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$54

$81

How much do controls instrumentation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls instrumentation engineer in the United States is $54.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.55 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Controls Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, instrumentation, process control, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA software, and industry certifications like ISA CAP are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you excel when collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable automation and control of industrial processes.

What are Controls Instrumentation Engineers?

Controls Instrumentation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, install, and maintain systems that control and monitor industrial processes. They work with instruments and control devices such as sensors, transmitters, and automation systems to ensure that processes operate efficiently, safely, and within specified parameters. Their expertise is essential in industries like manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, and chemical processing. These engineers also troubleshoot and optimize control systems to improve performance and reliability.

What are some typical challenges Controls Instrumentation Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Controls Instrumentation Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and project timelines. Effective communication is crucial to ensure that instrumentation specifications meet the overall system needs and comply with industry standards. Balancing the integration of new technologies with existing infrastructure and addressing unexpected technical issues during commissioning are also common challenges. Developing strong teamwork and problem-solving skills helps overcome these hurdles and leads to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Controls Instrumentation Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls Instrumentation EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, electronics, or control engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industries, automation systemsPower generation, electrical systems design, construction sites, consulting firms
Industry UsageHeavy industries, oil & gas, manufacturing, automationPower, construction, consulting, manufacturing

Controls Instrumentation Engineers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining control systems and instrumentation in industrial settings. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuit design. While both roles require electrical knowledge, Controls Instrumentation Engineers specialize in automation and control systems within industrial environments.

What Does an Instrumentation Controls Engineer Do?

An Instrumentation Controls Engineer works with production equipment in a manufacturing environment. Your primary duties and responsibilities will typically include researching, designing, developing devices and controls, and monitoring and managing these systems. This job incorporates two interrelated technology disciplines: control engineering and instrumentation engineering. Control engineers develop the systems. Instrumentation engineers monitor and manage temperature, pressure, humidity, speed, and other process variables while the machines are operating. In light of the expanded focus on automation in U.S. manufacturing, you’ll find the role of Instrumentation Controls Engineer to be a valuable career.
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Controls Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Controls & Instrumentation Engineer

Controls & Instrumentation Engineer

Invariant Corporation

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Controls & Instrumentation Engineer

26-040

Invariant Corporation is seeking a fulltime Controls & Instrumentation Engineer to support design, integration, testing, and automation efforts across customer and internal R&D programs. This role will lead electrical controls activities, panel design, instrumentation integration, and systemlevel troubleshooting on prototype and production equipment.

Duties Include:

  • Design and update electrical schematics and wiring diagrams in compliance with UL508A and internal standards.
  • Design and build control panels, including component selection, layout, wiring, and quality inspection.
  • Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCbased control systems (Siemens preferred).
  • Integrate sensors, instrumentation, and automation hardware for prototype and production systems.
    Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), system commissioning, and customer evaluations.
  • Develop control logic flow diagrams, P&IDbased control narratives, and system block diagrams.
  • Implement automation for data parsing, validation, and management using Python and SQL.
  • Assist in networking tasks including Layer2/Layer3 diagrams and system interface planning.
  • Prepare documentation, work instructions, troubleshooting notes, test reports, and asbuilt drawings.

Minimum Requirements:

  • BS in Electromechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 12 years of experience in controls engineering, instrumentation, or electrical systems design
  • Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks/Fusion 360, and PLC ladder logic (Siemens 1500 preferred).
  • Working knowledge of sensors, instrumentation, motor controls, and panel wiring.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control narratives.
  • Handson experience building and testing electromechanical systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with OPCUA, Raspberry Pi/Arduino, automation scripting (Python), SQL database design.
  • Experience supporting DoD/DoE, CUI, or controlled facility environments.
  • Experience planning and executing FAT and integration test events.
  • Exposure to electrical/panel work is beneficial but not required.

Requires ability to:

  • Work well in a small, fast-paced and mission-driven environment with co-workers, management, and client.
  • Demonstrate innovation, quick learning, excellent communication skills and adaptive thinking.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision, making rational decisions, and exercising good judgment is essential.

Work Environment

  • Office, Lab, and field environment.

Attendance

  • Normal workdays are from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternate work schedule can be negotiated.
  • Support will be provided as needed during this time frame, but small efforts may be made at any time to support operations.

Invariant Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Invariant is a drug-free workplace.

Company Description

Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Invariant is a 100% employee owned, non-traditional defense contractor providing advanced engineering solutions to support national defense, homeland security, and law enforcement. We are ISO 9001 certified with secure facilities, labs, and high bay space performing advanced manufacturing, integration, assembly, and testing of mission critical systems. Join a team where innovation fuels impact. At Invariant, every voice contributes, and every employee-owner shares in the success of our mission to protect those who protect us. We’re home to engineers, developers, and specialists—web builders of mission-critical systems, united by purpose and driven by pride. As a 100% employee-owned company, your work doesn’t just power national defense—it helps power your future. Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore our current openings and discover how you can make a lasting impact while building ownership in everything you help create.