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Senior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California

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Senior Instrumentation Engineer information

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$78K

$115.3K

$162.8K

How much do senior instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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 is a senior instrumentation engineer?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,309 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Stantec

Irvine, CA • On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Stantec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work to meet that need, they're facing new, more complex challenges every day. Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and a vision for sustainable growth. Every day, we're helping communities improve, reuse, and protect our world's most precious resource.
Join our team to deliver transformational projects that will benefit future generations. Grow with us, H2O+U.
Stantec is currently seeking an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer for any one of our California state office locations - San Francisco, Irvine or Sacramento.
Successful applicant will work with a multidiscipline group of engineers and designers providing technical services to public and private sector clients. Primary duties include control systems engineering, process control strategy planning, automation designs, construction support services, planning studies with detailed analyses, and designs related to water and wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations. Experience with equipment selection, equipment and communication network layouts, and process control design coordination with other engineering disciplines is required. Candidate should be at ease with core aspects of PLC, HMI and SCADA system planning, design, programming, and upgrade. Depending on job size and complexity, duties may be performed as project I&C lead or as a project team member under the guidance of a principal level I&C engineer.
Successful applicant will be expected to be proficient in the below listed areas.
  • Design activities including:- Field review and evaluation of existing equipment, control systems (hardware and software) and control panels.
  • Preparation of conceptual reports and technical memorandums
  • I&C engineering and analyses related to various water, wastewater, and industrial waste treatment facilities.
  • Support of engineering design projects and studies within multi-disciplinary teams
  • Development of construction documents including:- Drawings:- Database driven Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID's)
  • Detailed control and communication network architecture diagrams
  • Control panel details
  • CCTV and Access Control System architecture drawings and details
  • Point-to-Point Wiring Diagrams
  • Instrument installation details
  • Technical specifications and detailed control strategies
  • Control functional diagrams and Cause and Effect tables
  • Summary Control System Schedules for I/O, instruments, valves, interlocks, alarms, etc.
  • Review and evaluation of electrical schematic diagrams and plans; review and evaluation of mechanical specifications with controls content; review and evaluation of process flow diagrams and design criteria; and coordination of I&C deliverables with the process, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.
  • Procurement support activities:- Preparation and/or review of instrument datasheets
  • Review of Contractor and Equipment Supplier submittals.
  • Review of Contractor shop drawings and submittals related to electrical and I&C work; investigation and development of contract-based responses or engineered solutions to Contractor's Requests for Information
  • Providing engineering services during construction which may include any one or more of the following:- Equipment supplier shop inspections and factory tests
  • Active construction site inspections
  • Support of equipment and control system commissioning, start-up, and performance testing
  • Generation of field test reports, progress reports, daily inspection reports, etc.
  • Control system diagnosis and troubleshooting
  • Developing project scope definitions, budgets, and staffing plans
  • Working in a manner to ensure personal safety and that of fellow employees by following company health and safety guidelines and policies.

Successful applicant will meet or exceed the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering is required, MS preferred,
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in instrumentation and controls.
  • PE license in Controls Systems or Electrical Engineering in the State of California, OR the ability to obtain reciprocity, OR the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire date is required.
  • Possess solid interpersonal skills for working in a team environment (virtual or in-person)
  • Strong oral and written communication skills - ability to convey project I&C needs to the project managers and clients and to formulate those needs into comprehensive plans and specifications.
  • Ability to mentor junior staff and work with disparately located project team members
  • Able to work on multiple projects simultaneously
  • Willing and able to travel. Occasional international travel may be required.

Pay Range:
• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas-$117,800.00 - $176,800.00 Annually
• Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA areas-$126,400.00 - $189,600.00 Annually
• Locations in NYC & CA (Bay Area) & NJ (RP)-$134,900.00 - $202,500.00 Annually
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements
Primary Location: United States | CA | San Francisco
Other Locations: United States | CA | Irvine
Organization: 2243 Water-US Delivery-Sacramento CA
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: No
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 23/06/2026 01:06:47
Req ID: 1006448
#additional
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.

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