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Electrical Instrumentation Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Electrical Instrumentation Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$75.2K

$115K

$165.3K

How much do electrical instrumentation engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical instrumentation engineering in Chicago, IL is $115,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,300.00 and $132,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is eie better than ece?

Electrical Instrumentation Engineering (EIE) and Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) are distinct fields; EIE focuses on instrumentation, control systems, and automation, while ECE emphasizes electronics, communication systems, and signal processing. The choice depends on career interests, industry demand, and skill sets, with EIE often aligned with industries like manufacturing and process control, and ECE with telecommunications and consumer electronics.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced electrical instrumentation engineers working in industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or power generation can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially with advanced certifications, specialized skills, and leadership roles. These positions often involve managing complex systems, large teams, or project oversight in high-stakes environments.

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 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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Electrical instrumentation engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in industries like oil and gas, power generation, or manufacturing. High salaries often involve specialized skills in control systems, automation, and the use of tools like PLCs and SCADA 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 does an electrical and instrumentation engineer do?

An electrical and instrumentation engineer designs, develops, and maintains electrical systems and control instruments used in industrial processes. They work with control systems, sensors, and automation equipment, often using tools like PLCs and SCADA, to ensure efficient and safe operation of facilities. The role typically requires knowledge of electrical codes, instrumentation calibration, and safety standards.
What are popular job titles related to Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? For Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electrical Instrumentation Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,025 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
Electrical Controls & Instrumentation Engineer - Waukegan, IL

Electrical Controls & Instrumentation Engineer - Waukegan, IL

AkzoNobel

Waukegan, IL

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

AkzoNobel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 92 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands - including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon - is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today - while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com 

2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

The Electrical / Controls Engineer position supports the site in their manufacturing electrical and automation journey through technical capability to specify, install, maintain, and safeguard electrical, Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and associated systems. The Electrical / Controls Engineer further collaborates with site and regional teams to augment existing instrumentation and controls capabilities, capture future opportunities, and create road maps for automation projects that support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Control Systems Excellence:
   Primarily responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the site electrical, instrumentation and control (I&C) systems, including performing minor changes to switchgears, PLC system, routine maintenance and backups, troubleshooting assistance, creating preventative maintenance (PM) and asset life-cycle plans, creating spare parts strategies, and training site personnel on I&C use and maintenance
   Determine necessary OEM and third-party support contract needs for control systems
   Provide expertise on electrical, instrumentation and control system design for capital and expense projects, specifying equipment (disconnects, conduits, PLC, I/O, instrumentation), topologies, communication protocols, and collaborating with other discipline engineering 
   Develop, update, and maintain the site digital map, including network architecture, equipment locations, IP / MAC addresses used and available, cable routes, etc.
   Collaborate with the Regional Digital Deployment Teams in preparation of digital initiatives (i.e. shutdown management, performance portal, communication boards, etc.)
   Act as Site Cyber Security Officer to ensure AkzoNobel policies and standards are implemented and accurately reported, execute periodic risk/vulnerability assessments, work with OEMs to mitigate found deficiencies, and lead and train on the control systems security program at the site

Process Safety Management:
   Maintain data and records for electrical, I&C systems related to Process Safety Management (PSM) processes, including safe operating limits, control system logic diagrams, loop drawings, and critical process interlocks
   Identify critical instrumentation and control system equipment, maintain up-to-date lists, and ensure identified equipment is maintained appropriately
   Participate in plant Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) studies, including HazOps, LOPAs, etc., providing instrumentation and control system expertise for functional safety. 

Collaboration:
   Maintains good working relationships with OEM and third-party providers of I&C systems and manages contractors and service providers while on site
   Liaison with Information Management (IM), OEMs, and contractors in maintaining site industrial control system security
   Recognize the need for, and seek professional advice and/or assistance for areas beyond specific knowledge and experience
   Keep close coordination with Digital Architect & ISC Cybersecurity Officer for functional support and guidance. 

Job Requirements

Technical Skills
   Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, instrumentation engineering, or engineering technology 
   Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience; experience in a chemical or paints & coatings environment a plus
   Hands-on control system experience in large, high volume manufacturing facilities
   Experience in programming and troubleshooting electrical and PLC systems; experience with ABB and Rockwell systems a plus.
   Previous experience with factory digital transformation and automation programs
   Experience in different communication protocols (Profibus, Modbus, serial, ethernet, wireless etc.)
   Field instrumentation and VFD (ABB and Rockwell) programming and troubleshooting experience
   Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) a plus

    Basic knowledge of cybersecurity, network architecture, and data collection methodologies a plus

Soft Skills 
   Demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with production employees, peers, and manufacturing management
   Must be able to work with minimal direct guidance or direction from others
   Must have experience managing multiple projects and working on and/or leading multi-disciplined teams or workgroups

Benefits

Base salary range for this role is: $105,000 to $115,000. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

  • 401K retirement savings with 6% company match
  • Medical insurance with HSA
  • Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
  • Generous vacation, sick and holiday pay
  • Annual bonus 10% Short Term Incentive
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Parental leave after 1 year
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
  • Employee referral bonus
Competencies
Accepting Direction
Accepting Responsibility
Acquiring Information

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 50844

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