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Intern Instrument Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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.

Are instrumentation engineers in demand?

Instrumentation engineers are in demand across industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation, where they design, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentation. The demand is driven by the need for automation, safety standards, and technological advancements, often requiring knowledge of control systems, PLCs, and industry-specific regulations.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Intern - LCLS

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SLAC National Accelerator Laboratoryexternal

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in designing instruments and measuring timing jitter between ultrafast laser pulses.

  • Support the development and characterization of optical and laser systems related to high-contrast laser pulses and pulse diagnostics.

  • Participate in data analysis, modeling, and implementation of algorithms for experiments involving X-ray interactions and ultrafast laser propagation.

Job description

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at SLAC National Accelerator Lab is the world's first hard X-ray free electron laser. LCLS produces pulses of X-rays more than a billion times brighter than the most powerful existing synchrotron sources. Scientists use these highly focused, intense beams of X-rays to reveal the identity and arrangement of atoms in a wide range of materials. The tiny wavelength of X-rays enables study of the arrangement of atoms in metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, catalysts, plastics, and biological molecules. The ultrashort duration of these X-ray pulses can capture images of atoms and molecules in motion. LCLS is operated as an international user facility, attracting hundreds of scientists from around the world to conduct first-of-a-kind experiments to study fundamental processes of chemistry, technology, and life itself.
Example laboratory projects from previous internships:
  • Design of instrument and measurement of the timing jitter between ultrafast laser pulses.
  • Development of a non-linear optical system for high-contrast laser pulses.
  • Development of multi-photon pulse-width diagnostic.
  • Micro-machining capillaries for deep-UV jet sources.
  • Design and construction of an ultra-high vacuum experimental chamber for attoscience experiments.
  • Characterization of reflectivity and dispersion characteristics of optical coatings.
  • ASIC development for high-speed X-ray detectors.
  • Characterization of a pulsed sample delivery system for X-ray protein crystallography.
  • Characterization of saturable absorption properties of laser safety glass.
  • Characterization of beam pointing stabilization system.
  • Example programming/modeling projects from previous internships:
  • Analysis of data from LCLS experiments on X-ray interactions with diatomic molecules.
  • Modeling of ultrafast laser propagation through dispersive media.
  • Modeling of THz generation by coherent transition radiation.
  • Implementation of on-line data analysis algorithms for LCLS experiments.
  • Interfacing centralized data acquisition system with laser timing system.
  • Analysis of publication data to determine scientific productivity of facility.
Opportunities and Benefits:
  • Great experience for students seeking real-world experience in a scientific and research environment.
  • Engage with students and staff in the multidisciplinary Stanford/SLAC scientific community.
  • Develop a network of mentors and colleagues.
  • Housing on Stanford campus will be offered during the internship.
Note: This is an hourly, non-benefits eligible temporary-nonexempt, summer internship position (work at 50% full-time equivalent or more), not to exceed 980 hours in six consecutive months. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age and currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated and have US work authorization.
SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.
To be successful in this position:
  • Must be currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science or related field.
  • Problem-solving and analysis skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Organizational skills and ability to multi-task and complete assignments.
SLAC employee competencies:
  • Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
  • Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
  • Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
  • Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
  • Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
  • Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
  • Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and working conditions:
  • Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Work Standards:
  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1-General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu
  • As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

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