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Sr Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the role Muon seeks a Senior Instrument Systems Engineer to join our team in San Jose, CA or Remote, with a focus on infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated ...

About the role Muon seeks a Senior Instrument Systems Engineer to join our team in San Jose, CA or Remote, with a focus on infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated ...

Sr. Control Systems Engineer

Caspar, CA · On-site

$184K - $191K/yr

JOB SUMMARY This is a senior level control systems and instrumentation engineer position. The position requires strong technical ability to both perform engineering tasks and lead others, ability to ...

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Sr Instrumentation Engineer information

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

To thrive as a Sr Instrumentation Engineer, you need a strong background in instrumentation engineering, process control, and system integration, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering and relevant work experience. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and familiarity with ISA standards or certifications such as CCST is typical. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for managing complex projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of industrial processes, directly impacting organizational performance and safety.

What is the difference between Sr Instrumentation Engineer vs Instrumentation Engineer?

AspectSr Instrumentation EngineerInstrumentation Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, certifications like CSE, experience in project managementBachelor's degree in Engineering, entry-level certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee installation, troubleshooting in industrial plantsAssist in installation, maintenance, basic troubleshooting
ResponsibilitiesLead projects, develop instrumentation systems, ensure safety standardsSupport instrumentation tasks, perform routine checks

The main difference lies in experience and responsibility level. Sr Instrumentation Engineers typically lead projects and have advanced certifications, while Instrumentation Engineers focus on supporting roles and basic tasks. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, with the senior role requiring more expertise and leadership.

What does a Sr Instrumentation Engineer do?

A Sr Instrumentation Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing instrumentation systems used to monitor and control engineering processes, often in industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, or power generation. They oversee the selection and installation of instruments such as sensors, control systems, and measurement devices. In addition, they ensure all instrumentation meets regulatory standards and works efficiently, troubleshoot technical issues, and often lead or mentor junior engineers. Their role is crucial in optimizing operational performance and maintaining safety standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Sr Instrumentation Engineer when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

As a Sr Instrumentation Engineer, you will often collaborate closely with process, electrical, and mechanical engineers, which requires clear communication and strong coordination skills. A common challenge is ensuring that instrumentation designs integrate seamlessly with other engineering disciplines while meeting project specifications and safety standards. Managing conflicting priorities, addressing integration issues, and keeping up with technological advances in instrumentation are also key aspects of the role. Proactively engaging with team members and staying current on industry best practices can help overcome these challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Sr Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California? For Sr Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sr Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sr Instrumentation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Sr Instrumentation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Sr Instrumentation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Sr Instrumentation Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Stantec

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Stantec rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 369 rated engineering


Job description


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.

Qualifications
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.

About Us
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.
About the Team
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

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