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Junior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Next Matter

Senior Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Mentor junior test engineers and contribute to building robust test capabilities at Castelion ... Strong hands‑on experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or ...

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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 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:

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.

Senior Principal Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Designer

SuperbTech,Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$70 - $75/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform senior-level Instrumentation & Controls design and drafting using AutoCAD.

  • Develop and revise complex I&C drawings and associated design documentation.

  • Coordinate instrumentation and controls requirements with multidisciplinary teams and support project phases from design through construction and as-built documentation.

Job description

Senior Principal Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Designer
Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Work Schedule: Hybrid

Position Overview
We are seeking an exceptionally experienced Senior / Principal Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Designer with extensive hands-on design expertise supporting complex industrial, pipeline, transmission, utility, or energy infrastructure projects.
This position requires a highly accomplished technical designer with advanced AutoCAD capabilities and comprehensive knowledge of instrumentation and controls design, drawing production, multidisciplinary coordination, constructability, and construction deliverables.
The successful candidate will be capable of independently executing complex I&C design assignments while coordinating effectively with Engineering, Design, Project Management, and other technical disciplines.

Key Responsibilities
  • Perform senior-level Instrumentation & Controls design and drafting using AutoCAD.
  • Develop and revise complex I&C drawings and associated design documentation.
  • Prepare instrumentation plans, control system drawings, wiring and interconnection drawings, installation details, and related design deliverables.
  • Develop and maintain accurate, construction-ready I&C drawing packages.
  • Interpret engineering requirements, specifications, P&IDs, vendor information, field information, and other technical documentation.
  • Coordinate instrumentation and controls requirements with Process, Mechanical, Piping, Civil, Structural, and Electrical disciplines.
  • Identify design conflicts, interface issues, and constructability concerns.
  • Develop practical and technically sound solutions to complex design problems.
  • Review drawings for technical accuracy, completeness, consistency, and compliance with applicable project requirements.
  • Support projects throughout IFR, IFC, construction support, and as-built phases.
  • Incorporate engineering revisions, field changes, redlines, and construction modifications into project documentation.
  • Coordinate effectively with engineers, project managers, designers, field personnel, vendors, and other stakeholders.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced designers when required.
  • Organize and prioritize work across multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.

 
Required Qualifications
  • 15+ years of relevant Instrumentation & Controls design experience strongly preferred.
  • Extensive hands-on AutoCAD design and drafting experience.
  • Demonstrated experience developing complex I&C construction drawing packages.
  • Strong knowledge of instrumentation and controls design principles, documentation, and drawing standards.
  • Experience interpreting and working from P&IDs, specifications, engineering documentation, and vendor information.
  • Strong multidisciplinary design coordination experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex design assignments with minimal supervision.
  • Strong understanding of drawing production, revisions, document control, and quality-control processes.
  • Excellent analytical and technical problem-solving capabilities.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to successfully manage multiple assignments and competing priorities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Extensive experience supporting pipeline and transmission projects.
  • Natural gas, utility, energy, petrochemical, or comparable industrial infrastructure experience.
  • Experience supporting large, technically complex capital projects.
  • Experience providing technical guidance, drawing reviews, and mentorship to junior and intermediate designers.
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD Plant 3D and Civil 3D environments, particularly where I&C systems interface with piping, civil, and other disciplines.
  • Experience supporting projects through IFR, IFC, construction, commissioning support, and final as-built documentation.
 
Location Requirement
This position is hybrid and based in Downtown Los Angeles, California. Candidates must be available for regular onsite collaboration with engineering, design, and project teams.
This position requires a deeply experienced I&C design professional who can operate independently, recognize technical issues early, coordinate effectively across disciplines, and consistently deliver high-quality construction-ready design documentation.