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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr Instrument Technician

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $27/hr

We are looking for a Sr Instrument Technician to join our team in Camarillo, CA! This is a ... Associate degree or technical certification in Electronics, Biomedical Technology, Engineering ...

Provides structured feedback to Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to improve product design, manufacturability, and testability Cross-Functional Technical Leadership * Interfaces with ...

Sr Engineer, Embedded GUI Software

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

As a Sr Instrument Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain high-performance graphical applications for next-generation patient monitoring devices. This role leverages strong ...

Sr Engineer, Embedded GUI Software

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

As a Sr Instrument Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain high-performance graphical applications for next-generation patient monitoring devices. This role leverages strong ...

Sr. Control Systems Engineer

Caspar, CA

$184K - $191K/yr

JOB SUMMARY This is a senior level control systems and instrumentation engineer position. The ... RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Provide SME-level instrument engineering for small to large capital and ...

The Sr Engineer, BSP Instrument Software will be involved in the design and development of our medical instruments from requirements stage through to deployment. They will support EOL hardware ...

Sr Engineer, BSP Instrument Software

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

The Sr Engineer, BSP Instrument Software will be involved in the design and development of our medical instruments from requirements stage through to deployment. They will support EOL hardware ...

Instrumentation Engineer - NASA

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

As Senior Instrumentation Engineer - NASA at AMERICAN SYSTEMS you will have the opportunity to do the following: * Generate and lead the execution of requirements to fully design, test, and support ...

Instrumentation Operation Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$92K - $160K/yr

Perform a variety of engineering tasks under general supervision of a senior-level engineer and any other position-related duties as assigned or requested Preferred experience: * Analog and digital ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Instrument Engineer information

See California salary details

$78K

$115.3K

$162.8K

How much do senior instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrument engineer in California is $115,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,800.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Instrument Engineers when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Senior Instrument Engineers often encounter challenges coordinating with other engineering disciplines, such as process, electrical, and mechanical teams, to ensure instrumentation specifications align with overall project requirements. Integrating new instrumentation technologies into existing systems while maintaining compliance with safety and industry standards can also be demanding. Effective communication, strong project management skills, and adaptability are essential to successfully navigate these complexities and ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget.

What does a Senior Instrument Engineer do?

A Senior Instrument Engineer is responsible for designing, specifying, installing, and maintaining instrumentation and control systems used in industrial processes. They ensure that these systems function efficiently, safely, and reliably to monitor and control variables such as pressure, temperature, and flow. Senior Instrument Engineers often lead projects, troubleshoot complex issues, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers. They also collaborate with other engineering disciplines to optimize process performance and comply with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Instrument Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Instrument Engineer, you typically need a degree in engineering (often electrical, instrumentation, or control engineering) and extensive experience with instrumentation design, installation, and maintenance. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as PLCs, DCS, CAD software, and familiarity with relevant codes and certifications like ISA or IEC are essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help coordinate teams and interface with other engineering disciplines. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of complex industrial processes.

What is the difference between Senior Instrument Engineer vs Instrument Technician?

AspectSenior Instrument EngineerInstrument Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Engineering, certifications like CSE or ISATechnical diploma or associate degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, troubleshooting in industrial plantsInstallation, maintenance, calibration on-site
Industry UsageEngineering firms, oil & gas, manufacturingRefineries, power plants, process industries

While both roles involve instrumentation, the Senior Instrument Engineer focuses on design, planning, and troubleshooting at a higher level, often overseeing projects. The Instrument Technician handles hands-on installation, maintenance, and calibration tasks. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Instrument Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Instrument Engineer job openings:

$175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

What You'll Be Doing

Job Scope: Generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete design of complex electrical and instrumentation engineering assignments. This level requires extensive progressive experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering and involves applying advanced engineering techniques and analysis. This work will be performed under general supervision.

Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

  • Familiarity with and utilize department design and drafting standards.

  • Familiarity with project scope, specifications and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.

  • Recognize and communicate scope and design changes promptly.

  • On-site assistance during startup.

  • Provide technical guidance to less experienced drafting and engineering personnel in the department.

  • Coordinate work activities with other staff members and the discipline lead.

  • To perform duties as a discipline lead on a small to mid-sized projects.

  • Producing estimate level designs and material take-offs suitable for the level of the estimate being performed on a project.

  • Producing detail design calculations and sketches for materials of construction associated with the project. Calculations produced will be neatly prepared and organized for efficient checking by others and efficient use by drafters/designers for preparing drawings and as a deliverable when required.

  • Produce 15kV/5kV equipment specifications.

  • Produce electrical installation specifications.

  • Developing conceptual layouts and cost studies as necessary to determine the simplest, most efficient approach to solving engineering tasks at hand.

