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Entry Level Instrumentation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do entry level instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation in the United States is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level instrumentation job?

Entry level instrumentation jobs involve assisting with the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of instruments and control systems used to monitor and manage industrial processes. Individuals in these roles typically work under the supervision of more experienced technicians and engineers. Common responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment, collecting data, and ensuring that instruments are operating correctly and safely. These positions are often found in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, and pharmaceuticals. A background in electronics, engineering, or a related technical field is usually required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level instrumentation technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation Technician, you typically need a background in electronics, instrumentation, or a related technical field, often demonstrated through an associate degree or technical certification. Familiarity with tools such as multimeters, calibration devices, PLCs, and common industrial control systems is expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set candidates apart in this role. These abilities ensure accurate monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of critical instrumentation systems to support safe and efficient operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level instrumentation technicians, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level instrumentation technicians often encounter challenges such as learning to troubleshoot complex control systems and adapting to strict safety protocols in industrial environments. It can also be daunting to interpret technical diagrams and calibrate a wide variety of instruments accurately. Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, participating in ongoing training sessions, and consistently reviewing technical manuals can help new technicians build confidence and competence. Collaborative teamwork and clear communication with engineers and operators are also essential for overcoming these early hurdles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Instrumentation vs Entry Level Electrical Technician?

AspectEntry Level InstrumentationEntry Level Electrical Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in instrumentation or control systemsHigh school diploma or technical certification in electrical systems
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesConstruction sites, maintenance facilities, industrial plants
Industry UsageCommonly used in process control, automation, and manufacturing industriesUsed across construction, maintenance, and electrical service industries
Job FocusInstalling, calibrating, and maintaining control systems and sensorsInstalling, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical wiring and equipment

Entry Level Instrumentation roles focus on control systems, sensors, and automation in industrial settings, requiring specialized certifications. Entry Level Electrical Technicians handle electrical wiring and repairs, often with similar certifications but a broader focus on electrical systems. Both roles are essential in industrial environments but differ in technical focus and daily tasks.

How to get started in entry level instrumentation?

To start an entry-level instrumentation career, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent and pursue relevant technical training or an associate degree in instrumentation, electrical, or control systems. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and developing skills in reading schematics, using calibration tools, and understanding process control systems are essential steps.

Is it hard to get into entry level instrumentation?

Entry level instrumentation jobs typically require a high school diploma or technical training, along with basic knowledge of electrical or mechanical systems. Relevant certifications, such as OSHA safety training or instrumentation coursework, can improve chances of employment. While some positions may require prior experience, many companies hire entry-level candidates and provide on-the-job training.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation jobs?

The most popular types of Instrumentation jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Instrumentation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Instrumentation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,428 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Entry Level Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Eichleay

Billings, MT • On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Other

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Entry Level Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Job Category: Engineering Design

Requisition Number: INSTR001629

  • Posted : July 31, 2026
  • Full-Time
  • On-site
Locations

Showing 1 location

Billings, MT 59102, USA

Description

Your ideas matter. At Eichleay, we’re tackling challenges that redefine how we add value to the industries we serve. We’re looking for an Entry Level Instrumentation and Controls Engineer who thrives on innovation and wants to make a real difference. In this role, you’ll create measurable value through innovation, efficiency, and client success. You will help us deliver solutions that set new standards.

This is a full-time position which offers competitive compensation and benefits package with a 401K match. As a member of the instrumentation and controls (I&C) team you will work in a collaborative multi-discipline environment and report to the I&C Team Lead. This position is based at our Eichleay office located in Billings, MT.

Compensation: $70,000 - $110,000 *Anticipated annual salary may vary based on skills, experience, qualifications and internal peer equity. The pay range listed for this position is based on the anticipated base compensation at the time of the posting.

Move Forward with Eichleay

Eichleay is a dynamic organization with over 150 years of experience in delivering project management and engineering solutions across various industries, including energy and chemicals, power generation, life sciences, mining, and food and beverage. We are committed to innovation, excellence, and building long-lasting relationships with our clients.

