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Refinery Instrumentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Design and develop electrical systems, equipment, and components for refinery facilities, including power distribution systems, motor control centers, instrumentation, and lighting systems. * Conduct ...

Design and develop electrical systems, equipment, and components for refinery facilities, including power distribution systems, motor control centers, instrumentation, and lighting systems. * Conduct ...

Refinery or petrochemical facility construction * Brownfield and greenfield construction projects * Pipe rack, structural steel, mechanical, civil, electrical, and instrumentation work * Crane and ...

Refinery or petrochemical facility construction * Brownfield and greenfield construction projects * Pipe rack, structural steel, mechanical, civil, electrical, and instrumentation work * Crane and ...

Microwave Instrument Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$184K - $234K/yr

Prior experience and a deep understanding of microwave instrumentation design and calibration is ... Own the instrument: understand, design, and refine core components of the systems * Design for ...

Minimum of 5+ years' experience in Refining, Chemicals, Power, Life Sciences, Food & Beverage ... Experience developing process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)

Minimum of 5+ years' experience in Refining, Chemicals, Power, Life Sciences, Food & Beverage ... Experience developing process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)

Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$85 - $115/hr

... to refine prototype designs, and document and report testing results and prototype performance ... DAQ/instrumentation and introductory coding experience (LabVIEW, Python, Arduino, etc.

Lifecycle Service Technician I

Taft, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

... and instrumentation used in refineries, power plants, manufacturing facilities, and other industrial environments. Why is this role open? Because one of our employee-owners earned a promotion. We ...

... and instrumentation used in refineries, power plants, manufacturing facilities, and other industrial environments. Why is this role open? Because one of our employee-owners earned a promotion. We ...

The ASR Group family of companies make up the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar ... Sets up laboratory equipment and instrumentation required for tests, research, or process control.

Instrument Tech

Compton, CA ยท On-site

$48 - $50/hr

Optimizes the performance of instrumentation and control devices assciated with boilers, heaters ... refinery or related field Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of working theory of ...

Optimizes the performance of instrumentation and control devices assciated with boilers, heaters ... refinery or related field Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of working theory of ...

Showing results 41-60

Refinery Instrumentation information

See California salary details

$14

$28

$75

How much do refinery instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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 the role of instrumentation in refineries?

Refinery instrumentation involves installing, maintaining, and calibrating control systems and sensors that monitor and regulate processes such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level. Instrumentation ensures safe, efficient, and reliable operation of refining equipment, often requiring knowledge of control systems, calibration techniques, and safety standards. Skilled instrumentation technicians use tools like PLCs and DCS systems to support continuous plant performance.

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:

Infographic showing various Refinery Instrumentation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,104 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Junior Propulsion Component Test Engineer

Amca

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview

The Junior Propulsion Component Test Engineer supports the verification and qualification testing of Amca's propulsion control hardware under the direction of senior test engineers. You will help set up test rigs, run tests, and reduce data on hydraulic and pneumatic hardware. This is an entry-level role for an engineer who wants to build a strong foundation in hardware test and measurement.

Responsibilities

Test Support

  • Assist in building test rigs, fixtures, and fluid loops under senior direction.
  • Set up instrumentation and data acquisition and verify measurement channels.
  • Follow test procedures and help refine them based on setup experience.

Test Execution

  • Run flow, pressure, leakage, and endurance tests under supervision.
  • Support qualification and environmental testing against defined requirements.
  • Follow test safety practices for high-pressure and hazardous-fluid operations.

Data and Development

  • Reduce and plot test data and help identify trends and anomalies.
  • Draft sections of test reports and maintain test records.
  • Build test and measurement fundamentals through mentorship and hands-on work.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 0 to 2 years of engineering experience, including internships or co-ops.
  • Familiarity with test instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition concepts.
  • Working knowledge of propulsion or mechanical systems fundamentals.
  • Strong attention to detail and a methodical, safety-minded approach to lab work.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Coursework or project experience in instrumentation, controls, or fluid mechanics.
  • Exposure to LabVIEW or comparable data acquisition tools.
  • Internship or lab experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability hardware.
  • Familiarity with test procedures and engineering documentation.