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Instrumentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Instrumentation Engineer provides instrumentation and controls engineering services on large or mega projects for Worley and its clients. This role includes delivering high-quality ...

Instrumentation & Electrical Technician Pittsburg, CA, United States req31314 What you will enjoy doing* * You will provide planning and onsite support with a strong focus on critical safety systems ...

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Instrumentation information

See California salary details

$14

$28

$75

How much do instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation in California is $28.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are instrumentation jobs?

Instrumentation jobs involve the installation, maintenance, and repair of devices and systems used to measure and control physical quantities such as pressure, flow, temperature, and level in industrial settings. Professionals in this field work with sensors, control systems, and automated equipment to ensure that processes operate efficiently and safely. They are essential in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and power generation, where precise measurement and control are critical. Instrumentation technicians and engineers often collaborate with other technical staff to troubleshoot issues and implement new technologies.

What is the difference between Instrumentation vs Control Technician?

AspectInstrumentationControl Technician
Primary FocusDesign, installation, and maintenance of measurement and control instrumentsMaintaining and troubleshooting control systems and equipment
CertificationsInstrumentation certifications, PLC, and calibration skillsControl system certifications, PLC, and electrical skills
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants, industrial settingsIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, oil & gas, power plantsCommon in process industries, automation sectors

Instrumentation professionals focus on the measurement and control devices that monitor and regulate industrial processes, while Control Technicians primarily troubleshoot and maintain control systems like PLCs and DCS. Both roles often overlap but differ in scope and specialization within industrial automation.

What Are the Qualifications to Get an Instrumentation Job?

The qualifications to get an instrumentation job depends on the expertise level and complexity of the position. To become an instrumentation technician, you need at least a certificate or an associate degree in a field such as electro-mechanics, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or process control. If you want to become an instrumentation engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related subject. In addition to your educational requirements, you must have strong analytical problem-solving skills to work in instrumentation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in instrumentation roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in instrumentation often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex control systems, ensuring accurate calibration of instruments, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies. To address these, many teams prioritize continuous training, implement standardized maintenance procedures, and encourage collaboration between engineers, technicians, and operators. Being proactive in learning and leveraging digital tools can also help instrumentation professionals stay effective and resilient in dynamic industrial environments.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Technician, you need a solid understanding of electronics, process control, and instrumentation principles, usually backed by a relevant technical diploma or degree. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, calibration tools, and industry certifications such as ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of instrumentation systems, directly impacting operational safety and efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrumentation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Instrumentation jobs? Cities in California with the most Instrumentation job openings:
Infographic showing various Instrumentation job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,104 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Worley

Monrovia, CA • On-site

$130K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Worley rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

Building on our past. Ready for the future
Worley is a global professional services company of energy, chemicals and resources experts headquartered in Australia.
Right now, we're bridging two worlds as we accelerate to more sustainable energy sources, while helping our customers provide the energy, chemicals and resources that society needs now.
We partner with our customers to deliver projects and create value over the life of their portfolio of assets. We solve complex problems by finding integrated data-centric solutions from the first stages of consulting and engineering to installation and commissioning, to the last stages of decommissioning and remediation. 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 for Worley and its clients. This role includes delivering high-quality technical work, providing guidance within the Instrumentation & Controls team, and ensuring all engineering activities meet quality, cost, safety, and schedule requirements.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure all engineering and design activities comply with quality, cost, and schedule targets.
  • Ensure all work is performed safely and in accordance with Worley and client safety standards.
  • Ensure all designs comply with client specifications, applicable codes, and agreed industry standards.
  • Perform instrumentation and controls engineering and design deliverables as part of a multidisciplinary project team.
  • Interpret and apply client specifications and technical requirements.
  • Coordinate and communicate effectively with other disciplines and client representatives.
  • Comply with the Worley Quality Assurance system and applicable procedures.
  • Identify technical issues, develop appropriate solutions, and seek assistance when required.
  • Provide guidance and support to junior personnel within the Instrumentation & Controls team when needed.
  • Stay current with industry developments, standards, and technical innovations in instrumentation and controls engineering.
  • Act as Instrumentation & Controls Engineering Lead on assigned projects, when required.
  • Provide technical input and support during procurement, construction, and commissioning phases as needed.

What you will bring
Technical/Industry Experience and Qualifications Requirements:
  • Working knowledge of Instrumentation & Control deliverables such as:
    • Panel (JB and Marshalling) Design.
    • P&ID's.
    • Loop Drawings.
    • Wiring Drawings.
    • Motor Control Schematics.
    • Instrument Location Drawings.
    • Instrument Installation Details.
    • Instrument Specifications (Datasheets).
    • I/O Lists.
    • Bill of Materials.
    • Conduit/Cable Tray/Cable Schedules.
    • Control Narratives.
    • Cause and Effect Diagrams.
    • Material Requisitions.
  • Construction or Engineering Work Packages. Working knowledge of Instrumentation Calculation/Selection, such as:
    • Flow (Orifice Plates, Vortex, Venturi, Magnetic, Ultrasonic meters).
    • Level Measurement (Radar, Displacers, Gauges).
    • Temperature (including Thermowells Freq. wake calculation).
    • Pressure.
    • Process Analyzers and sampling systems would be a plus.
    • Competent use of instrument calculation/selection specific software.
  • Working knowledge (design/configuration/implementation) of any of the following systems:
    • PLCs, preferable Modicon, GE, or AB/Rockwell.
    • SISs, preferable Triconex.
    • DCS, preferable Honeywell TDC/TPS/Experion, Foxboro I/A, ABBxA.
  • Additional Information:
    • Knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards related to instrumentation and control systems.
    • Ability to manage multiple small to medium projects concurrently.
    • Working knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) software.
    • Experience with SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI).
    • Knowledge of communication networks is an advantage.
    • Proficient in MS Office Suite and other relevant engineering software.

Education - Qualifications, Accreditation, Training:
Required:
  • Accredited Engineering Degree in General Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or related equivalent degree combined experience Typically, 12 plus years' experience.

Preferred:
  • 8+ years of direct Instrumentation & Control design and engineering experience.
  • Registered PE in Control Systems or to be able to obtain PE license.
  • Experience in S3D .
  • SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI) software training (including wiring module) is a plus.
  • ARAMCO Experience: Well versed and experienced with ARAMCO SAES standards.
  • Knowledgeable in Gas Compression and Gas processing.

Additional Information:
  • This position is in California.
  • Salary Range $130,404-$191,771.
  • Benefits: eligible for PTO, 401k, medical, vision, dental, etc.

Los Angeles
We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance." #LI-AC1
Moving forward together
We want our people to be energized and empowered to drive sustainable impact. So, our focus is on a values-inspired culture that unlocks brilliance through belonging, connection and innovation.
We're building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. Creating a space where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, and are heard.
And we're not just talking about it; we're doing it. We're reskilling our people, leveraging transferable skills, and supporting the transition of our workforce to become experts in today's low carbon energy infrastructure and technology.
Whatever your ambition, there's a path for you here. And there's no barrier to your potential career success. Join us to broaden your horizons, explore diverse opportunities, and be part of delivering sustainable change.
We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels they belong, can bring themselves, and are heard. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
Our policy is to conduct background checks for all candidates who accept an offer of employment with us.
Please note: No agency representation or submissions will be recognized for this vacancy.

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