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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Teledyne

Senior Instrument Tester

San Diego, CA · On-site

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

Teledyne

Senior Instrument Tester

San Diego, CA · On-site

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

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All JobsInstrument Engineer JobsSenior Instrument Engineer JobsSenior Instrument Engineer Jobs in California

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 Sep 4, 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 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 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 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:

Senior Instrument Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Instrument Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,309 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Sr Instrument Engineer

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors

Concord, CA • On-site

$190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer to lead the technical execution of complex industrial projects from concept development through construction support and startup. This role is responsible for the design, analysis, specification, and implementation of electrical power distribution and instrumentation systems, while serving as the primary technical resource for assigned projects.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in industrial electrical and instrumentation engineering, including medium-voltage power systems, instrumentation and controls, equipment specifications, and multidisciplinary project execution. This position requires strong technical leadership and project coordination skills but is primarily focused on engineering excellence and project delivery.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Lead the design and development of electrical and instrumentation systems for industrial facilities.

  • Prepare electrical and instrumentation engineering deliverables including:

    • One-line diagrams

    • MCC single lines and elementary diagrams

    • Cable schedules

    • Electrical room layouts

    • Control panel layouts

    • Grounding, lighting, power, and instrumentation plans

  • Develop specifications for:

    • 15kV/5kV switchgear and power systems

    • MCCs and VFDs

    • Motors and substations

    • Instrumentation and control systems

  • Perform electrical engineering calculations including:

    • Voltage drop

    • Short circuit

    • Conduit and cable tray sizing

    • Lighting calculations

    • Load studies

  • Develop conceptual designs, construction packages, cost estimates, and material take-offs.

  • Review vendor drawings, fabrication packages, and construction submittals.

  • Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and startup activities.

  • Coordinate with process, mechanical, civil, structural, and project management teams.

  • Mentor junior engineers and designers and provide technical guidance on project execution.

  • Support project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and quality assurance efforts.

Required QualificationsEducation

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.

Experience

  • 6+ years of industrial electrical and instrumentation engineering experience.

  • Experience supporting projects in chemical, petrochemical, refining, manufacturing, energy, or similar industrial environments.

Technical Expertise

  • Strong knowledge and application of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

  • Experience with medium-voltage power systems (15kV/5kV).

  • Ability to develop electrical installation packages and construction specifications.

  • Experience with:

    • MCCs

    • VFDs

    • Switchgear

    • Motors

    • Unit substations

    • PLC, HMI, and DCS platforms

  • Understanding of ISA instrumentation standards and control systems.

  • Ability to develop control narratives, instrumentation specifications, and datasheets.

  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional Engineer (PE) License.

  • Experience serving as Engineer of Record.

  • Strong background in electrical power distribution and instrumentation design for industrial facilities.

  • Experience leading discipline execution on multidisciplinary engineering projects.

Why Join Us?

  • Work on complex industrial projects from concept through startup.

  • Serve as a key technical leader within multidisciplinary project teams.

  • Apply advanced electrical and instrumentation engineering expertise on challenging capital projects.

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:$190,000 annually

#LI-LF1

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.

Apply