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Oilfield Instrumentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bechtel

Demonstrated design and engineering experience in the processing plant or oil and gas industries ... Smart Instrumentation experience is favourable * Candidates responding to this posting must ...

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Oilfield Instrumentation information

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$14

$28

$75

How much do oilfield instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for oilfield instrumentation in California is $28.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do instrumentation technicians make the most money?

Instrumentation technicians in the oilfield industry tend to earn the highest wages in regions with active oil and gas production, such as major shale plays and offshore drilling areas. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment maintained, with those working in remote or high-risk environments often receiving higher compensation. Skilled technicians with specialized knowledge of control systems and instrumentation tools are in greater demand and can command higher salaries.

What is an Oilfield Instrumentation job?

An Oilfield Instrumentation job involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting measurement and control systems used in oil and gas operations. These systems monitor pressure, temperature, flow, and other critical parameters to ensure efficient and safe drilling, production, and processing. Instrumentation technicians and engineers work with sensors, transmitters, SCADA systems, and automation equipment to optimize performance and minimize downtime. The role requires technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and adherence to industry safety standards.

How much do oilfield technicians make?

Oilfield instrumentation technicians typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They work with specialized equipment in demanding environments and often require technical training or certifications such as OSHA or industry-specific safety courses.

What is instrumentation in the oil field?

In oilfield instrumentation, the role involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems and sensors that monitor and regulate equipment such as pumps, valves, and pressure systems. It requires knowledge of electrical and electronic systems, calibration skills, and often involves working with tools like PLCs and SCADA systems in challenging environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Oilfield Instrumentation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Oilfield Instrumentation, you need a solid understanding of industrial instrumentation, electronics, and process control, often supported by a technical diploma or degree in instrumentation or a related field. Familiarity with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, and safety certifications such as H2S Alive and confined space entry is highly valued. Strong troubleshooting, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills will set you apart in this position. These capabilities are essential for maintaining safe, accurate, and efficient operations in challenging oilfield environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in Oilfield Instrumentation?

Oilfield Instrumentation professionals are responsible for installing, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a wide range of sensors, transmitters, and automated control systems that monitor oilfield processes. Their day-to-day tasks involve conducting regular inspections, responding to equipment malfunctions, and ensuring all instrumentation meets strict safety and regulatory standards. This role also requires frequent collaboration with engineers, operators, and other field staff to optimize system performance and resolve technical issues quickly. The work is hands-on and may involve both routine maintenance and emergency response in sometimes harsh or remote outdoor settings.

What's the highest paying job in the oilfield?

In oilfield instrumentation, senior roles such as Instrumentation Engineering Managers or specialized technical consultants tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise with control systems, SCADA, and safety protocols.
What are the most commonly searched types of Oilfield Instrumentation jobs in California? The most popular types of Oilfield Instrumentation jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Oilfield Instrumentation jobs in California? For Oilfield Instrumentation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Oilfield Instrumentation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Oilfield Instrumentation jobs in California are:
Oilfield Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oilfield Instrumentation job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,104 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Instrumentation & Electrical Technician

Sentinel Peak Resources Management LLC

Fellows, CA

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Instrumentation & Electrical Technician

DEPARTMENT: Field Operation - SJV

REPORTS TO: Operations Supervisor

BASIC PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Utilizing extensive knowledge of field operations and a strong knowledge of electrical, instrumentation, and automation, position will be responsible for testing of safety devices, maintaining records and performing troubleshooting and repairs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Prioritize job assignments. Plant wide testing of all instrumentation, pressures, levels, and control systems.
  • Anticipate and resolve problems.
  • A.P.C.D. testing.
  • Assist engineering with projects and system upgrades.
  • Do preventive maintenance PM's for all plant instrumentation (electronic, pneumatic).
  • Order and maintain an adequate parts inventory.
  • Calibrate and maintain safety devices pertaining to oil and gas measurement, pressures, levels and temperatures etc.
  • Read and be able to interpret P&ID's, & Pneumatic, Electrical and Mechanical equipment engineering drawings.
  • Configured PLC ladder logic Honeywell and Allen Bradley relay logic.
  • Interface with all plant departments including operations, SCADA, electricians, mechanics and engineering staff.
  • Troubleshoot process upsets on all associated plant equipment.
  • May train and assist less experienced technicians as needed.
  • May perform other job-related duties.

Requirements

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

8 or more year's related experience in the oil field preferred.

Must be able to take a lead role in planning and setting up job plans in major maintenance projects.

PC Computer literate.

Education and experience always ongoing in the field and classroom as an instrument and electrical technician.

Distributive Control Systems. P.L.C. Control Systems. Hardware and Software Control Systems.

Instrumentation / Electrical / Pneumatic, and Automation Control Systems.

Knowledge of running stainless steel tubing.

Able to read and understand electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics and P&ID's.

Interface with County (APCD) inspectors.

H-2-S Training / C-P-R Training / Hazmat training / Emergency response.

Training in Fisher Rosemount Systems / / Allen Bradley PLC Control systems, Honeywell, Modicon and Siemens PLC controls.

Training in Turbine and compressor control systems.

Understanding of power generation and distribution systems.

  Valid driver's license and good driving record

Preferred: Current California State Certified Journeyman Electrician Certification.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires working outside in all weather conditions.

The position requires manual dexterity to handle documents and operate office equipment such as fax machines, copiers, printers, shredders and computers. Also required is performing repetitive motions, and extended periods of sitting, standing and walking for varying lengths of time. The position requires interacting and communicating professionally with others via speaking, hearing and writing, learning new tasks, processes and concepts, thinking to solve problems, concentrating on required tasks, distinguishing color and depth perception and reading data, figures, electronic and hard copy documents.

The position requires frequent stooping, bending, squatting, crawling, crouching, pushing, reaching, pulling, lifting, grasping, fingering, reaching over the shoulders and below the waist, carrying of up to 75 lbs. while walking, lifting up to 95 lbs. to waist level and lifting up to 65 lbs. over shoulder level, the continuous use of both hands, arms, and feet and the manual dexterity to operate heavy and light tools, equipment, and materials.

The position requires walking or traversing over and across uneven terrain, accessing of areas outdoors and on or around equipment, over or around obstacles or structures such as pipes, low rails and walls, stooping or bending to reach certain locations, climbing stairs or ladders, and exposure to outside weather conditions.

The position requires wearing personal protection equipment such as gloves, gas mask, suits, etc. with an average weight of 10-25 pounds


DISCLAIMER:

The position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. The essential duties, responsibilities and physical requirements above describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job. The above description does not include all of the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management.

An Equal Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

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