Position Summary

The I&C Engineering position calls for a candidate with solid skills in I&C principles and practices. This engineer will assist with evaluating, selecting, and applying basic I&C engineering knowledge to analyze data and assist in developing solutions for complex technical issues. The position involves contributing to both single-discipline and multi-disciplinary projects, collaborating closely with I&C design teams under senior I&C engineering supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrate awareness and commitment to health, safety and environmental issues. Address issues as necessary to ensure zero harm to all employees, clients, and contractors with zero environmental incidents.
  • Consistently achieve goals, delivering quality and accurate work and meeting project schedules.
  • Ability to assemble I&C engineering, drawing and construction work packages for review and approval, that may include Instrument Index, I/O lists, data sheets and other required I&C deliverables.
  • May participate in HAZOP and LOPA reviews under guidance of more experienced engineering staff.
  • Develop familiarity with calculations and understanding of safety instrumented systems (SIS) design with guidance from SIS subject matter specialists.
  • Develop experience with selection, and sizing various field instrumentation, analyzer systems, flow measurement devices, control valves, and PSVs in industrial applications independently and with guidance from more experienced engineering staff.
  • Assist in scope development and creating technical specifications for I&C equipment and modifications.
  • Prepare material requisitions for bid and technical bid evaluation under senior I&C engineer supervision, including reviewing of specifications of equipment, and responding to vendor submittals.
  • Ability to assist in developing man hour estimates and material quantity takeoffs for cost estimates.
  • Attend and participate in Client and Eichleay project team meetings.
  • Maintain schedule and budget commitments.
  • Ensure compliance with site, global and industry I&C standards, including ISA, ANSI, ASME, API, and NFPA standards.
  • Support project construction, commissioning and start-up as well as client site turnaround activities as required.

Job Requirements:

Experience: Minimum of 1+ years’ of experience in Refinery or other oil and gas related industries, with a basic knowledge in I&C engineering.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or scientific discipline from an ABET accredited program.

Location: This position is based out of our Billings, MT office.

Skills:

  • Ability to coordinate with other disciplines and project management in a team environment.
  • Coordinate with vendors and clients.
  • Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Bluebeam software.

Technical Competence:

  • Basic experience with instrument specification and data sheet creation.
  • Basic experience with Smart Instrumentation (SI) / Smart Plant Instrumentation (SPI) including basic loop creation, spec sheet (datasheet sheet) creation and basic loop wiring.
  • Familiarity with ISA, ANSI, ASME, API, and NFPA standards.
  • Familiarity with instrument sizing and selection including flow meter, thermowells, and control valves.

Collaboration: Ability to form and foster collaborative relationships within Eichleay and with clients and partners.

Travel: Frequent travel will be required to a nearby refinery site location.

Preferred Skills / Experience:

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
  • Experience working onsite at a refinery or similar industrial facility.
  • Experience with vendor instrument sizing programs, including Emerson and ASME PTC 19.3TW-2016 and InstruCalc Sizing software is desired.

Industry Requirements:

This role may require all or some of the following requirements at time of hire or during employment

  • RSO Safety Training and current card or ability to obtain.
  • Client Safety Training and current badge or ability to obtain.
  • TWIC Certification and current card or ability to obtain.
  • Background screening including previous employment, education, criminal history, and driving record verification.
  • Participation in random drug and alcohol programs.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing duties of this job, you would occasionally be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear (this includes being able to hear and talk on site based communication equipment), distinguish between various colors, be able to hear safety tones/notifications, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools, temperature or controls.
  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perceptions, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Overtime may be necessary as workload dictates. This may include weekdays and weekends.
  • Job duties may be performed at a client site, production facility or industrial/construction job site. Day to day job direction will typically be by Eichleay team lead.
  • Conditions and/or schedule may vary, but the conditions listed above will generally apply.
  • Candidates will be required to follow our clients' site-based rules and protocols regarding infectious diseases.

All opportunities with Eichleay will require authorization to work in the US without the need for sponsorship. Positions will require in-person interactions and may require working on site in an office or field environment. This position is subject to federally mandated drug/alcohol testing. Candidates applying to Eichleay must have the ability to be badged and maintain a badge as a safety sensitive position and/or within the Building and Construction trade for process safety management governed facilities. This will require in-depth drug screening for all positions.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including medical condition), military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information or other status protected by law or regulation.

Use of Artificial Intelligence: At Eichleay, we embrace the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and decision-making across our operations, including recruitment.

Qualifications Education Required

Bachelors or better in Engineering.

Licenses & Certifications Preferred

Professional Engineer

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About Eichleay

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Concord, CA, US

Year founded

1875