1

Senior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

The Senior Instrumentation Engineer provides instrumentation and controls engineering services on large or mega projects for Worley and its clients. This role includes delivering high-quality ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 5, 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.

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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California are:
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:
Infographic showing various Senior Instrumentation Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,309 per year, or $55.4 per hour.
Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Worley

Monrovia, CA • On-site

$130K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Worley rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

124th of 357 rated engineering


Job description

Building on our past. Ready for the future
Worley is a global professional services company of energy, chemicals and resources experts headquartered in Australia.
Right now, we're bridging two worlds as we accelerate to more sustainable energy sources, while helping our customers provide the energy, chemicals and resources that society needs now.
We partner with our customers to deliver projects and create value over the life of their portfolio of assets. We solve complex problems by finding integrated data-centric solutions from the first stages of consulting and engineering to installation and commissioning, to the last stages of decommissioning and remediation. Join us and help drive innovation and sustainability in our projects.
Purpose:
The Senior Instrumentation Engineer provides instrumentation and controls engineering services on large or mega projects for Worley and its clients. This role includes delivering high-quality technical work, providing guidance within the Instrumentation & Controls team, and ensuring all engineering activities meet quality, cost, safety, and schedule requirements.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure all engineering and design activities comply with quality, cost, and schedule targets.
  • Ensure all work is performed safely and in accordance with Worley and client safety standards.
  • Ensure all designs comply with client specifications, applicable codes, and agreed industry standards.
  • Perform instrumentation and controls engineering and design deliverables as part of a multidisciplinary project team.
  • Interpret and apply client specifications and technical requirements.
  • Coordinate and communicate effectively with other disciplines and client representatives.
  • Comply with the Worley Quality Assurance system and applicable procedures.
  • Identify technical issues, develop appropriate solutions, and seek assistance when required.
  • Provide guidance and support to junior personnel within the Instrumentation & Controls team when needed.
  • Stay current with industry developments, standards, and technical innovations in instrumentation and controls engineering.
  • Act as Instrumentation & Controls Engineering Lead on assigned projects, when required.
  • Provide technical input and support during procurement, construction, and commissioning phases as needed.

What you will bring
Technical/Industry Experience and Qualifications Requirements:
  • Working knowledge of Instrumentation & Control deliverables such as:
    • Panel (JB and Marshalling) Design.
    • P&ID's.
    • Loop Drawings.
    • Wiring Drawings.
    • Motor Control Schematics.
    • Instrument Location Drawings.
    • Instrument Installation Details.
    • Instrument Specifications (Datasheets).
    • I/O Lists.
    • Bill of Materials.
    • Conduit/Cable Tray/Cable Schedules.
    • Control Narratives.
    • Cause and Effect Diagrams.
    • Material Requisitions.
  • Construction or Engineering Work Packages. Working knowledge of Instrumentation Calculation/Selection, such as:
    • Flow (Orifice Plates, Vortex, Venturi, Magnetic, Ultrasonic meters).
    • Level Measurement (Radar, Displacers, Gauges).
    • Temperature (including Thermowells Freq. wake calculation).
    • Pressure.
    • Process Analyzers and sampling systems would be a plus.
    • Competent use of instrument calculation/selection specific software.
  • Working knowledge (design/configuration/implementation) of any of the following systems:
    • PLCs, preferable Modicon, GE, or AB/Rockwell.
    • SISs, preferable Triconex.
    • DCS, preferable Honeywell TDC/TPS/Experion, Foxboro I/A, ABBxA.
  • Additional Information:
    • Knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards related to instrumentation and control systems.
    • Ability to manage multiple small to medium projects concurrently.
    • Working knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) software.
    • Experience with SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI).
    • Knowledge of communication networks is an advantage.
    • Proficient in MS Office Suite and other relevant engineering software.

Education - Qualifications, Accreditation, Training:
Required:
  • Accredited Engineering Degree in General Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or related equivalent degree combined experience Typically, 12 plus years' experience.

Preferred:
  • 8+ years of direct Instrumentation & Control design and engineering experience.
  • Registered PE in Control Systems or to be able to obtain PE license.
  • Experience in S3D .
  • SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI) software training (including wiring module) is a plus.
  • ARAMCO Experience: Well versed and experienced with ARAMCO SAES standards.
  • Knowledgeable in Gas Compression and Gas processing.

Additional Information:
  • This position is in California.
  • Salary Range $130,404-$191,771.
  • Benefits: eligible for PTO, 401k, medical, vision, dental, etc.

Los Angeles
We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance." #LI-AC1
Moving forward together
We want our people to be energized and empowered to drive sustainable impact. So, our focus is on a values-inspired culture that unlocks brilliance through belonging, connection and innovation.
We're building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. Creating a space where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, and are heard.
And we're not just talking about it; we're doing it. We're reskilling our people, leveraging transferable skills, and supporting the transition of our workforce to become experts in today's low carbon energy infrastructure and technology.
Whatever your ambition, there's a path for you here. And there's no barrier to your potential career success. Join us to broaden your horizons, explore diverse opportunities, and be part of delivering sustainable change.
We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels they belong, can bring themselves, and are heard. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
Our policy is to conduct background checks for all candidates who accept an offer of employment with us.
Please note: No agency representation or submissions will be recognized for this vacancy.

What Worley employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom