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Intern Instrument Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lightmatter

Laser Characterization, Temp

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$57 - $65/hr

... engineers, and accomplished industry leaders. Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing ... As a Laser Characterization Intern, you will focus on the fundamental performance, physics, and ...

Sila

Physics-Based Modeling Internship/Co-Op

Alameda, CA · On-site

$25 - $39/hr

We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the ... Using those models, predict future material properties and instrument performance and develop key ...

Sila

Physics-Based Modeling Internship/Co-Op

Alameda, CA · On-site

$25 - $39/hr

We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the ... Using those models, predict future material properties and instrument performance and develop key ...

Amat

Process Technician IV

Santa Clara, CA

$33 - $45.70/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Coordinate wafer evaluations and instrument repair and maintenance * Perform routine shut down ...

Amat

Process Technician IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$33 - $45.70/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Coordinate wafer evaluations and instrument repair and maintenance * Perform routine shut down ...

Applied Materials

Process Technician IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$33 - $45.70/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Coordinate wafer evaluations and instrument repair and maintenance * Perform routine shut down ...

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Intern Instrument Engineer information

What does an Intern Instrument Engineer do?

An Intern Instrument Engineer assists in the design, installation, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems used in various industries, such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or pharmaceuticals. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers and may help with tasks like calibrating instruments, troubleshooting equipment issues, and preparing technical documentation. This role is ideal for engineering students or recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in instrumentation and control engineering.

What types of projects and tasks can an Intern Instrument Engineer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Intern Instrument Engineer, you can expect to assist with the design, calibration, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems used in industrial settings. Your daily tasks may include supporting senior engineers in data collection, documenting instrument specifications, and helping with troubleshooting equipment issues. Interns often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including process engineers and technicians, gaining exposure to real-world projects that enhance both technical and problem-solving skills. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into industry standards and can help identify areas for future specialization or career growth.

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

To thrive as an Intern Instrument Engineer, you typically need a background in engineering (such as electrical, instrumentation, or control engineering) and a fundamental understanding of instrumentation principles. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, PLC programming tools, and exposure to process control systems is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills that set candidates apart. These abilities ensure accurate design, safe operations, and successful collaboration within engineering projects.

What is the difference between Intern Instrument Engineer vs Junior Instrument Engineer?

AspectIntern Instrument EngineerJunior Instrument Engineer
QualificationsCurrently pursuing or recently completed relevant degreeBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work ExperienceLimited or no professional experience1-2 years of related work experience
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with basic tasks, learning on the jobPerforming routine instrument installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, supervised learningEntry-level professional environment, more independence

In summary, an Intern Instrument Engineer is typically a student or recent graduate gaining initial industry exposure, while a Junior Instrument Engineer has some professional experience and handles more responsibilities in instrument engineering tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Intern Instrument Engineer jobs in California? For Intern Instrument Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Intern Instrument Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Intern Instrument Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Intern Instrument Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Intern Instrument Engineer job openings:
Intern Instrument Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Intern Instrument Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

RF Test Engineering Intern (Fall 2026)

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$32/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

As an RF Test Engineering Intern, you will support the development, automation, and execution of RF test systems used to validate spacecraft communication hardware and integrated RF subsystems. This role is heavily focused on test automation, lab bring-up, and data-driven validation of RF hardware in fast-paced development environments.
You will work closely with RF, avionics, software, and manufacturing engineers to develop automated test infrastructure, improve test efficiency, and support RF system integration and characterization from prototype through production.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone interested in combining RF engineering fundamentals with software and automation tools to enable scalable hardware testing.

  • Develop and maintain automated RF test scripts and validation tools using Python or similar scripting languages
  • Support RF hardware bring-up, integration, characterization, and troubleshooting in laboratory environments
  • Assist with development of automated test stations for RF components and subsystems including amplifiers, filters, LNAs, mixers, and transceivers
  • Interface with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers (VNAs), signal generators, power meters, and oscilloscopes
  • Execute RF validation and performance testing, collect data, and analyze results against system requirements
  • Support design verification efforts through test procedure development and documentation
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with RF, avionics, software, and manufacturing teams to improve test workflows and system reliability
  • Assist with RF schematic review, hardware debug, and manufacturing support activities as needed
  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
  • Hands-on experience working in an electronics or RF lab environment
  • Understanding of RF and microwave fundamentals including transmission lines, impedance matching, S-parameters, gain, noise figure, and filtering
  • Familiarity with common RF test equipment such as VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
  • Experience troubleshooting PCBs or embedded hardware at the board or system level
  • Basic programming or scripting experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages
  • Experience developing automated hardware test scripts or lab automation tools
  • Familiarity with SCPI, PyVISA, or automated instrument control frameworks
  • Experience with RF simulation tools such as ADS, CST, or HFSS
  • Experience testing RF components such as PAs, LNAs, filters, or antennas
  • Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools
  • Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering teams with both hardware and software engineers
  • Familiarity with Altium Designer or PCB design workflows
Additional Requirements:
  • Willing and able to work on-site in Redondo Beach, CA for the duration of the internship
  • This role may require overtime hours; interns are eligible for overtime pay.

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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