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Internship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

General Matter

Software Engineer (New Grad)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Build tools and applications that interface with hardware, instrumentation, controls, and data ... Internship, research, student project, or other hands-on software engineering experience.

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All JobsInstrumentation & Controls Engineer JobsInternship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer JobsInternship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Internship Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer information

See Los Angeles, CA salary details

$30

$58

$88

How much do internship entry level instrumentation & controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship entry level instrumentation & controls engineer in Los Angeles, CA is $58.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.87 and $66.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship entry level instrumentation & controls engineer do?

An Internship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer assists in designing, developing, and maintaining systems that control and monitor industrial processes. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to specify instrumentation, configure control systems, and troubleshoot issues. Interns may also be involved in testing equipment, preparing technical documentation, and supporting the implementation of automation solutions. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in the field of instrumentation and controls engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship entry level instrumentation & controls engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as an Internship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you need a background in electrical or mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with instrumentation fundamentals, often gained through coursework or relevant internships. Experience with industry-standard tools like PLC programming, SCADA systems, and AutoCAD, as well as exposure to ISA standards, is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and effective teamwork and communication skills help interns stand out in collaborative engineering environments. These abilities enable accurate system design, troubleshooting, and integration, ensuring project success and professional growth.

What types of projects and tasks can an internship entry level instrumentation & controls engineer expect to work on?

As an Internship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you can expect to assist with designing, testing, and troubleshooting control systems and instrumentation for various engineering projects. Your daily tasks may include creating wiring diagrams, configuring PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), supporting senior engineers with system documentation, and participating in equipment calibration and commissioning activities. You'll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, gaining exposure to both technical and project management aspects. This hands-on experience provides a solid foundation for future roles and helps you develop a comprehensive understanding of industrial automation and process control systems.

What is the difference between Internship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer vs Entry Level Electrical Engineer?

AspectInternship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls EngineerEntry Level Electrical Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineeringBachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation projectsPower plants, manufacturing, design firms, or consulting
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, process industries, automation companiesPower generation, electronics, consulting firms

Both roles are entry-level positions requiring similar educational backgrounds. The main difference lies in focus: Instrumentation & Controls Engineers specialize in automation systems and control devices, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope including power systems and circuitry. Interns in both roles gain hands-on experience in their respective fields, often within industrial or manufacturing environments.

Are internship entry level instrumentation & controls engineers in demand?

Entry-level instrumentation and controls engineering internships are in demand due to the growing need for automation and control systems across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities. These roles often require knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and relevant certifications, making them valuable for companies seeking to develop skilled engineers for future employment.

How to become an internship entry level instrumentation & controls engineer with no experience?

To become an entry-level instrumentation and controls engineer intern with no experience, focus on obtaining a relevant degree such as electrical, mechanical, or control engineering, and develop foundational skills in PLC programming, control systems, and instrumentation. Gaining hands-on experience through coursework, personal projects, or certifications like OSHA or NICET can improve your prospects, and applying to internships that offer training programs can provide practical exposure.

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For Internship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Internship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA are:

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Internship Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,217 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

