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Junior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

Bechtel

$200K - $208K/yr

Mentors and assists junior instrumentation and control system engineers Education and Experience Requirements: * Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 10 - 13 years of relevant ...

INNIO

Project Engineer/Project Manager

Brea, CA · On-site

... instrumentation for continuous duty and standby power generation systems inclusive of electrical and mechanical equipment. This position provides technical support to junior engineers while ...

INNIO

Project Engineer/Project Manager

Brea, CA · On-site

... instrumentation for continuous duty and standby power generation systems inclusive of electrical and mechanical equipment. This position provides technical support to junior engineers while ...

CDM Smith

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$111K - $146K/yr

This role involves developing detailed specifications, creating Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams ... The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about building client relationships, mentoring junior ...

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Junior Instrumentation Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.9K

$108.1K

How much do junior instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior instrumentation engineer in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which is best, Ece or EIE?

For a Junior Instrumentation Engineer, both ECE (Electronics and Communication Engineering) and EIE (Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering) are relevant fields. ECE focuses on communication systems, circuits, and electronics, while EIE emphasizes instrumentation, control systems, and automation. The choice depends on your interest in communication technology versus instrumentation and control systems, which are integral to instrumentation engineering roles.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Instrumentation Engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior Instrumentation Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to industry-specific standards, learning to interpret complex instrumentation diagrams, and understanding the nuances of different control systems. They may also need to quickly develop troubleshooting skills for various sensors and devices while working under the guidance of senior engineers. Effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, are essential for successfully integrating instrumentation solutions into larger projects.

What does a Junior Instrumentation Engineer do?

A Junior Instrumentation Engineer assists in designing, developing, and maintaining instruments and control systems used in industrial processes. They typically help with the installation, calibration, and troubleshooting of equipment such as sensors, transmitters, and controllers under the supervision of senior engineers. Their work ensures that measurement and control systems operate efficiently and safely, supporting the overall productivity of plants or facilities. Junior engineers also document their work, follow industry safety standards, and may participate in testing and commissioning new systems.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

As a Junior Instrumentation Engineer, earning $500,000 annually is unlikely, as entry-level engineering roles typically have lower salaries. High earnings are generally associated with senior positions, specialized skills, management roles, or working in high-paying industries and locations. Gaining experience, certifications, and advanced skills can increase earning potential over time.

Are instrumentation engineers in demand?

Instrumentation engineers are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation, where they design, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentation. The growing focus on automation and process optimization increases the need for skilled professionals with knowledge of control systems, PLCs, and calibration. Job prospects are generally strong for those with relevant technical skills and certifications.

What is the difference between Junior Instrumentation Engineer vs Instrumentation Technician?

AspectJunior Instrumentation EngineerInstrumentation Technician
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering or related fieldDiploma or technical certification in instrumentation
Work EnvironmentDesign, troubleshooting, and project planning in industrial settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of instrumentation equipment
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, oil & gas, power plantsIndustrial plants, maintenance companies, manufacturing facilities

While both roles involve working with instrumentation, Junior Instrumentation Engineers focus on design, analysis, and project coordination, often requiring a degree. Instrumentation Technicians primarily handle installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, typically with technical certifications. The roles complement each other within industrial environments, with engineers planning and technicians executing tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Instrumentation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid understanding of instrumentation principles, process control, and a relevant engineering degree such as in electrical or instrumentation engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like PLCs, SCADA systems, and calibration equipment, as well as certifications like ISA CAP or equivalent, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in team environments and troubleshooting scenarios. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring reliable system performance, safety, and efficient operation in industrial settings.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, typically in large companies or high-demand industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Junior Instrumentation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Junior Instrumentation Engineer job openings:
Junior Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Sr Instrumentation & Controls Test Engineer

Sr Instrumentation & Controls Test Engineer

Astra Space, Inc.

Alameda, CA • On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Astra's mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Today, Astra offers one of the lowest cost-per-launch dedicated orbital launch services, and one of the industry's leading flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites, the Astra Spacecraft Engine.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Test Engineer, you'll lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our test infrastructure-spanning real-time state machines, instrumentation networks, and control logic for complex test systems. Your work will directly influence the safety, repeatability, and performance of propulsion, avionics, and spacecraft hardware testing.
You will serve as a technical lead across multiple projects, mentor junior engineers, and be trusted to architect scalable control solutions that support rapid iteration and flight readiness.
How You'll Fulfill Your Mission
  • Architect and implement robust, real-time state machines to automate test stand operations, including complex sequencing, fault detection, and recovery logic.
  • Design, deploy, and maintain instrumentation systems for pressure, temperature, flow, vibration, and electrical measurements across engine and subsystem testbeds.
  • Develop scalable control software and hardware solutions to support current and future test infrastructure.
  • Operate confidently in headless Linux environments, using Git for version control and scripting tools (e.g., Bash, PowerShell) for automation and system management.
  • Build and wire up harnesses and controls cabinets, ensuring high-quality electrical integration and safety compliance.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration with software, mechanical, avionics, and propulsion teams to align test control systems with system requirements and mission goals.
  • Drive standardization and continuous improvement in I&C test practices across the team.
  • Own commissioning of new test stands, including PLC configuration, sensor integration, and safety interlocks.
  • Analyze complex test data and use system-level insight to drive failure investigations and performance improvements.

Why We Value You
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in instrumentation and control systems for test or automation
  • Deep knowledge of real-time control systems, including implementation of state machines in Python, LabVIEW, C/C++, or equivalent
  • Proficiency with version control systems (e.g., Git) and scripting for automation (e.g., Bash, PowerShell)
  • Comfortable working in headless Linux environments and managing remote deployments
  • Strong understanding of data acquisition systems (e.g., NI, Keysight), PLCs, and industrial communication protocols
  • Demonstrated experience wiring up harnesses and assembling control panels or test cabinets
  • Experience designing and operating test stands for propulsion, aerospace, or other high-risk systems
  • Comfortable working with hazardous fluids, high voltages, and safety-critical hardware
  • Proven ability to lead cross-disciplinary engineering efforts and mentor early-career engineers
  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Mechatronics, or related field

Desired Multipliers
  • Experience with test automation frameworks and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups
  • Experience designing PCBs to rapidly prototype or integrate test hardware
  • Familiarity with model-based design tools (e.g., Simulink, Stateflow)
  • Working knowledge of CAN, EtherCAT, or Modbus communication protocols
  • Background in flight hardware testing or space systems
  • Experience deploying telemetry and real-time data visualization systems
  • Exposure to system safety analysis methods (FMEA, HAZOP)
  • CAD experience for designing brackets, enclosures, or mechanical integrations

The pay range for this role is: $140,000-180,000 per year
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and excludes additional earnings such as bonus and benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Astra, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
San Francisco Applicants: Astra will consider applicants with arrest and conviction records (criminal histories) in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
ITAR Requirements: This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies. All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant's status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. and California laws. Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

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