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Instrumentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$115K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is responsible for developing, analyzing, and integrating measurement and control systems to support reactor operation. This position may reside within ...

Instrumentation & Controls Tech

Woodland, CA · On-site

$42.63 - $54.09/hr

This is a "journeymen" level position with a high degree of knowledge of instrumentation, controls, low and medium voltage switchgear, transformers, generators, protective relays, and motor control ...

Instrumentation & Controls Tech

Woodland, CA · On-site

$42.63 - $54.09/hr

This is a "journeymen" level position with a high degree of knowledge of instrumentation, controls, low and medium voltage switchgear, transformers, generators, protective relays, and motor control ...

Showing results 41-60

Instrumentation information

See California salary details

$14

$28

$75

How much do instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

How long does it take to become an instrumentation technician?

Becoming an instrumentation technician typically requires completing a technical or community college program, which takes about 1 to 2 years, followed by on-the-job training or apprenticeships that can last 1 to 4 years. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region and industry, and developing skills in electrical systems, control systems, and instrumentation tools is essential during this period.

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.

Is instrumentation a good career?

Instrumentation is a viable career that involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems and instruments used in manufacturing, energy, and other industries. It often requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of tools like PLCs and sensors. The field offers steady employment opportunities and potential for advancement with experience and specialized training.

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.

Is instrumentation in high demand?

Instrumentation technicians and engineers are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities due to the need for precise control systems and automation. Employment opportunities often require technical skills, certifications, and familiarity with tools like PLCs and SCADA systems, and the field is expected to grow as automation advances.

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 are popular job titles related to Instrumentation jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Instrumentation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,104 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Oklo

Santa Clara, CA • On-site, Remote

$115K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Thanks for your interest in Oklo! We are searching for an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer to join our engineering team.
Position Description:
The Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is responsible for developing, analyzing, and integrating measurement and control systems to support reactor operation. This position may reside within powerhouse engineering supporting power generation or within the isotopes organization supporting isotope reactors.
Specific responsibilities may include:
  • Design instrumentation and control systems that integrate sensors, instrumentation, actuators, and other control components
  • Lead the technical execution of assigned systems as a responsible engineer that coordinates requirements, design, testing, and commissioning
  • Develop control strategies and algorithms for industrial equipment
  • Support our engineering team in integrating and coupling engineering analyses
  • Provide technical feedback to quick-iterating design teams
  • Document work using modern tools and techniques, and write well-written, thoughtful technical reports

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Experience specifying, designing, and integrating instrumentation that spans temperature, pressure, radiation, neutron instrumentation, and other process measurement technologies
  • Experience with measurement techniques, signal conditioning, data acquisition, and logic diagrams
  • Experience developing system and component level requirements
  • Experience designing control strategies and automating industrial equipment and processes
  • Experience managing, communicating with, and providing oversight to EPC contractors, vendors, and equipment manufacturers
  • Experience with analog and digital circuits
  • Experience with digital networks and communication protocols
  • A valid U.S. Citizenship is required for this position based on NRC and DOE requirements

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience with thermal energy conversion systems and components
  • Experience with electricity transmission and power electronics
  • Experience with Python

Competencies:
We are looking for an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer that is:
  • Passionate about clean energy
  • Passionate about making advanced fission a reality
  • Willing and able to learn quickly
  • Eager to work on a dynamic team, receive constructive feedback, and grow with us
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, highly iterative startup environment
  • Excited to think creatively, critically, and reflectively about the problems they are solving, while not leaning only on what has been done before
  • Able to communicate technical content and results verbally

Who you are:
A startup person: You aren't driven by titles or hierarchy, and prefer efficiency to excess process. You don't need or expect to have a lot of guidance but you enjoy working in a fast-paced team. If you prefer the culture and feel of a large organization, that is great, but you likely won't enjoy working with us! There is plenty of important work and plenty of good opportunities with organizations like that.
Motivated: You are self-motivated. You bring an enthusiasm to the team, and imbue a sense of passion that goes beyond clocking in and clocking out. This isn't about a fake or arbitrary "pieces of flair" mentality or lack of work-life balance! It is about being a part of the vision and feeling a part of reaching team goals.
A team-player: Oklo genuinely is a team. We aren't about taking credit for ourselves, and we aren't about pushing blame to others. We do incredible things because we work as a team.
An excellent communicator: We need a person who is not only technically competent but also a clear and upbeat communicator.
Creative: Being creative means that when things fall outside clear scopes or processes or problems arise without clear solutions, you are able to identify it as well as invent ways to solve a problem or fill a need without micromanagement. The successful person in this job will not only be creative, but also enjoy being creative and solving open-ended problems which may change day-by-day.
Detail-oriented: This focus is a big part of excellence, consistency, and quality. Even excellent grammar and spelling matter for both good communication as well as the image of the company that we put forward.
About Oklo travel requirements:
Oklo requires remote employees to travel to headquarters (Santa Clara, CA) twice a quarter annually, based on business or team needs, including attendance at team meetings, off-sites, and other company events or gatherings. For the first two weeks of onboarding, employees are required to be in person at headquarters in Santa Clara, CA.
About Oklo compensation:
Salary: $115,000-$190,000
Salary may fall outside of the range provided and will be dependent on applicant experience.
Oklo offers flexible time off, equity, competitive pay, 401k, health insurance, FSA, flexible work hours, and other benefits.
We are looking to fill this position immediately!
About Oklo Inc.: Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel material from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.
#CHOP: Oklo's Values
Collaboration: We go further, together. We bring diverse perspectives, listen actively, and build trust through transparency and respect. We work across disciplines, sharing ownership to turn complex challenges into shared successes.
Humility: We are team players who act for the good of the company and for the world. We are focused on our mission, not personal recognition.
Ownership: We take pride in what we do and how we do it. We are proactive in finding solutions and see tasks through to completion. We are committed to delivering on our promises to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
Pathfinding: We chart new ground where no path exists by approaching challenges with curiosity, courage, and creativity while navigating ambiguity.
Candidates should be aware that employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a drug screening, and employees may be subject to drug testing at any time in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.
Recruitment Fraud Disclaimer
Oklo is aware of recent recruitment fraud attempts targeting job seekers. Please be cautious of anyone claiming to represent Oklo who does not contact you from an official Oklo email address.
All legitimate communications from our recruiting team- including application updates, interview requests, and job offers - will come exclusively from an @oklo.com email. Oklo will never ask for sensitive personal information, payments, or account credentials during the hiring process.
If you receive suspicious outreach or have concerns about the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Oklo, please contact us through the official channels listed on our website.