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Refinery Instrumentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Valero

Craftperson A - Instrumentation

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$57.73/hr

Possesses an advanced knowledge of instrumentation math, units, variables, and dimensions of ... The Wilmington refinery processes a blend of California and foreign crude oil, as well as ...

ASR Group

Sr. Controls Engineer

Crockett, CA · On-site

$101K - $188K/yr

The ASR Group family of companies make up the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar ... This role designs and implements changes to plant instrumentation and control systems and manages ...

Enhance Recruiting

I&E Engineer

Carson, CA

Minimum of 4+ years of experience in Instrumentation, Electrical, or I&E Reliability Engineering within a manufacturing environment. * Experience in chemical, petrochemical, refining, polymer, or ...

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Refinery Instrumentation information

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$14

$28

$75

How much do refinery instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery 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.

What are the common daily responsibilities for someone in refinery instrumentation?

In a Refinery Instrumentation role, your daily responsibilities typically include installing, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting various process instrumentation and control systems to ensure smooth plant operations. You will regularly perform preventive maintenance, address equipment failures, and work closely with operations and engineering teams to resolve issues quickly. Documentation of maintenance activities, adherence to safety procedures, and ongoing system upgrades are also part of the role. This position often involves a blend of fieldwork and technical analysis, making it ideal for those who enjoy hands-on problem-solving and supporting critical refinery functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in refinery instrumentation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Refinery Instrumentation, you need a solid background in electronics, instrumentation, process control, and troubleshooting, often supported by a diploma or degree in instrumentation engineering or a related technical field. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), HART communicators, and recognized certifications like ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are vital for diagnosing issues and liaising with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of refinery processes, minimizing downtime and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What is a refinery instrumentation?

A Refinery Instrumentation job involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting instruments and control systems that monitor and regulate refinery processes. This includes sensors, transmitters, controllers, and automation systems that ensure operational efficiency and safety. Instrumentation technicians work with pressure, temperature, flow, and level measurement devices to optimize refinery performance. They also perform routine calibrations, inspections, and repairs to prevent equipment failures. Strong knowledge of electrical systems, control loops, and industry standards is essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Instrumentation jobs in California?

For Refinery Instrumentation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refinery Instrumentation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Refinery Instrumentation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Refinery Instrumentation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Refinery Instrumentation job openings:

Refinery Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Instrumentation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,104 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Instrument Technician, Level 3

PBF Energy, Inc.

Torrance, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

PBF Energy rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Instrument Technician, Level 3
PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating, through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities. We are a growing organization seeking a talented Instrument Technician, Level 3 to join our team as a pivotal member here at PBF Energy. This role is located at Torrance Refining Company in Torrance, CA.
JOB SUMMARY
The Instrument Technician is responsible to demonstrate an ability to install, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot components of instrumentation/analyzer systems within the refinery. Instrumentation includes temperature, pressure, and level displacers/transmitters, control circuits, electronic/pneumatic control valves and actuators. Liquid measurement for pH, conductivity, sodium, TOC. Ability to troubleshoot equipment including process tubing, junction boxes, marshaling racks, and wiring conduit are also installed and maintained by the incumbent of this position. This is an hourly, union position (USW).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Possesses a commitment to Safety and Safe Work Practices. Works safely and follows all Safety Policies and complies with all site policies and procedures
  • Installs, maintains, and troubleshoots various types of instruments and analyzers contained within indication, control, and process safety systems and ensures the installation adheres to national codes and site standards
  • Coordinates with supervision to identify, order, and install replacements for defective parts
  • Interfaces with the Engineering Department to identify opportunities to upgrade instrumentation to improve reliability via the Management of Change process
  • Performs offline and online preventative maintenance procedures and produces maintenance records, including new work requests when deficiencies or improvements are identified
  • Monitors the performance of installed instrumentation equipment for hazards, adjustments, or replacements
  • Participates in testing of safety systems (SIF/IPF) program to verify integrity of devices identified by the program
  • Operates handheld test equipment (including multi-meters, pressure calibrators, smart communicators, thermocouple/RTD simulators, dead weight testers, meggers, etc.)
  • Research documentation from various sources for proper values to check calibration, makes necessary adjustments, and documents all values and changes
  • Interprets blueprints, loop drawings, and electrical schematics. Redline necessary updates & changes and works with engineering to implement these changes
  • Mounts instruments and valves into position and completes circuits and tubing according to diagram specifications
  • Identifies and uses a variety of hand and power tools in a safe manner
  • Performs job tasks outside under varying weather conditions which may include ladder and stair climbing
  • Communicates effectively at a technical level with Supervision and Operations personnel
  • Participate in computer based and face to face training program and complete required training
  • Ability to respond to issues during off-shift hours through callout system
  • Daily activities include climbing structures to access instrumentation
  • Maintains housekeeping in work areas according to Company standards
  • Sustains high quality work, prevent rework, and support reliable operation

JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Basic/Required Qualifications:
  • Education/experience in the instrument/electrical trade that has performed tasks directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified
  • Ability to install and maintain instruments
  • Ability to safely operate a variety of electronic, pneumatic, and testing instruments.
  • Able to lift to 50lb
  • Ability to work while donned in a variety of Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Ability to climb, bend, lift and perform a wide range of physical activities in all weather conditions.
  • Willing and able to work overtime, shift work, and weekends and holidays as required.
  • Ability to work in a Team environment with other Mechanical, Operations and Engineering personnel.
  • Ability to work alone as well as function as a Team member.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and written.
  • Must be self- motivated with willing to acquire and utilize new and/or additional skills.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older and hold a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Programs and maintains various PLC
  • Experience with programmable logic controllers
  • Experience with Process/environmental analyzers includes laser systems, mass spectrometry, gas analyzers measuring hydrogen, CO/CO2, H2S and combustion gases.
  • Network interfacing of instruments utilizing communication software with laptop computer
  • Demonstrates a proficiency in use of appropriate tools and diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot, repair, replace and test instrument loops, electrical circuits, and equipment.
  • Demonstrates a proficiency in the use of computers running Microsoft Office Suite and SAP software
  • 4+ years of Instrument Journeyman level experience preferred.
  • This is an hourly Union position, USW.

Conditions of Employment
  • Passing of pre-employment testing (testing will occur on-site at the facility in Torrance, CA)
  • Successful completion of pre-employment requirements including physical agility test, physical, background check, and drug/alcohol screenings

This description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.
This position is subject to federally mandated drug/alcohol testing.
The wage for this position is $55.39/hour. The compensation listed in this posting is in compliance with applicable state law. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills and internal peer equity will be considered in determining the selected candidate's compensation. In addition to salary, PBF offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package.
We thank all respondents for their interest in PBF Holding Company LLC ("PBF Energy"), however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails to any employee of PBF Energy about this requisition. Placement agencies or recruiters need not respond. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee of PBF Energy via email, the Internet or in any method without a valid written search agreement will be deemed the sole property of PBF Energy. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by PBF Energy as a result of the referral or through other means.
PBF Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision making, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, veteran and military status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.
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