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Entry Level Instrumentation Jobs in Norfolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Instrumentation information

See Norfolk, VA salary details

$13

$19

$35

How much do entry level instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation in Norfolk, VA is $19.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do instrument techs get paid?

Entry-level instrumentation technicians in Louisiana typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience and industry. Salaries can increase with certifications, specialized skills, and overtime work in industrial or manufacturing environments.

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 are entry level instrumentation jobs?

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.

How to get started in instrumentation?

To start a career in instrumentation, gain relevant education such as a high school diploma or technical training in electronics, control systems, or related fields. Obtain certifications like OSHA safety training or specific instrument technician courses, and seek entry-level positions to gain hands-on experience with tools, calibration, and maintenance of instrumentation systems.

What are the career paths in instrumentation?

Entry level instrumentation roles can lead to advanced positions such as instrumentation technician, control systems engineer, automation specialist, or instrumentation supervisor. Career progression often involves gaining experience, certifications, and technical skills related to process control, calibration, and troubleshooting of instrumentation systems.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation Technician, and why are they important?

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.

Is instrumentation in high demand?

Instrumentation technicians and specialists are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation due to the need for precise control and measurement systems. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of control systems, calibration, and troubleshooting of instruments, with job growth driven by infrastructure upgrades and technological advancements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation jobs in Norfolk, VA? The most popular types of Instrumentation jobs in Norfolk, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrumentation jobs in Norfolk, VA? For Entry Level Instrumentation jobs in Norfolk, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation job openings in Norfolk, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,051 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Software/Instrumentation Engineering Services

Cruz Associates Inc

Fort Eustis, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Cruz Associates, Inc. is looking for Software/Instrumentation Engineering candidates to join our team at Fort Eustis, Virginia. The Contractor shall configure special purpose ground and flight test equipment used for data acquisition, display, reduction, analysis, and archiving.

Duties:

  • Configuring special purpose ground and flight test equipment used for data acquisition, display, reduction, analysis, and archiving conducted locally or at remote test sites as needed, to include potential in-flight instrumentation support.
  • Implementing data acquisition and monitoring controls for Pulse-Code Modulation, Aircraft Data Bus, Ethernet and IRIG-106 standard hardware as well as other commercially available and developmental data streams.
  • Participating in flight testing with instrumentation pre-flight checks, system launch and recovery, in-flight support, and post flight reporting. Observe all manner of tests conducted by TDD-SID to obtain familiarity and proficiency in the utilization of information technology specific to the TDD-SID mission.
  • Reviewing existing custom-developed software routines coded in commercially available programming languages (Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB), Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Engineering Workbench (LabView), C#, C++, and Visual Basic) for previous and on-going test efforts that facilitate control-of-test equipment, data acquisition and telemetry, real-time data monitoring (ground/flight displays), and post-flight data de-commutation, reduction (report generation), analysis, and archiving.
  • Investigating any software errors that arise in existing custom-developed software routines and, if possible, resolve (debug) the issue in the routines’ native format. If resolution is in the routine’s native format are not practicable, the Contractor shall develop routines which provide comparable functionality developed in a programming language agreed upon by the Contractor and the Government. The Contractor shall test evolved and newly developed routines to validate that desired functionality is obtained.
  • Operating electronics test and verification equipment such as but not limited to: digital multi meter, power meter, oscilloscope, and spectrum analyzer.
  • Transporting, packing, and setup of test equipment and other materials locally and on offsite test facilities. This requires both a current and valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver’s License and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
  • Supporting flight duties may be required based upon Mission needs. When required this will be coordinated through the COR to the Contractor.
  • Must be able to pass a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) III class or military Class III flight physical annually and provide a copy of their last Department of the Army
  • (DA) Form 759 closeout performing flight duties as a qualified non-crewmember as per AR 95-20, AR 95-1 and Training Circular (TC) 3-04.11, Commander’s Aviation Training and Standardization Program.
  • Must be able to qualify for participation in night flights and the use of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs).

Qualifications: (Junior, Journeyman, Senior)

Software/Instrumentation Engineer, Level: Junior. The candidate shall meet the following minimum education and experience requirements.

  • S. degree in the field of Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Computer Engineering shall be from an ABET accredited program including differential and integral calculus, electrical fields and circuits, and other comparable engineering science or physics.

This position is considered an entry level position, so no prior experience is required. This individual will be responsible for assisting more senior engineers and/or performing functional duties under the oversight of more senior positions.

Software/Instrumentation Engineer, Level: Journeyman. The candidate for this position must meet the following minimum education of and experience requirements.

  • S. Degree In the field of Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Computer Engineering from an ABET accredited program including differential and integral calculus, electrical fields and circuits, and other comparable engineering science or physics; and Minimum of two years of experience with the development, operation, and use of data collection techniques and systems; and
  • Minimum of two years of experience with data collection or instrumentation systems related to aviation systems or research and development projects. Must be able to present plans and methodology at technical interchange meetings and project briefings; and
  • Minimum of two years of experience with computer aided design (CAD) software systems (i.e. Parametric Technology Pro-Engineer/CREO, AutoCAD), experience reading and interpreting schematics, harness drawings, and wiring diagrams.
  • S. Degree In the field of Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Computer Engineering from an ABET accredited program including differential and integral calculus, electrical fields and circuits, and other comparable engineering science or physics; and
  • Minimum of one years of experience with the development, operation, and use of data collection techniques and systems; and
  • Minimum of one years of experience with data collection or instrumentation systems related to aviation systems or research and development projects. Must be able to present plans and methodology at technical interchange meetings and project briefings
  • Minimum of one years of experience with computer aided design (CAD) software systems (i.e. Parametric Technology Pro-Engineer/CREO, AutoCAD), experience reading and interpreting schematics, harness drawings, and wiring diagrams.

Software/Instrumentation Engineer, Level: Senior. The candidate for this position shall meet the following minimum education and experience requirements. Additionally, this individual must demonstrate the ability to oversee the efforts of the technical and less senior staff for the implementation and development of duties listed in section 2.2.2.1.

  • S. Degree In the field of Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Computer Engineering from an ABET accredited program including differential and integral calculus, electrical fields and circuits, and other comparable engineering science or physics; and
  • Minimum of eight years of experience with the development, operation, and use of data collection techniques and systems.
  • Minimum of eight years of experience with data collection or instrumentation systems related to aviation systems or research and development projects. Must be able to present plans and methodology at technical interchange meetings and project briefings.
  • Minimum of eight years of experience with computer aided design (CAD) software systems (i.e. Parametric Technology Pro-Engineer/CREO, AutoCAD), experience reading and interpreting schematics, harness drawings, and wiring diagrams.
  • S. Degree In the field of Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Computer Engineering from an ABET accredited program including differential and integral calculus, electrical fields and circuits, and other comparable engineering science or physics.
  • Minimum of six years of experience with the development, operation, and use of data collection techniques and systems; and
  • Minimum of six years of experience with data collection or instrumentation systems related to aviation systems or research and development projects. Must be able to present plans and methodology at technical interchange meetings and project briefings.
  • Minimum of six years of experience with computer aided design (CAD) software systems (i.e. Parametric Technology Pro-Engineer/CREO, AutoCAD), experience reading and interpreting schematics, harness drawings, and wiring diagrams.