analyzing data from sensors and control systems, participate in troubleshooting technical issues, and help document test procedures. This role offers valuable hands-on exposure to real-world industrial processes and the opportunity to collaborate closely with experienced engineers and technicians, which can significantly enhance your practical skills and industry knowledge.
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrumentation jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Instrumentation Intern jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Instrumentation Intern jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Instrumentation Intern jobs? Cities in California with the most Instrumentation Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Intern job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,972 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Reliability Test Intern (Fall 2026)

Astranis

San Francisco, CA

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Reliability Test Intern (Fall 2026)

Internships at Astranis typically last for twelve weeks, and are hourly roles designed for students who are currently enrolled at a four-year university. 

As an Intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on hard problems - we pride ourselves on giving everyone at Astranis a chance to do meaningful work on complex projects, no matter their seniority. Many past interns have designed and tested hardware/software that is heading to space on our first satellite, and many of them are now full-time employees at Astranis. 

If you have already graduated from a four-year university, please apply to be an Associate Engineer.

Role
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to plan reliability tests for satellite hardware
  • Support test plan and procedure development based on design specifications and mission profiles
  • Set up, operate, and monitor environmental test equipment, including thermal chambers, thermal vacuum systems, vibration shaker tables, and combined thermal vibe chambers
  • Execute reliability tests such as thermal cycling, thermal vacuum, and vibration
  • Collect, analyze, and document test data to identify potential failure modes and ensure hardware meets reliability targets
  • Design test fixtures, setup instrumentation and data acquisition systems
Requirements
  • Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
  • Strong interest in hardware reliability, testing, and hands-on engineering work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing project needs
  • Strong communication skills
  • Must be onsite 5 days per week
Bonus
  • Hands-on experience with environmental or reliability testing
  • Familiarity with test equipment such as test chambers and DAQs
  • Experience with data analysis tools in Python, MATLAB, or similar
  • Exposure to hardware design, integration, or lab-based engineering projects
  • Understanding of failure analysis, root cause investigation, or reliability engineering principles
  • Previous internship, research, or project experience in aerospace or hardware-focused environments