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Electrical Instrumentation Engineering Jobs in Virginia

Ensuring proper operation of, and troubleshooting of, electrical & instrumentation system components including transmitters, actuators, controllers, motor and drive systems, programmable logic ...

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience (aerospace, electrical, or mechanical preferred). * 8+ years of experience in instrumentation and data ...

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience (aerospace, electrical, or mechanical preferred). * 8+ years of experience in instrumentation and data ...

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Electrical Instrumentation Engineering information

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 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 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 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.

What job categories do people searching Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Electrical Instrumentation Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Electrical Instrumentation Engineering job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Progressive Design

Midlothian, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Progressive Design, Inc. is currently seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer. This is a full time/onsite position located in Midlothian, Virginia (Richmond, VA area).
Key Requirements & Responsibilities:
  • Primarily engaged in the design, modeling, and analysis of I & C engineering requirements on small to mid-sized heavy industrial projects.
  • Planning and executing Instrumentation engineering design for field instrumentation, Distributed Control System (DCS), Supervisory control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Integrated Control System (ICS), Fire and Gas, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Telecommunications systems. This entails the preparation of basic design, detailed design of the instrumentation and controls part of the project.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Contribute to the development of P&ID's with respect to measurement and control.
  • Develop control narratives.
  • Specify process instrumentation and develop installation details.
  • Size control valves using appropriate software.
  • Develop specifications and data sheets for instrumentation, analyzers, control systems and actuated valves.
  • Route conduit and cable tray.
  • Calculate tray and conduit fill.
  • Accurately estimate completion of assigned tasks.
  • Develop a construction cost estimate, a detailed engineering schedule and a man-hour budget for a small project or an area for a larger project.
  • Act as discipline engineer of record for projects that require professional engineering certification.
  • Utilize department design and drafting standards.
  • Project scope, specifications and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.
  • Recognize and communicate scope and design changes promptly.
  • Coordinate work activities with other staff members and the discipline lead.
  • Produce detail design calculations and sketches for materials of construction associated with the project. Calculations produced will be neatly prepared and organized for efficient checking by others and efficient use by drafters/designers for preparing drawings and as a deliverable when required.
  • Produce installation specifications.
  • Develop conceptual layouts and cost studies as necessary to determine the simplest, most efficient approach to solving engineering tasks at hand.
  • Check calculations made by other engineers to ensure accuracy, conformance to codes, specifications, design criteria and conformance to good engineering practice.
  • Assist the drafting group in resolving routine layout and detailing problems. It is your responsibility to furnish sufficient sketches and details necessary for completion of engineering drawings.
  • Consult with design leaders from other disciplines to ensure the smooth flow of vital information necessary for the scheduled completion of the project.
  • Assist other engineers in developing and assembling scopes, drawings and specifications into a "package", enabling electrical/instrumentation purchase inquiries to be issued for procurement of materials or subcontract pricing.
  • Estimating and scheduling professional service hours and assessing the progress and quality of electrical/instrumentation work.
  • Preparing data sheets, cause and effect diagrams, logic verifications, input to interdepartmental interfaces.
Job Requirements:
  • Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university is required.
  • Professional Engineering registration is highly preferred.
  • 5+ years of relevant industrial experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering.
  • Knowledge and application of the current version of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
  • Ability to identify and develop work sharing packages for interoffice execution support. Provide leadership to ensure communication and execution of work within scope, schedule and budget.
  • Knowledge of the standards that apply to instrumentation and controls (ISA).
  • Programming experience with Programmable Logic controller (PLC), Human Machine Interface (HMI), and/or Distributed Control System (DCS) equipment.
  • Familiarity with specifications and installation details of construction bulk materials and equipment.
  • Knowledge and understanding of schedule constraints and information requirements for the production of all instrumentation deliverables.
  • Experience is in Index, I/O List, Data sheets and Loop drawings.
  • Working knowledge of CAD software, either AutoCAD, Microstation or both.
Benefits:
We offer a fast paced, exciting work environment with a competitive compensation package including: Health Care Benefits, Paid Time Off & Holidays, Flexible work schedules, Work life balance, 401K match, paid overtime, performance based bonus, and tuition reimbursement.
Company Overview:
We hire the best in Engineering & Design! Hands-on experience, years of industry knowledge, continuous training, and commitment to excellence are some of the attributes that make Progressive Design's professional staff the best at what we do. The company has experienced consistent growth and on-going success from hiring the right people that focus on client success, embrace an entrepreneurial spirit and demonstrate the highest integrity.
Progressive Design, Inc. (PDI) is a private, family-owned, Heavy Industrial Engineering & Design Consulting firm that provides valued engineering services. Founded in 1986 by Robert Ranson, Progressive Design has grown to become one of the largest privately held multi-discipline engineering firms in central Virginia. In 2021, Robert's daughter and Progressive Design President, Erica Burgess, acquired ownership and established Progressive Design as a Woman-Owned business.
Our team's knowledge and hands-on experience can take projects from concept to startup. As a full service, multi-discipline engineering consulting firm, we support manufacturing facilities and clients in many key areas including: EPC/Turnkey projects, project feasibility studies, process improvement analysis, new process design, process upgrades, air pollution abatement technology and integration, environmental compliance, product design, industrial capital projects, and detailed project/construction estimates.
We serve Fortune 500 companies in industries such as chemical, tobacco, power, films, fibers, plastics, paper, pharmaceuticals, metals, food and beverage, and discrete manufacturing.