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Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs

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Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer information

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How much do entry level instrumentation & controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation & controls 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 an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you need a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering and a solid understanding of process control fundamentals. Familiarity with PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and industry-standard software like AutoCAD or MATLAB is typically required, and certifications such as EIT/FE can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies ensure accurate system design, smooth project execution, and effective troubleshooting in complex industrial settings.

What types of projects and tasks can an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you can expect to assist with designing, configuring, and testing control systems for industrial processes, such as those found in power plants, manufacturing, or water treatment facilities. Your responsibilities may include creating wiring diagrams, selecting and specifying instrumentation, supporting field installations, and collaborating with senior engineers or project managers. You'll also likely help troubleshoot control system issues and participate in commissioning activities, providing valuable hands-on experience. This role offers a blend of office-based design work and on-site support, giving you exposure to both technical and practical aspects of engineering projects.

What does an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer do?

An Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer assists with the design, installation, and maintenance of systems that measure and control industrial processes. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to develop control systems, select appropriate instruments, and ensure that equipment operates safely and efficiently. Typical responsibilities include preparing technical documentation, troubleshooting control systems, and supporting project execution. This role often serves as a starting point for engineers interested in automation, process control, or industrial systems.

What is the difference between Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer vs Entry Level Electrical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Instrumentation & Controls EngineerEntry Level Electrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like CAP or ISA are a plusBachelor's in Electrical Engineering; PE license optional for entry level
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation systemsPower plants, electronics manufacturing, construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageProcess industries, automation companies, oil & gas, manufacturingUtilities, electronics, consulting firms, construction
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes, while Entry Level Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but serve different technical functions within the industry.

More about Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,425 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Nuclear Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

AtkinsRéalis

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Overview
AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Nuclear Instrumentation & Controls Engineer to join our Commercial Nuclear Team. This is an entry-level position and is based out of Oak Ridge, TN.
Your Role
  • Assist in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining instrumentation & controls and electrical systems and equipment.
  • Design and analyze of safety and non-safety related instrumentation & controls systems for commercial nuclear projects.
  • Interface with the other technical disciplines (mechanical, nuclear, operations and electrical engineering teams) for instrumentation & controls design and consultation as needed.
  • Apply knowledge and experience, industry best practices, regulatory guidance, codes and standards, and good engineering judgment to ensure the electrical design is compliant with International regulatory criteria and industry best practices.
  • Perform a variety of engineering calculations using traditional engineering methods to document compliance with project and code requirements.
    • Specifically, design control system designs, including PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, for nuclear facilities.
    • This role will also prepare and maintain technical documentation such as P&IDs, loop diagrams, and qualification test plans.
  • Generate, and be conversant with wiring diagrams, single line drawings, loop diagrams, control architectural drawings/specifications, electrical and instrumentation specifications, data sheets and control philosophy documents.
  • Perform checking to ensure accuracy of instrumentation & controls and electrical design media in accordance with company policies and procedures and client expectations.
  • Work to assigned schedules ensuring the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of work and initiates corrective measures to overcome delays.

About You
  • EXPERIENCE:
    • 0-2 Years of professional experience in Nuclear, Instrumentation & Controls, Electrical Engineering or a related technical field (nuclear experience preferred).
  • EDUCATION:
    • Completion of bachelor's degree in Nuclear, Instrumentation & Controls, Electrical Engineering or a related technical field from an accredited college/university.
  • SPECIAL SKILLS:
    • Basic computer skills required to enter data into spreadsheets or databases.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
    • Experience developing technical writings and reports.
  • PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS:
    • None required.

Reward & Benefits
At AtkinsRéalis, our values-Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence-are more than just words. They are the foundation of who we are and how we work. These principles shape our culture, guide our decisions, and inspire us to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.
As an entry-level Full-Time employee, you will enjoy a robust rewards package including enrollment into Emerge, our new graduate experience, providing:
  • Opportunities to work on various projects of ranging size and scope
  • Support & structured mentorship from various professionals throughout the global AtkinsRéalis network
  • Formal business and soft-skills training on topics such as time management, resilience, emotional intelligence, feedback, and communication
  • Integration into a robust Emerging Professional Network
  • Additional learning and development programs, training, career opportunities and a highly regarded tuition reimbursement program
  • Additional benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absences options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits. You can review our comprehensive benefits page here.

About AtkinsRéalis
We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.
Find out more.
Additional Information
Expected compensation range is between $80,000 - $90,000 annually depending on skills, experience, and geographical location.
Are you ready to start your career with us? Apply today and help us shape something extraordinary.
AtkinsRéalis is an equal opportunity, Drug-Free employer. EOE/Veteran/Disability
Please review AtkinsRéalis' Equal Opportunity Statement here.
AtkinsRéalis cares about your privacy and is committed to protecting your privacy. Please consult our Privacy Notice on our Careers site to know more about how we collect, use and transfer your Personal Data. By submitting your personal information to AtkinsRéalis, you confirm that you have read and accept our Privacy Notice.
Note to staffing and direct hire agencies:
In the event a recruiter or agency who is not on our preferred supplier list submits a resume/candidate to anyone in the company, AtkinsRéalis family of companies, we explicitly reserve the right to recruit and hire the candidate(s) at our discretion and without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. https://careers.atkinsrealis.com/recruitment-agencies
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Worker Type
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Job Type
Regular
At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.