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Senior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

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Senior Instrumentation Engineer information

See California salary details

$78K

$115.3K

$162.8K

How much do senior instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrumentation 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 Senior Instrumentation Engineers?

Senior Instrumentation Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, developing, installing, managing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery, and processes. They play a key role in ensuring that instruments and control systems operate efficiently, reliably, and safely. Their work spans various industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, chemical processing, and energy production. Senior Instrumentation Engineers often lead teams, oversee project implementation, and troubleshoot complex issues related to instrumentation and automation systems.

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

AspectSenior Instrumentation EngineerInstrumentation Technician
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, certifications in instrumentationTechnical diploma or associate degree, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, troubleshooting in industrial plantsInstallation, maintenance, calibration in manufacturing or processing facilities
ResponsibilitiesDesigning systems, overseeing projects, troubleshooting complex issuesPerforming routine maintenance, calibrations, and repairs

While both roles involve instrumentation, Senior Instrumentation Engineers focus on design, planning, and complex troubleshooting, whereas Instrumentation Technicians handle hands-on maintenance and calibration tasks. The senior engineer typically requires higher education and oversees projects, while technicians support daily operations through technical skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Instrumentation Engineers in industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or manufacturing can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications. High-level roles often involve complex systems, project management, and working in high-demand environments.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Instrumentation Engineers in certain industries, such as oil and gas or aerospace, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually with experience, bonuses, and overtime. High-level roles often require advanced certifications, specialized skills, and extensive industry experience.

How does a Senior Instrumentation Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines on large-scale projects?

A Senior Instrumentation Engineer often works closely with process, electrical, and mechanical engineers to ensure that instrumentation systems align with overall plant design and operational requirements. Collaboration involves participating in multidisciplinary meetings, reviewing P&IDs, coordinating interface points, and integrating control systems. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as instrumentation decisions can impact safety, efficiency, and maintenance across the project. This collaborative environment supports seamless project execution and fosters professional growth through knowledge sharing.

What is a senior instrumentation engineer?

A senior instrumentation engineer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes. They often oversee project execution, ensure safety standards, and utilize tools like PLCs and SCADA systems. This role typically requires extensive experience, technical knowledge, and relevant certifications in instrumentation and control engineering.

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

To thrive as a Senior Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in instrumentation engineering, process control, and project management, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and significant field experience. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as PLC/DCS systems, AutoCAD, and certifications like ISA CAP or PE are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you lead teams and collaborate across disciplines. These competencies are essential for ensuring reliable system design, efficient project execution, and adherence to safety and industry standards.

Is 47 too old to become an engineer?

Age is not a barrier to becoming a senior instrumentation engineer, as the profession values experience, skills, and continuous learning. Many engineers successfully start or advance their careers later in life by gaining relevant certifications and staying current with industry tools and technologies.
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California are:
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What job categories do people searching Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Instrumentation Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in CA? For Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Instrumentation Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,309 per year, or $55.4 per hour.
Sr. Test Instrumentation Engineer

Sr. Test Instrumentation Engineer

Virgin Galactic, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a talented and motivated engineer to execute a variety of Test & Evaluation instrumentation activities for our next generation of Spaceships. Guided by our values, "Safety Above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions. The Senior Test Instrumentation Engineer for Test & Evaluation Department will lead and execute the design, build, integration, verification and maintenance of custom and off-the-shelf test equipment and instrumentation for multiple engineering disciplines including, but not limited to structures, materials, mechanical systems, avionics and flight controls. Maintain focus on timeliness and execution of tasks and deliverables every day. Support the company strategy by holding ourselves and one another accountable for getting the work done.
Responsibilities
  • Engage in Virgin Galactic's ground testing instrumentation and test equipment for the verification of complex mechanical, electronic and/or structural components and systems
  • Drive and support the execution of entire instrumentation project cycles from concept through completion
    • Define the scope and verifiable requirements of test instrumentation efforts
    • Design instrumentation and associated equipment
    • Design and develop instrumentation software
    • Integrate test instrumentation systems
    • Verify as-built systems meet requirements
    • Maintain test instrumentation after deployment to active testing
  • Participate in the test engineering review, approval, and release processes
  • Participate in the continuous improvement of test instrumentation practices, including processes, procedures, technology implementation, capital projects, standardization efforts and training activities
  • Ensure common best practices are integrated across test instrumentation
  • Engage in internal instrumentation user groups to foster share learning with teammates
  • Ensure that all decisions of your team are driven by safety: be the safety focal for Test Instrumentation - drive the adoption of Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), safety audits for all roles and work functions, and maintain a safety-first culture
  • With support from senior management, foster an inclusive work environment that values diversity, sharing, creative problem solving, and strategic thinking
  • Execute other duties as required by Virgin Galactic senior leadership to support company and program objectives
  • Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules
  • Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks
  • Adhere to set directions and guidelines from team leader to support collaboration across teams to complete projects.

Required Skills and Experience
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited institution with a concentration in a relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience
  • 8+ years of experience in test instrumentation including test software, fixtures and/or racks used for component acceptance/qualification, structural test, materials test, or environmental test
  • Demonstrated experience of Instrumentation selection, signal conditioning and data acquisition
  • Experience instrumenting strain gages, string potentiometers, thermocouples, accelerometers, load cells, LVDTs and pressure transducers
  • 3+ years of National Instruments PXI, cRIO or cDAQ data acquisition experience
  • 5+ years of LabVIEW development experience in industry (Certified LabVIEW Developer accreditation or equivalent)
    • Extensive NI-DAQmx experience
    • Proven OOD experience and implementation of by-value or by-reference object-oriented designs in LabVIEW
    • Working knowledge of Source Code Control (GIT or equivalent) usage
  • Electrical engineering experience, as applied to data acquisition and control (e.g. analog, digital, high speed data signal integrity)
  • Hardware system build and integration experience
    • Working knowledge of integration tools (DMM, scope, function generator, power supply, loads, hand tools)
    • Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical build tools (wire cutter/stripper/crimper, soldering iron)
  • Engineering analytical skills in test-relevant engineering areas
  • Demonstrated organizational skills, capable of juggling and completing multiple tasks across different disciplines and programs
  • Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.
  • Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideas

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience with component testing in a DO-160 and/or SMC-S-016 (or similar) environment
  • Experience with environmental testing of mechanical and/or avionics components and systems
  • Experience with mechanical and physical testing of materials, with an emphasis on metallic and/or composite materials
  • Practical knowledge of test processes, including requirements gathering, design creation, integrity in build execution, and reporting skills
  • Working knowledge of PLM systems
  • Working knowledge of DQMH and/or JKISM
  • Working knowledge of UML including Class, Object, Activity, Use Case and Sequence diagrams
  • Working knowledge of Continuous Integration system usage
  • Experienced Confluence/Jira user
  • SharePoint familiarity
  • Successful execution of projects and tasks in an Agile environment
  • Demonstrated delegation skills
  • EIM integration knowledge
  • Working knowledge of Continuous Integration system setup and management

#LI-AB1
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $108,871.00-$166,036.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits
Who We Are
Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles .
Export Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here .
EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Drug Free Workplace
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.
Phoenix Employment Requirements
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.

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