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Junior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

Junior Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA ยท On-site

$70 - $90/hr

... and extending instrumentation software with web, mobile, and cloud technologies. We have also ... Responsibilities As a Junior Engineer at JKI, you will: * Visit and talk directly with customers ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 6, 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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior instrumentation engineer?

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 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 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.

How to get into a junior instrumentation engineer?

To become a junior instrumentation engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical, electronics, or instrumentation engineering. Relevant skills include knowledge of control systems, PLCs, and instrumentation tools, along with internships or entry-level experience in industrial settings. Certifications in instrumentation or automation can also improve job prospects.

Is instrumentation in high demand?

Instrumentation engineering is in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation due to the need for precise control systems and automation. Skilled instrumentation engineers with knowledge of control systems, PLCs, and calibration are sought after, especially in projects requiring safety and compliance standards.

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:

Infographic showing various Junior Instrumentation Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Stantec Consulting International Ltd.

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$134.90 - $202.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

About the Role

Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work to meet that need, theyโ€™re facing new, more complex challenges every day. Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and a vision for sustainable growth. Every day, weโ€™re helping communities improve, reuse, and protect our worldโ€™s most precious resource.

Join our team to deliver transformational projects that will benefit future generations. Grow with us, H2O+U.

Stantec is currently seeking an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer for any one of our California state office locations โ€“ San Francisco, Irvine or Sacramento.

Successful applicant will work with a multidiscipline group of engineers and designers providing technical services to public and private sector clients. Primary duties include control systems engineering, process control strategy planning, automation designs, construction support services, planning studies with detailed analyses, and designs related to water and wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations. Experience with equipment selection, equipment and communication network layouts, and process control design coordination with other engineering disciplines is required. Candidate should be at ease with core aspects of PLC, HMI and SCADA system planning, design, programming, and upgrade. Depending on job size and complexity, duties may be performed as project I&C lead or as a project team member under the guidance of a principal level I&C engineer.

Responsibilities
  • Control systems engineering, process control strategy planning, automation designs, construction support services, planning studies with detailed analyses, and designs related to water and wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations.
  • Equipment selection, equipment and communication network layouts, and process control design coordination with other engineering disciplines.
  • PLC, HMI and SCADA system planning, design, programming, and upgrade.
  • Project I&C lead or team member under guidance of principal-level I&C engineer.
  • Design activities including field review and evaluation of existing equipment, control systems, and control panels.
  • Preparation of conceptual reports and technical memorandums.
  • I&C engineering and analyses for various water, wastewater, and industrial waste treatment facilities.
  • Support engineering design projects and studies within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Development of construction documents: Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID's), detailed control and communication network architecture diagrams, control panel details, CCTV and Access Control System architecture drawings and details, Point-to-Point Wiring Diagrams, instrument installation details, technical specifications, control strategies, control functional diagrams, Cause and Effect tables, and Summary Control System Schedules.
  • Review and evaluation of electrical schematic diagrams and plans, mechanical specifications with controls content, process flow diagrams and design criteria, and coordination of I&C deliverables with process, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.
  • Procurement support: preparation and/or review of instrument datasheets, review of Contractor and Equipment Supplier submittals, and development of contract-based responses to RFIs.
  • Engineering services during construction: equipment supplier shop inspections, factory tests, active construction site inspections, support of equipment and control system commissioning, start-up, and performance testing.
  • Generation of field test reports, progress reports, daily inspection reports.
  • Control system diagnosis and troubleshooting.
  • Developing project scope definitions, budgets, and staffing plans.
  • Adhering to health and safety guidelines and policies.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering is required; MS preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in instrumentation and controls.
  • PE license in Controls Systems or Electrical Engineering in California, or ability to obtain reciprocity, or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire, is required.
  • Solid interpersonal skills for working in a team environment (virtual or in-person).
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to mentor junior staff and work with dispersely located project team members.
  • Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Willing and able to travel; occasional international travel may be required.
Pay Range
  • Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas: $117,800.00 - $176,800.00 Annually
  • Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA areas: $126,400.00 - $189,600.00 Annually
  • Locations in NYC & CA (Bay Area) & NJ (RP): $134,900.00 - $202,500.00 Annually
Pay Transparency

In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.

Benefits Summary

Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law). Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law. The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Equal Employment Opportunities

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.

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