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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Instrumentation Engineer - NASA

Edwards, CA · On-site

$93.90K - $156.80K/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 ...

Muon Space

Senior Optomechanical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · Remote

$184K - $223K/yr

About the role Muon Space seeks an Senior Optomechanical Engineer to join our team in Mountain View ... In this role you will span the full lifecycle of instrument development-from design and analysis ...

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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 1, 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 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 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 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
Applications Engineer

Applications Engineer

Maury Microwave Corporation

Ontario, CA • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 hours ago

Job description

MAURY MICROWAVE JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Applications Engineer

FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt

Department: Engineering

Reports to (Title): Customer Success and Applications Director

Brief Summary of Position:

The Applications Engineer applies in-depth knowledge of microwave theory and Maury Microwave Corporation (MMC) products to understand and solve complex customer measurement and device characterization challenges. This role interfaces closely with customers, sales, engineering, and management to recommend hardware and software solutions, ensure product quality, develop and debug instrument drivers, and provide expert technical support. The Applications Engineer remains current on industry trends and state-of-the-art techniques in device characterization and measurement science.

Essential Duties of the Position:

  • Provide timely, professional technical support to domestic and international customers.
  • Analyze customer measurement requirements and characterization challenges, and recommend appropriate MMC hardware and software solutions.
  • Evaluate functionality, performance, and quality of MMC products through final validation.
  • Execute product demonstrations, installations, and customer training at MMC facilities and customer sites.
  • Support sales activities by translating customer characterization needs into complete technical solutions.
  • Develop, code, and debug test and measurement instrument drivers for customer equipment.
  • Provide internal and external guidance on all aspects of measurement science and best practices.
  • Advise senior management on industry trends, emerging technologies, and state-of-the-art methods in device characterization.

Nonessential Duties:

  • Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements (education, prior work experience, special skills, etc.)

Note: The requirements listed below represent the knowledge and skill/experience required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Master’s in electrical Eng. or equivalent work experience required.
  • Understanding of microwave network theory, analog/digital communication theory, and solid-state device theory.
  • Understanding of power amplifier design and Source/Load Pull measurements.
  • Experience in coding
  • Familiar with the operation of vector network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, vector signal analyzer, and other modern test and measurement equipment.
  • Experience in test and measurement instrument programming.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.

Maury Microwave is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local law.