Instrumentation Engineer
El Segundo, CA
Engineering (Systems) /
Full Time (Salaried) /
On-site
We are seeking an Instrumentation Engineer to design, develop, and maintain instrumentation and control systems. Responsibilities include creating wiring and instrumentation drawings, maintaining instrumentation lists, managing instrumentation selection, configuring data and control systems, and supporting instrumentation/controls commissioning and troubleshooting. Ideal candidates have experience with industrial controls such as PLCs and high performance and industrial data acquisition. Experience with low and medium voltage electrical system design and specification is a plus. Systems should be designed and constructed in compliance with industry standards for reliable system performance. This position requires hands-on work in a fast-paced environment with up to 20% travel to our test site in San Bernardino, CA.
Arbor’s team of world-class engineers and scientists are developing a scalable, low-cost approach to Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) based on modern rocket engine technology. BECCS is a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approach that uses biomass to produce energy and remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it permanently underground, while ensuring food security, rural livelihoods, and biodiversity are not affected. Our modular technology leverages the power density of supercritical CO2 to enable compact gasification, oxy-combustion, and high-pressure turbo-expansion to convert abundant waste biomass into clean electricity, water, and high-purity CO2, capturing and sequestering all emissions from the process. Our team brings together a passion for science, technology, and global stewardship to make low-cost, high-quality carbon removal and baseload power a reality.
Responsibilities
- Develop frameworks and internal standards for instrumentation wiring and harness diagrams.
- Work with system engineers to specify appropriate instrumentation.
- Procure and manage instrumentation inventory.
- Collaborate with the systems team to configure data and control systems.
- Assist in P&ID development and Process Hazard Analysis.
- Oversee I/O lists, control panel designs, cable schedules, location plans, and procurement specifications for instrumentation and control equipment.
- Support control system loop checks and troubleshoot field issues during commissioning and startup.
- Develop preventive maintenance and testing procedures to ensure system reliability.
- Select instrumentation for systems requiring SIL3 certification.
Requirements
- Bachelor or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or STEM field
- 3+ years of Instrumentation Engineering experience
- Strong knowledge of common instrumentation (thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, valve positioners, etc.).
- Experience in PCB/circuit design for protecting analog instrumentation and DAQ hardware.
- Proven ability to develop wiring diagrams and harnesses for field deployment.
- Familiarity with ISA and IEEE standards, methods, and best practices.
- Experience working with instrumentation used in the process and power generation industries.
- Skilled in troubleshooting and resolving instrumentation issues in the field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in Python, C++, or Golang development.
- Knowledge of NEC & IEC standards and best practices.
- Experience working with UEIDAQ data acquisition equipment.
- Familiarity with PLCs/PACs, specifically Opto22.
- Previous experience in a startup environment.
- Expertise in low and medium voltage power system design
- Electrical/I&C design documents (single-line diagrams, panel schedules, wiring diagrams, raceway drawings, etc.).
- Vendor protective relay equipment (SEL, ABB, GE, Areva, Basler).
- Specification of electrical equipment (transformers, switchgear, MCCs, UPS/DC).
Benefits
- Stock options
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)
- Basic life insurance fully covered
- Health savings account (HSA) with matching
- Flexible savings account (FSA)
- Unlimited PTO
- 12+ company holidays, including Earth Day!
- 401(k)
- Commuter benefits
- Annual learning and development stipend
- And more!
$130,000 - $150,000 a year
The salary range is subject to applicant’s skills, qualifications, and experience.
Arbor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Solving global energy challenges requires a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a team that reflects the world we serve.
