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Electrical Instrumentation Engineering Jobs in Illinois

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Electrical Instrumentation Engineering information

What is electrical instrumentation engineering?

Electrical Instrumentation Engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the design, development, installation, and maintenance of instruments and devices used to measure and control electrical systems and processes. Professionals in this field ensure the accuracy and reliability of equipment that monitors variables such as voltage, current, pressure, temperature, and flow in industrial and manufacturing settings. They play a crucial role in automating processes, improving efficiency, and maintaining safety standards in industries like power generation, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

What are some typical challenges electrical instrumentation engineers face when working on large-scale industrial projects?

Electrical Instrumentation Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new instrumentation systems with existing legacy equipment, ensuring compliance with strict industry safety and regulatory standards, and managing tight project timelines. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including process engineers, electricians, and project managers—is key to overcoming these obstacles. Effective troubleshooting skills and adaptability are crucial, as unexpected technical issues or supply chain delays can arise during installation and commissioning phases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical instrumentation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, process control, and instrumentation, often supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or instrumentation engineering. Familiarity with PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and relevant certifications such as ISA CAP or EIT are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and complex environments. These skills ensure safe, reliable, and optimized operation of automated and industrial systems.

What is the difference between Electrical Instrumentation Engineering vs Electrical Engineering?

AspectElectrical Instrumentation EngineeringElectrical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical or Instrumentation Engineering, certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license (optional)
Work EnvironmentFactories, process plants, automation systemsPower plants, electrical design firms, manufacturing
Industry UsageIndustrial automation, control systems, instrumentationPower systems, electronics, telecommunications

Electrical Instrumentation Engineering focuses on designing, installing, and maintaining control and instrumentation systems used in industrial processes. Electrical Engineering covers a broader range of electrical systems, including power distribution, electronics, and telecommunications. Both roles often share certifications and work environments but differ in specialization and scope.

Are electrical instrumentation engineers in demand?

Electrical instrumentation engineers are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and oil and gas, where they design, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentation. The demand is driven by ongoing infrastructure development, automation, and the need for specialized skills in PLCs, SCADA systems, and calibration. Job prospects are generally strong for those with relevant certifications and experience in industrial environments.

What does an electrical instrumentation engineer do?

An electrical instrumentation engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes. They work with sensors, controllers, and automation equipment to ensure accurate measurement and control of electrical and electronic systems, often using tools like PLCs and SCADA systems. Their role involves troubleshooting, calibration, and ensuring safety standards in environments such as manufacturing plants and power facilities.

What job categories do people searching Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Electrical Instrumentation Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Electrical Instrumentation Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Project E&I Engineer - Refinery

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Downers Grove, IL

$50 - $75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Title: Project E&I Engineer - Refinery
Location: Lemont, IL
Hire Type: Long Term Open-Ended Contract (Multi-Year, No End Date)
Pay Rate: $50-75 per hour
Compensation & Benefits
As a contract employee of Sterling Engineering, you'll receive a full, competitive benefits package, including:
  • Three Medical Plan Options
  • Dental & Vision Coverage
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
Sterling Engineering is seeking a Project E&I Engineer to support capital improvement projects at a large, highly automated industrial manufacturing and refining facility. You'll gain hands-on experience leading technically challenging projects in a safety-driven, fast-paced environment with significant opportunities to expand your project management and refinery engineering expertise.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage assigned electrical and instrumentation capital projects from scope development through commissioning and startup
  • Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and execution plans
  • Monitor project budgets, cash flow forecasts, schedules, and overall project performance
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Process Engineering, Reliability, Construction, and Maintenance
  • Manage engineering contractors, material procurement, and project documentation throughout the project lifecycle
  • Review engineering designs to ensure quality, constructability, safety, and regulatory compliance
  • Lead project change management activities, including Management of Change (MOC) documentation
  • Facilitate Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs) to support safe equipment commissioning and startup
  • Provide technical support during construction, installation, startup, and project closeout
  • Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and meet operational objectives
Qualifications
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university
  • Must have at least 2 years of Electrical & Instrumentation engineering experience in a refining or chemical processing environment
  • Experience supporting capital projects in refining, chemical processing, power generation, or other heavy industrial environments
  • Needs a strong working knowledge of instrumentation engineering standards and best practices
  • Experience managing project scope, budgets, schedules, and contractor activities
  • Familiarity with Management of Change (MOC) processes and industrial safety practices
Why You'll Love This Opportunity
  • Work on impactful capital projects supporting one of the nation's critical industrial facilities
  • Gain experience managing projects from concept through startup and commissioning
  • Collaborate with experienced multidisciplinary engineering and operations teams
  • Build expertise in project management, refinery systems, and industrial process engineering
  • Diverse project work that offers technical challenges and professional growth
  • Safety-focused culture with established engineering processes and best practices
  • Excellent opportunity to expand your experience in large-scale industrial project execution.

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