Instrumentation and Controls Technician - El Segundo, CA

Jacobs; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs in El Segundo, CA, is seeking an Instrumentation and Controls Technician to design, implement, and maintain control systems for water treatment equipment. You will select instruments, program PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA, and ensure seamless integration with plant processes.

The role emphasizes thorough documentation, regular maintenance, and quick problem solving in a dynamic environment. A strong grasp of instrumentation and controls, plus proficiency with field tools, is essential for

Qualifications

• Two to five years’ experience in operation and maintenance of water/wastewater facilities.
• Experience designing, implementing and maintaining control systems.
• Proficient in PLC, HMIs and SCADA programs.
• CA Driver’s License with no major infractions required.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair plant instrumentation and controls.
• Interface with customers on I&C designs and documents.
• Understand and assess client problems and determine appropriate means of solution.
• Ensure plant field instrumentation, controls, and electrical equipment remain in optimal working condition by performing necessary maintenance and repairs.
• Develop and implement an accurate calibration program for plant instrumentation.
• Execute assigned preventive and predictive maintenance tasks with precision; collect and analyze trended data on equipment as instructed.
• Review, evaluate, and recommend improvements for plant spare parts inventory twice a year or as directed by the Maintenance Manager; monitor usage and reorder spare parts as required.
• Maintain calibration records in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Service and repair plant equipment following vendor guidelines and established plant procedures.
• Acquire and maintain comprehensive knowledge of plant logic and control systems; troubleshoot issues using drawings and diagrams.
• Familiarize yourself with plant manuals, system descriptions, operating procedures, and emergency response plans, ensuring quick access when needed.
• Respond promptly to plant incidents or operational emergencies.
• Inspect, repair, install, and remove a variety of motors, generators, transformers, switches, control equipment, wiring, electrical signal and communication systems, and storage batteries.
• Perform troubleshooting, calibration, and analysis on facility instrumentation, including DCS, PLC, and turbine control systems, as assigned.
• Committed to upholding safety standards in all aspects of work.
• Other duties may be assigned

Skills

Troubleshooting

I&C design

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

HachWIMS

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted, so we can shape innovative and lasting solutions for tomorrow. Through the delivery of our operations and maintenance services, you’ll make it simpler and more seamless for our municipal clients to operate safely and efficiently, empowering communities to focus on what matters most to them – people.

Jacobs is searching for a dynamic Instrumentation and Controls Technician to join our team in El Segundo, CA. In this role, you'll be essential in designing, implementing, and maintaining control systems for water treatment equipment to include selecting suitable instruments, programming devices such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), SCADA systems, and other control technologies, ensuring they integrate seamlessly into our processes. Beyond your technical skills, you’ll document your work thoroughly, carry out regular maintenance, and address any issues that may arise. Your ability to think critically and solve problems in a dynamic, fast-paced environment will be key to your success. To thrive in this position, you should have keen attention to detail and a passion for delivering top-tier quality and efficiency. A strong understanding of instrumentation and controls is crucial, along with proficiency in using various tools and software applications.

Principal Areas of Responsibility

• Responsible for precise troubleshooting and repair work
• Interface with customers regarding I&C designs and submitted design documents.
• Understand and assess client problems and determine appropriate means of solution
• Ensure plant field instrumentation, controls, and electrical equipment remain in optimal working condition by performing necessary maintenance and repairs
• Develop and implement an accurate calibration program for plant instrumentation
• Execute assigned preventive and predictive maintenance tasks with precision; collect and analyze trended data on equipment as instructed
• Review, evaluate, and recommend improvements for plant spare parts inventory twice a year or as directed by the Maintenance Manager; monitor usage and reorder spare parts as required
• Maintain calibration records in compliance with regulatory standards
• Service and repair plant equipment following vendor guidelines and established plant procedures
• Acquire and maintain comprehensive knowledge of plant logic and control systems; troubleshoot issues using drawings and diagrams
• Familiarize yourself with plant manuals, system descriptions, operating procedures, and emergency response plans, ensuring quick access when needed
• Respond promptly to plant incidents or operational emergencies
• Inspect, repair, install, and remove a variety of motors, generators, transformers, switches, control equipment, wiring, electrical signal and communication systems, and storage batteries
• Perform troubleshooting, calibration, and analysis on facility instrumentation, including DCS, PLC, and turbine control systems, as assigned
• Committed to upholding safety standards in all aspects of work
• Other duties may be assigned

Bring your team-focus, adaptability, and commitment to excellence, and we’ll help you grow what drives you – and deliver the world’s most challenging Operations Management projects, together.

#ourjacobs #bia #omfs #challengeaccepted

Here’s what you’ll need

• Two (2) to five (5) years’ experience in the operation and maintenance of water/wastewater treatment facilities or a similar industrial type environment or related industry
• Exceptional problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to use computer systems and programs, such as Microsoft Office, HachWIMS or various other work processing and spreadsheet applications and computerized maintenance management systems associated with the operations of an advanced water reclamation facility
• Ability to provide leadership and prioritize work activities on a shift basis in response to operational needs and process control requirements
• Available for emergencies as needed
• Experience writing procedure manuals and/or SOPs
• Ability to apply mathematics to operational tasks such as chemical dosing, flow calculations, pipe or tank volumes, etc.
• Experience with creating technical documents, publications, and design reports.
• Valid CA Driver’s License with no major infractions required

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong communication skills in the English language (written, verbal, inter-personal)

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

The work area can involve a working environment indoors, as well as outdoors, which could cause exposure to outdoor elements; proper environmental attire will be required. Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, airborne particles, noxious gases, pathogens and various chemicals. Safety is of the utmost importance. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.

Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, twist and bend at the waist, turn, kneel, squat, raise arms above shoulder height, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination when preparing reports and using a computer keyboard, have vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents and operate office equipment, have hearing in the normal range with or without correction. In an 8-hour time period must be able to transport self across the facility, ascend and descend stair steps, lift objects up to 50 pounds from floor level to waist height, wear and use appropriate safety equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand for extended periods; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs or ladders or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must periodically lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision as well as the ability to distinguish color and shades. Technical dexterity is required in performing chemical and instrumental analytical procedures.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be exposed to odors, silica, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, greases, oils, electrical energy, solvents and vibrations. The employee may work on slippery/uneven surfaces, around machinery with moving parts, moving objects/vehicles, and ladder/scaffolding, below ground and may be exposed to water and other liquid materials.

The employee will be expected to follow the H&S Manual guidelines and wear the appropriate PPE as instructed.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off (allocated plans start date 17 days per calendar year), seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount as well as legally mandated benefits.

The base salary range for this position is $95,000.00 to $109,700.00; though will be paid hourly based on hours worked. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on September 01, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.