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Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Vast is looking for an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer , reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (E-2), to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design ...

... programmable logic controls (PLC) and emission monitoring equipment Designs and installs new ... of instrumentation, control, and electrical systems Perform equipment and system tagging in ...

Instrumentation & Controls Tech

Woodland, CA · On-site

$42.63 - $54.09/hr

... programmable logic controls (PLC) and emission monitoring equipment • Designs and installs new ... instrumentation, control, and electrical systems • Perform equipment and system tagging in ...

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Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer information

See California salary details

$78K

$115.3K

$162.8K

How much do senior instrumentation and controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrumentation and controls 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 Instrumentation and Controls Engineer do?

A Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems that monitor and control engineering processes. They work with instruments and control systems to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of manufacturing or industrial facilities. Their work often involves selecting appropriate instrumentation, programming control systems, troubleshooting issues, and leading project teams. In addition, they may be involved in ensuring compliance with safety and industry regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineers in large-scale industrial projects?

Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy systems, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—like process, electrical, and mechanical engineering—is crucial for successful system design and implementation. Balancing technical leadership with hands-on troubleshooting and mentoring junior engineers is also a key aspect of the role, especially when overseeing commissioning and startup phases.

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

To thrive as a Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or control systems engineering, experience with instrumentation design, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency in PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and industry-specific standards (such as ISA or IEC), as well as relevant certifications like PE or ISA CAP, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and coordinate with multidisciplinary stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable automation solutions in complex industrial environments.

What is the difference between Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer vs Instrumentation And Controls Technician?

AspectSenior Instrumentation And Controls EngineerInstrumentation And Controls Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, professional engineering license often preferredTechnical diploma or associate degree in instrumentation or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, system integration in industrial or manufacturing settingsInstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting of instrumentation systems on-site
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing plants, oil & gas, power generationIndustrial facilities, maintenance companies, plant operations

The Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer typically focuses on system design, project oversight, and engineering analysis, requiring higher education and certifications. In contrast, the Instrumentation And Controls Technician handles hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in responsibilities, qualifications, and work scope.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in California? For Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer job openings:
Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Affiliated Engineers, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

$120K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Join a Team Where Engineering Excellence Drives Opportunity

At Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI), we bring together expertise and innovation to solve the most complex challenges. Since 1978, we've supported mission-driven organizations in designing systems and environments that advance society and improve lives. Today, with more than 900 professionals across 22 offices, we help shape the future of healthcare, science and technology, energy, education, and other vital sectors.

From elevating patient care in Mayo Clinic's world-class hospitals to enabling discovery in high-containment laboratories for U.S. agencies and driving environmental progress with Microsoft's renowned Thermal Energy Center, our work enriches the human experience, safeguards the environment, and pushes the boundaries of possibility.

AEI consistently earns national recognition from leading industry publications, including Building Design+Construction, Engineering News-Record, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, with distinctions such as being named the #1 Laboratory Engineering Firm in the nation and receiving multiple Best of the Best Project awards, underscoring the lasting legacy of our work.

At AEI, you'll join a collaborative community where your expertise fuels innovation, your ideas drive progress, and your work helps shape a brighter future.

As an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer in our San Francisco  office, you will help us empower our clients to achieve energy-efficient building solutions, save global environments, and create a better, greener future for all.

Why we need you:

In this role, you will be responsible for establishing criteria for industrial and advanced manufacturing systems, including determining applicable codes, selecting controllers for various applications, and establishing hazardous area boundaries. Position is also responsible for developing system routing options; coordinating and implementing the layout of industrial systems and equipment; and, monitoring, interpreting, and conducting tests of Programmable Logic Controllers/distributed control system.  

Expertise of our most successful Instrumentation and Controls Engineer: 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field of study and five years of instrumentation and controls engineering experience. In the alternative, employer will accept a Master's Degree in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field of study and three years of instrumentation and controls engineering experience. 

Effective skills to help you flourish:

  • 4 years of experience designing, programming, and implementing control systems, including Allen Bradley, Modicon, or Siemens PLCs;  
  • 2 years of experience with industrial networks and communication protocols;
  • 4 years of PLC programming experience using various software, including RS Logix 5000, RS Logix 500 Concept, or UnityPro;
  • 3 years of experience with Wonderware packages (In-touch and Archestra System Platform), Factory Talk View, or Citect SCADA;
  • 3 years of experience with industrial system design codes, standards, and specification requirements; and,
  • 4 years of experience with engineering design programs, including AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical.
  • Position requires 25-30% domestic travel
  • Interest in smart building technologies, universal system integration and convergence of data and intelligence.

When you work here, you can expect:

  • A flexible, collaborative environment where your well-being matters-because your best work happens when you're supported.
  • Real opportunities to grow-through mentorship, professional development programs, and exposure to high-impact projects across disciplines.
  • To collaborate with inspiring teammates who challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and pave the way for future leaders.
  • A benefits package that offers health, dental, vision, and retirement, a performance-based year-end bonus, and thoughtful perks tailored to your needs-whether that's a flexible work environment, wellness resources, or community-focused initiatives, we'll continue to invest in.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $120,000 to $170,000If this dynamic environment and the chance to contribute to transformative projects resonate with your ambitions, we would love to connect with you. Join us and make an impact!

Apply online at https://aeieng.com/about/careers/

If you know someone who would thrive in this role, please share this posting with them directly via email or through your LinkedIn network.

AEI is proud to be an EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled.

Employment Type: OTHER