Staff Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Valar Atomics

Torrance, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Valar Atomics
At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable-unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.
The Team
You will be joining Valar Atomics' I&C and Controls Engineering team within the Fuel Manufacturing group. I&C Engineers at Valar own the full controls stack - from PLC logic and batch sequences at the field level to SCADA displays, historian data infrastructure, and enterprise integration at the supervisory level. You will work alongside process, electrical, and nuclear safety engineers in a hands-on environment where the quality of your control system engineering directly supports production reliability and nuclear safety. The team values technical depth, disciplined documentation, and a safety-first culture.
The Role
Valar Atomics is seeking a Staff Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer to design, develop, commission, and maintain control systems for nuclear fuel manufacturing facilities. The role spans the full controls stack - PLC and DCS programming, SCADA and HMI development, ISA-88 batch control, safety instrumented systems, historian and enterprise integration, and field commissioning - with senior responsibility for technical leadership of complex projects, contractor oversight, and mentorship of junior engineers.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain PLC and DCS programs using platforms such as Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Emerson, or equivalent; program in ladder logic, function block, structured text, and sequential function chart per IEC 61131-3.
  • Develop and configure SCADA applications on platforms such as Ignition, Rockwell FactoryTalk, Wonderware AVEVA System Platform, Siemens WinCC, or equivalent; build and maintain tag databases, communication drivers, scripting, and alarm configuration.
  • Design HMI displays at both the local panel level (Rockwell PanelView, WinCC, or equivalent) and the supervisory SCADA level in accordance with ISA-101 and High-Performance HMI (HPHMI) principles.
  • Develop batch control sequences in accordance with ISA-88; configure phase logic, unit procedures, and recipe management; monitor batch execution, unit status, and recipe progress at the supervisory layer.
  • Configure and manage alarm systems to ISA-18.2 including setpoints, priorities, suppression logic, and alarm KPI monitoring.
  • Configure and commission safety instrumented functions (SIFs) on SIS platforms (Rockwell GuardLogix, Siemens F-CPU, Triconex, or equivalent) in accordance with IEC 61511.
  • Configure plant historian systems (OSIsoft PI / AVEVA PI, Ignition Historian, Rockwell FactoryTalk Historian, or equivalent); build process data dashboards and reports; support ISA-95 enterprise-control integration including data exchange interfaces between control systems and MES, ERP, or LIMS.
  • Tune PID and advanced regulatory control loops; commission instrumentation including flow, pressure, temperature, and level devices; support loop calibration and documentation.
  • Own instrument engineering scope including sizing and specification of field devices (transmitters, control valves, flow elements), instrument index and hook-up drawing development, and hazardous area classification for new and modified installations; review instrument specifications prepared by junior engineers and contractors.
  • Implement and configure industrial communication protocols (OPC-UA, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP/RTU, DeviceNet); configure interfaces between PLCs, SCADA, historian, and third-party systems.
  • Support OT network cybersecurity hardening in accordance with IEC 62443 or NIST SP 800-82.
  • Prepare and execute control system FAT, SAT, and commissioning plans; perform loop checks, instrument calibration verification, interlock functional testing, and regulatory control loop tuning; maintain engineering documentation including functional specifications, control narratives, I/O lists, cause-and-effect matrices, tag lists, and as-built records.
  • Diagnose and resolve control system faults including PLC/SCADA communication failures, I/O faults, loop deviations, and software defects; perform root cause analysis and document corrective actions.
  • Provide technical direction to contractors and consultants on I&C scope; review and redline control system deliverables to ensure compliance with project standards and nuclear quality requirements.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Computer, or Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Minimum 8+ years of I&C or controls engineering experience in process industries, with demonstrated ownership of complex control system projects from design through commissioning.
  • Hands-on PLC programming experience with at least one major platform (Rockwell, Siemens, Emerson, or equivalent) using IEC 61131-3 languages.
  • Experience developing or maintaining SCADA applications on at least one major platform (Ignition, FactoryTalk, AVEVA, WinCC, or equivalent).
  • Experience developing batch control sequences in accordance with ISA-88.
  • Familiarity with ISA-95 enterprise-control integration concepts.
  • Experience commissioning instrumentation and tuning regulatory control loops.
  • Working knowledge of OPC-UA, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, or Modbus communication protocols.
  • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, and instrument data sheets.
  • Demonstrated experience specifying and sizing field instruments (transmitters, control valves, flow elements) and leading hazardous area classification and instrument index development for capital projects.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Ignition Certified Designer, Rockwell Automation Certified Programmer, Siemens TIA Portal certification, or equivalent platform certification.
  • ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or equivalent credentials.
  • Experience with ISA-88 batch control implementation including recipe management and material tracking.
  • Experience with SIS/SIL verification and IEC 61511 lifecycle documentation.
  • Experience with OSIsoft PI / AVEVA PI including PI AF asset framework configuration and PI Web API.
  • Experience with LIMS integration (LabWare, Uncountable, LabVantage, or equivalent).
  • Familiarity with GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, or nuclear quality (NQA-1) requirements for control system validation.
  • Experience with SQL (queries, stored procedures) and Python scripting for data processing, report generation, or control system testing automation.
  • Exposure to IEC 62443 OT cybersecurity standards and secure network architecture for industrial control systems.
  • Experience with REST API development or consumption for system integration.

What We Offer
  • Competitive base salary
  • Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
  • Generous PPE stipend
  • High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
  • Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
  • Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
  • The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Salary
$173,000-$211,000 USD

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