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National Instruments Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Test Instrumentation Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$86K - $120K/yr

Experience with National Instruments (NI) hardware and LabVIEW-based data acquisition and control systems. * Proficiency in programming and scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, SQL, and ...

Software Engineer

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$55/hr

LabVIEW programming experience using National Instruments development tools. * Experience with industrial wiring, control panels, field devices, instrumentation, equipment communications, or ...

Showing results 41-60

National Instruments information

See California salary details

$31.6K

$78.7K

$148.5K

How much do national instruments jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for national instruments in California is $78,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a National Instruments engineer?

National Instruments engineers are professionals who work with hardware and software solutions developed by National Instruments (now known as NI), a company specializing in automated test and measurement systems. These engineers typically use products like LabVIEW, PXI, and data acquisition devices to design, test, and automate processes across various industries such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Their work involves creating custom measurement and control systems, integrating hardware and software, and optimizing test workflows to improve efficiency and accuracy.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a National Instruments engineer?

To thrive as a National Instruments Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, instrumentation, and automation, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with NI LabVIEW, TestStand, and certifications such as Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) are commonly required technical assets. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting automated test and measurement systems that meet industry standards.

What are common challenges faced by engineers working at National Instruments, and how can new hires effectively navigate them?

Engineers at National Instruments often work on complex, interdisciplinary projects that require collaboration across hardware, software, and test engineering teams. New hires may find it challenging to quickly learn the company's proprietary tools, such as LabVIEW, and to adapt to the fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. To navigate these challenges, it's helpful to proactively seek mentorship, participate in internal training programs, and communicate openly with team members to clarify project goals and expectations. Embracing a collaborative mindset and being willing to ask questions can accelerate your integration into the team and enhance your contributions.

What is the difference between National Instruments vs Test Engineer?

AspectNational InstrumentsTest Engineer
Primary RoleDesigning and developing test systems using NI hardware/softwarePlanning, executing, and analyzing product tests to ensure quality
Required SkillsExperience with NI LabVIEW, hardware integration, automationKnowledge of testing methodologies, scripting, and product specifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, engineering teams, hardware/software integrationManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, quality assurance teams
CertificationsNI certifications, engineering degrees often preferredEngineering degrees, testing certifications beneficial

National Instruments professionals focus on developing test systems using NI hardware and software, often working closely with hardware integration. Test Engineers design and execute product tests to verify quality, utilizing testing methodologies. While both roles require technical skills, National Instruments roles emphasize hardware/software development, whereas Test Engineers concentrate on testing processes and analysis.

What does National Instruments do?

A role related to National Instruments typically involves working with test, measurement, and automation hardware and software solutions. Employees may develop, support, or implement systems using tools like LabVIEW and NI hardware to help industries improve testing and data acquisition processes.

What cities in California are hiring for National Instruments jobs?

Cities in California with the most National Instruments job openings:

Infographic showing various National Instruments job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,722 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician - Instruments Team

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Company Description
It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies-like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion-have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.
We're a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.
The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful-because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.
If you're ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you'll find your purpose here.
Job Description
Description of Position:
The Future Forward group within Intuitive Surgical is searching for a Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician with a focus on the mechanical design of next generation surgical robot instruments. This role is an exciting opportunity to join a small and innovative team in the early phases of product development.
Joining Intuitive Surgical means joining a team dedicated to using technology to benefit patients by improving surgical efficacy and decreasing surgical invasiveness, with patient outcomes as our highest priority. The Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician is responsible for supporting a team of mechanical engineers developing new products at Intuitive. The ideal candidate will be fully proficient in all typical instrument manufacturing processes. The candidate should be comfortable working with minimal supervision, and with minimal work instructions and be able to take ideas from R&D engineers and figure out how to build fully functional instrument prototypes. In addition, the individual will assist with developing and maintaining a clean and well-organized engineering lab environment that includes robotic instruments, rapid prototype machines, tools, fixtures, prototypes, and supplies. A strong sense of integrity, care, and attention to detail is required as well as a commitment to developing products of the highest quality.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Assisting with all aspects of early prototype builds, including fabrication and assembly, procurement and inspection of materials, rework of components, troubleshooting, and repair of prototype instruments
  • Assembling prototypes per engineering design/instructions
  • Work alongside engineers to fabricate and modify components using standard prototyping and manufacturing equipment, such as lathe, mill, and laser welder
  • Debugging and performance testing of engineering prototypes
  • Collecting, recording, and reporting test results
  • Preparation of prototype instruments and accessories for benchtop testing and pre-clinical lab evaluations, organizing, overseeing, and collaborating with other groups to assemble and test prototypes.
  • Creating prototype test and assembly fixtures, and providing input for the design of production fixtures
  • Providing input for protocols and reports for engineering, qualification, and verification studies
  • Setup, organization, and maintenance of engineering lab and equipment
  • Documenting assembly procedures and training other technicians on assembly. Assisting in knowledge transfer to other groups / teams.

Qualifications
Skills/Job Requirements:
  • Minimum 8 years' experience supporting a mechanical engineering group in a product development organization
  • Minimum Associate of Science degree, or equivalent work experience
  • Hands-on skills and knowledgeable in prototyping and manufacturing methods, including machine equipment, laser welding, soldering, microscopic wire and cable stripping, and adhesive bonding.
  • Manual dexterity to assemble small components, with microscope or similar magnification
  • Knowledge of catheter materials and manufacturing processes including laminating, braiding, bonding, flaring, and tipping.
  • Ability to inspect components using metrology equipment (including calipers, micrometers, vision systems, CMM)
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office required, Solidworks experience desired
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Able to work independently

Additional Information
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
Mandatory Notices
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employeeswho are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government's licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan ("TCP") (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee'sstart date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate's experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate's qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.