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Junior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

Acara Solutions

Launch Engineer EGSE

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

The client Controls and Instrumentation Engineers on the Launch Team leverage their creative ... The ability to mentor junior engineers and technicians on electrical systems * Familiarity with ...

Firefly Aerospace

Launch Engineer, EGSE

Lompoc, CA · On-site

Controls and Instrumentation Engineers are responsible for the design, fabrication, installation ... The ability to mentor junior engineers and technicians on electrical systems * Familiarity with ...

Firefly Aerospace

Launch Engineer, EGSE

Lompoc, CA · On-site

Controls and Instrumentation Engineers are responsible for the design, fabrication, installation ... The ability to mentor junior engineers and technicians on electrical systems * Familiarity with ...

Soffa Electric Inc

Project Engineer II

Folsom, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

OBJECTIVES OF THIS ROLE Design and implementation of electrical, instrumentation, control, and ... Be a cooperative and communicative team member, occasionally assisting junior team members with ...

Soffa Electric Inc

Project Engineer II

Folsom, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

OBJECTIVES OF THIS ROLE Design and implementation of electrical, instrumentation, control, and ... Be a cooperative and communicative team member, occasionally assisting junior team members with ...

Soffa Electric Inc

Project Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

OBJECTIVES OF THIS ROLE Design and implementation of electrical, instrumentation, control, and ... Be a cooperative and communicative team member, occasionally assisting junior team members with ...

Soffa Electric Inc

Project Engineer II

Brea, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

OBJECTIVES OF THIS ROLE Design and implementation of electrical, instrumentation, control, and ... Be a cooperative and communicative team member, occasionally assisting junior team members with ...

Observable Space

Junior Optical Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Collaborate with engineering teams to provide feedback on assembly processes, tolerances, and ... Experience working with hand tools, microscopes, alignment equipment, or lab instrumentation.

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA

$89K - $115K/yr

... instrumentation documentation, designing control panels, integrating industrial hardware and ... Opportunities to lead projects and mentor junior engineers * Collaborative team environment with ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

... instrumentation documentation, designing control panels, integrating industrial hardware and ... Opportunities to lead projects and mentor junior engineers * Collaborative team environment with ...

Clera

Senior Android Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers on the Android team What We're Looking ... Proficiency with Android testing strategies (unit and instrumentation/UI tests) and maintaining CI ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsInstrumentation Engineer JobsJunior Instrumentation Engineer JobsJunior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

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 Aug 7, 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 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.

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?

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 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
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.

Junior Propulsion Component Test Engineer

Amca

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Amca is building America's new industrial base. Since the 1990s, our ability to build new aviation and military systems and maintain the ones we already have has eroded. Today, the gap between what the nation needs to produce and what it is capable of producing is the largest it has been in generations.
To help close that gap, Amca rapidly develops and manufactures new critical components and subsystems required to build and sustain the planes, military vehicles, and core infrastructure America needs. Today, we operate seven factories nationwide, including our advanced prototyping and testing headquarters in El Segundo, and deliver avionics, hydraulic, and electrical components for platforms such as the F-35, F-16, F/A-18, 737MAX, 787, A320neo, A321, Mk-48, and M1 Abrams.
Overview
The Junior Propulsion Component Test Engineer supports the verification and qualification testing of Amca's propulsion control hardware under the direction of senior test engineers. You will help set up test rigs, run tests, and reduce data on hydraulic and pneumatic hardware. This is an entry-level role for an engineer who wants to build a strong foundation in hardware test and measurement.
Responsibilities
Test Support
  • Assist in building test rigs, fixtures, and fluid loops under senior direction.
  • Set up instrumentation and data acquisition and verify measurement channels.
  • Follow test procedures and help refine them based on setup experience.

Test Execution
  • Run flow, pressure, leakage, and endurance tests under supervision.
  • Support qualification and environmental testing against defined requirements.
  • Follow test safety practices for high-pressure and hazardous-fluid operations.

Data and Development
  • Reduce and plot test data and help identify trends and anomalies.
  • Draft sections of test reports and maintain test records.
  • Build test and measurement fundamentals through mentorship and hands-on work.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 0 to 2 years of engineering experience, including internships or co-ops.
  • Familiarity with test instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition concepts.
  • Working knowledge of propulsion or mechanical systems fundamentals.
  • Strong attention to detail and a methodical, safety-minded approach to lab work.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Coursework or project experience in instrumentation, controls, or fluid mechanics.
  • Exposure to LabVIEW or comparable data acquisition tools.
  • Internship or lab experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability hardware.
  • Familiarity with test procedures and engineering documentation.

Annual Salary Range
$100,000-$130,000 USD
This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a US person as: any individual who is granted U.S. citizenship; or. any individual who is granted U.S. permanent residence ("Green Card" holder); or. any individual who is granted status as a "protected person" under 8 U.S.C 1324b(a)(3).
The Advanced Manufacturing Company of America prohibits discrimination or harassment based on the following categories: race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

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