  • Producing estimate level preliminary designs and material take-offs suitable for the level of the estimate being performed on a project.

  • Produce installation details, motor control center single lines, electric room layouts, motor control elementaries, connection diagrams, cable schedules, control panel layouts and grounding, lighting, power and instrumentation plans under general supervision.

  • Producing designs with efficient use of construction materials with an overall emphasis on ease of construction and completed product meeting the expectations of the client.

  • Checking calculations made by other engineers to ensure accuracy, conformance to codes, specifications, design criteria and conformance to good engineering practice.

  • Assisting the drafting group in resolving routine layout and detailing problems. It is your responsibility to furnish sufficient sketches and details necessary for completion of engineering drawings.

  • Consulting with design leaders from other disciplines to ensure the smooth flow of vital information necessary for the scheduled completion of the project.

  • Advising the senior engineer concerning design or scope changes, which have been identified.

  • Assisting other engineers in developing and assembling scopes, drawings and specifications into a "package", enabling electrical/instrumentation purchase inquiries to be issued for procurement of materials or subcontract pricing.

  • Reviewing and checking vendor drawings and other discipline drawings for electrical/instrumentation input.

  • Developing construction specifications.

  • Reviewing fabrication drawings and other construction submittals for conformance to engineering drawings and specifications.

  • Performing fieldwork necessary to gather field data, check tie-ins and provide construction support.

  • Knowledgeable of the discipline specific methods, practices and techniques required to engineer design and construct process and manufacturing projects.

  • Applying advanced engineering techniques and analysis to complex designs.

  • Estimating and scheduling professional service hours and assessing the progress and quality of electrical/instrumentation work.

  • Complete understanding of the skills and experience required to perform engineering and design functions.

  • Ability to identify and develop work sharing packages for interoffice execution support. Provide leadership to ensure communication and execution of work within scope, schedule and budget.

Below is the range that we in good faith believe is the potential compensation for this role at the time of this posting and is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California. The typical base salary range for this position is just onecomponentof Hargrove's total compensation package for Teammates. Actual compensation will be based on education, experience, skillsetand location.

Minimum Salary:$140,000 annually

Maximum Salary:$175,000 annually

Ideal Background

Education: Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university is required.

Registration: Professional Engineering registration is highly preferred or may be required.

Experience: This position requires 6 or more years of relevant industrial experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge and application of the current version of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

  • Ability to perform lighting level calculations.

  • Ability to size wire, conduit and overcurrent protection for both lighting and power applications.

  • Ability to perform voltage drop calculations.

  • Ability to route conduit and cable tray.

  • Ability to calculate tray and conduit fill.

  • Ability to determine motor control center loading.

  • Familiarity with specifications and installation details of construction bulk materials and equipment.

  • Ability to create accurate electrical installation documents from the information found on vendor equipment drawings.

  • Ability to determine load center unit substation loading.

  • Ability to develop equipment specifications for equipment such as motor control centers, variable frequency drivers, induction and synchronous motors, load center unit substations, etc.

  • Knowledge and understanding of schedule constraints and information requirements for the production of all electrical deliverables.

  • Ability to produce a 15kV power system single line diagram.

  • Familiarity with 15kV power system equipment and installation techniques both above and below ground.

  • Ability to develop equipment specifications for 15kV/5kV equipment such as switchgear, load break switches, motor control center and capable of performing calculations for required short circuit and overcurrent protective device ratings.

  • Ability to develop electrical installation specifications.

  • Ability to accurately estimate completion of assigned tasks.

  • Ability to develop a construction cost estimate, a detailed engineering schedule and a man-hour budget for a small project or an area for a larger project.

  • Ability to determine construction material quantities.

  • Ability to contribute to the development of P&ID's with respect to measurement and control.

  • Ability to develop control narratives.

  • Ability to specify process instrumentation and develop installation details.

  • Ability to size control valves using appropriate software.

  • Ability to develop specifications and data sheets for instrumentation, analyzers, control systems and actuated valves.

  • Knowledge of the standards that apply to instrumentation and controls (ISA).

  • Ability to act as discipline engineer of record for projects that require professional engineering certification.

  • Knowledge and application of company engineering design and CAD drafting standards.

  • Programming experience with Programmable Logic controller (PLC), Human Machine Interface (HMI), and/or Distributed Control System (DCS) equipment.

  • Ability to lead a small team to deliver on commitments.

  • Ability to deliver presentations of Hargrove Engineers + Constructors services.

  • Working knowledge of CAD software, either AutoCAD, Microstation or both.

  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

  • Excellent presentation skills.

  • Virtual team skills and cross divisional relationships are developed, and able to provide interoffice execution leadership and support.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.

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Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a "team mentality" so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.