2

Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer information

See salary details

$28

$54

$81

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

As of Aug 18, 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 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,425 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Associate Instrumentation & Controls Engineer - Hydropower

Black & Veatch

Olathe, KS • Hybrid

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Black & Veatch rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Why Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch allows you to lend your talent and perspective to humanity's biggest challenges in a flexible environment where you are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities. We offer competitive compensation; 401K match and benefits that start day 1.

Our hybrid environment allows you to balance your work and personal life. At Black & Veatch, you own your career with purpose and meaning. You are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities at every step of your career journey. Bring your big ideas knowing you are safe to be who you are and speak up with concerns or questions and put your diverse talents and perspectives to use. #AM-1

The Opportunity

In this role, you will have the opportunity to: 

  • Drive technical studies and detailed design for power generation facilities, including Balance of Plant systems that support safe and reliable operations. 
  • Integrate into established project teams, applying your expertise while taking on increasing responsibility as a project needs evolve. 
The Team

The Instrumentation & Control department is a global team specializing in instrumentation, control systems, wireless communications, networks, and cybersecurity for all BV Market Sectors and Solutions. Our team provides a full range of services including consulting, master planning, assessments, conceptual design, detailed design, EPC, design-build, construction support, field services, testing, commissioning, resident engineering, staff augmentation, training, on-call services, and system implementation, configuration, and programming. 

Black & Veatch's Power Providers focuses on the holistic demands for energy generation markets that include utilities, independent power producers and new non-traditional entrants adding to the much-needed supply of secure, clean power to our industries and communities. By joining our market sector, you will have the opportunity to put sustainable energy solutions into practice.

Job Summary
Under general supervision and applying knowledge gained with experience, begins functioning as a technical specialist. Continues to build on experience and gain more in depth knowledge working on larger and more complex assignments. May start to expand knowledge into other disciplines and/or functional areas.
Key Responsibilities
  • Continues to learn and remains current on departmental design guides, standards, systems, applicable engineering codes and B&V policies and procedures. Applies to assigned tasks as appropriate.
  • Continues developing and can independently apply knowledge. Complies with B&V quality program relative to assigned tasks. Supports continuous improvement and change management efforts.
  • Prepares a variety of increasingly complex engineering deliverables. Performs research and develops recommendations for equipment and/or materials selection. Collects, assimilates, and manages data for engineering work. Prepares increasingly complex engineering calculations following standard methods and principles. Understands and adheres to budget, schedule, and quality requirements.  May recognize, define and resolve problems within assigned area. May provide direction and guidance to others.
  • Assigns tasks to develop entry level professionals and interns.  Coordinates with project leadership and other internal/external team members on less complex projects. Interacts as needed with other disciplines on details of design work.
  • Works to understand external client's interest and drivers through regular interaction and communication. Also focuses on needs of internal clients and project leadership. May provide support to business development or pursuit activities.
  • Shares current knowledge of latest technology and processes.
  • As skills develop, may assist with performance management process, recognition, and any corrective actions required.  Actively mentors entry level professionals and interns.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Prepare network block diagrams for the facility - includes unit and plant controllers, operator workstation, electrical digital protective relays and metering, satellite clock, RTAC, ethernet switches, fiber/ethernet/serial connections, interface for remote communication
  • Prepare for I/O lists for unit, plant and spillway controllers
  • Prepare list of network communication signals
  • Determine network/protocol requirements for electrical protective relays and metering
  • Prepare specifications for control systems and network communication 
  • Prepare operational description for facility (generating unit, plant, spillway) - identify local and remote monitoring and control requirements
  • Prepare specifications for mechanical to digital governor conversions
  • Prepare Piping & Instrument Diagrams - coordinate process piping/equipment with mechanical engineer, responsible to add control system interface 
  • Prepare Instrument List and specifications
  • Conduct onsite condition assessments focusing on the existing control system and instrumentation
  • Identify requirements for upgrades/automation including additional instrumentation 
  • Prepare startup procedures, review vendor test procedures 
  • Prepare schematics/elementary diagrams for the control system (and review vendor submittals)
  • Prepare field wiring diagrams including port assignments for network connections 
  • Prepare cable and conduit schedules and routing
Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from either a recognized accredited program in their home country or the country in which the professional is practicing. Minimum of 1 year related work experience. All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Certifications
Work Environment/Physical Demands
Competencies
Salary Plan
ENG: Engineering
Job Grade
015

What Black & Veatch employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Black & Veatch logo

About Black & Veatch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Overland Park, KS, US

Year founded

1915