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Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Controls Engineer (Onsite)

Winona, MN

$81K - $104.70K/yr

The Controls Engineer will be responsible for driving and giving solutions for the technical ... Mentor/train Instrumentation & Controls Technicians * Other duties/responsibilities as assigned, or ...

... train Instrumentation & Controls Technicians Perform additional duties as assigned or required ... re-engineer operational processes Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ...

Controls Engineer

Fridley, MN

$86.10K - $111.40K/yr

Minco is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to design, develop, and optimize control systems for ... Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills in control systems, instrumentation, and automation.

Controls Engineer

Fridley, MN ยท On-site

$86.10K - $111.40K/yr

Minco is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to design, develop, and optimize control systems for ... Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills in control systems, instrumentation, and automation.

Associate Controls Engineer

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$82.75K - $103.50K/yr

Job Summary Vertiv is hiring an Associate Controls Engineer in Minneapolis, MN to direct, design ... Sequence of Operations (SOO), Piping and Instrumentation (P&I) diagrams, Human Machine Interface ...

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Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$28

$53

$80

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation & controls engineer in Minnesota is $53.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.68 and $60.72 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.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Minnesota? For Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings:
Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 3 - Nuclear

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 3 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$74.35K - $113.60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description

We offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering:

  • You will work on a multi-discipline engineering team involved in nuclear power plant instrumentations and controls betterment projects. These projects are a synergistic integration of both electrical and mechanical engineering along with control theory.
  • You will work with electronic process sensors, digital controllers, touchscreen displays, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors to improve the functionalityย of nuclear power plants.
  • You will prepare specifications for the procurement of instrumentation and controls equipment as well as engineering calculations associated with plant upgrades and modifications.
  • Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
  • You will also have the opportunity to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for projectย coordination and field verification of designs.ย 
Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:ย 

  • A BS or MS degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineeringย (from an ABET accredited program) with a strong academic background and coursework in analog and digital control systems is required
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in design engineering for power plant control systems
  • Coursework in mechatronics is desired, but not required
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$74,353 - $113,595Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Awards & RecognitionEqual Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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