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National Instruments Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TAD PGS, Inc.

Software Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

$48 - $55/hr

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

New

Ontic

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$115K/yr

Familiarity with National Instruments platforms including DAQmx, PXI, and cRIO. * Understanding of instrumentation, interfaces, and sensors including DMMs, DAQ, power supplies, oscilloscopes, DIO ...

Chipton Ross

Principal Software Engineer 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$171.25/hr

Proven experience with National Instruments LabVIEW data acquisition systems and programming. * Experience developing measurement and test routines in the LabVIEW environment. * Defines development ...

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$31.6K

$78.7K

$148.5K

How much do national instruments jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Instruments Engineer, and why are they important?

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 National Instruments engineers?

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 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 are some 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 cities in California are hiring for National Instruments jobs? Cities in California with the most National Instruments job openings:
National Instruments jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Instruments job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,722 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

TAD PGS, Inc.

Santa Rosa, CA

$48 - $55/hr

Contractor

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

New

Job description

We have an outstanding Contract position for a Software Engineer to join a leading Company located in the Santa Rosa, CA surrounding area.

Pay Rate: $48 - $55

The Software & Controls Engineer II designs, develops, supports, and enhances software and control systems used to manufacture and test thin-film materials and related products. This position supports automated and electro-mechanical manufacturing equipment through software development, PLC programming, controls troubleshooting, system documentation, and equipment upgrades. The engineer works closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, and other technical teams to improve equipment reliability, resolve technical issues, and support the modernization of manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, modify, test, and support software and control systems used in automated manufacturing and test equipment.
  • Develop and troubleshoot PLC logic, control software, operator interfaces, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and equipment communications.
  • Support Maintenance and Engineering teams with equipment troubleshooting, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and reliability improvements.
  • Document control systems by updating wiring diagrams, mapping I/O, documenting signal flow, and creating as-built technical documentation.
  • Support equipment upgrades and legacy system modernization, including hardware replacement, software migration, testing, commissioning, and production release.

Basic Hiring Criteria:
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience with one or more of the following PLC programming tools (Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley RSLogix, GE Fanuc LogicMaster), PLC troubleshooting, industrial automation, or control-system support.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience troubleshooting electrical controls, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, motor controls, or electro-mechanical equipment.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, I/O lists, control drawings, or mechanical drawings.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience developing, modifying, testing, or debugging software used to control automated equipment or manufacturing systems.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience creating or maintaining technical documentation, wiring diagrams, equipment configuration records, software revisions, or change-control documentation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • PLC programming experience with Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley RSLogix, Studio 5000, GE Fanuc LogicMaster, or similar PLC platforms.
  • LabVIEW programming experience using National Instruments development tools.
  • Experience with industrial wiring, control panels, field devices, instrumentation, equipment communications, or conductor termination.
  • Experience reverse engineering legacy control systems, mapping I/O points, documenting signal flow, or creating as-built electrical drawings.
  • Experience with equipment upgrades, hardware obsolescence planning, software migration, manufacturing data systems, relational databases, document control, or formal change management.

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled 

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Education:Bachelors DegreeEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

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