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Instrument And Control Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

The Control Systems Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering team, project ... Create instrument index and datasheets and generate reports in Intergraph SmartPlant ...

I&C Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$58/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... as I/O Lists, Instrument Index, Control Narratives, Wiring and interconnection schematics ... I&C Engineer Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, or related) or ...

I&C Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$58/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... as I/O Lists, Instrument Index, Control Narratives, Wiring and interconnection schematics ... I&C Engineer Requirements * Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, or related) or ...

Showing results 21-40

Instrument And Control Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$27

$52

$78

How much do instrument and control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument and control engineer in Houston, TX is $52.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.62 and $59.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by instrument and control engineers when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Instrument and Control Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and process engineering teams. A common challenge is ensuring that control systems are seamlessly integrated with other engineering disciplines, which requires clear communication and a deep understanding of project specifications. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and managing tight deadlines while maintaining safety and compliance standards can be demanding. Building strong working relationships and proactively addressing potential integration issues early in the design phase helps to mitigate these challenges.

What can I do with instrument and control engineering?

Instrument and control engineers design, develop, and maintain systems that monitor and regulate industrial processes, such as manufacturing, energy production, and chemical processing. They work with control systems, sensors, and automation tools, often using programming languages like PLC or DCS, to ensure efficient and safe operation of equipment. This field offers opportunities in system design, troubleshooting, project management, and compliance with safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument and control engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument and Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or instrumentation engineering, strong analytical skills, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field. Proficiency with PLCs, DCS systems, SCADA software, and industry standards like ISA is essential, and certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP) can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial processes and support ongoing technological advancements.

What is the difference between Instrument And Control Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrument And Control EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Control Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; similar certifications in electrical systems
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesPower plants, electrical design firms, manufacturing
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, instrumentation systemsPower systems, electrical equipment, circuit design
Job FocusDesign, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentationDesign and develop electrical systems and components

While both roles require a background in electrical engineering and similar certifications, the Instrument And Control Engineer specializes in automation, control systems, and instrumentation within industrial settings. In contrast, the Electrical Engineer focuses more broadly on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuit design. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What does an instrument and control engineer do?

An Instrument and Control Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, installing, managing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery, and processes. They ensure that instruments and control systems are reliable, efficient, and operate safely within industrial facilities such as power plants, manufacturing plants, and oil & gas refineries. Their work involves selecting appropriate instruments, integrating control systems, troubleshooting faults, and optimizing processes for performance and safety.

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Instrument And Control Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Instrument And Control Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Instrument And Control Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,318 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Lead Instrument Engineer

Keystone Engineering Inc.

Nassau Bay, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Keystone Engineering Inc. opened for business in 1988 and for decades, has been a reliable provider of qualified engineering resources and technically innovative solutions. Keystone was founded to be an enduring company, and to provide an environment for our employees and clients to innovate, thrive, and be successful.
Keystone's family of companies include: Milestone Project Services, SIS SILverstone, VeraPro, and Salmon & Associates
Our varied and extensive experience indicates that successful projects come down to personnel. We incorporate their individual skills in a process that's geared toward excellence. The intentional pairing of people and process is the reason why clients know that they can trust their projects in the hands of Keystone. Services Offered: 3D Laser Scanning, Controls & Automation, Construction Management, Design & Drafting, Engineering: Civil/Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Process, Functional Safety, Information Technology, Instrumentation, On-Site Services, Operations & Commissioning Support, Procurement, Project Management.
Keystone Engineering is currently seeking a Lead Instrument Engineer for our Nassau Bay Area Office Team.
Position Type: Full-time
Location: Nassau Bay, TX
Work Environment/Physical Demands: Office/Sedentary, work includes time in industrial operating units.
Travel Requirements: Occasional travel for site inspections, vendor FATs, or commissioning support.
Essential Functions:
  • Provide professional oversight to junior engineers & designers and perform technical review of designs and reports
  • Manage a team of engineers and drafters for multiple projects including resource planning, schedule and budget and leading client meetings
  • Communicate effectively with project team members and manager
  • Develop strong relationships with clients and support the incoming requests in a timely manner
  • Develop and specify instrumentation systems for complex process control applications in petrochemical and manufacturing environments.
  • Select instruments and control devices suitable for harsh environments (e.g., hazardous areas, corrosive chemicals, high-temperature operations).
  • Review P&IDs, instrument datasheets, control panel designs, cable schedules, control narratives, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and IO lists.
  • Ensure instrumentation systems comply with industry codes and standards (API, ISA, IECEx, ATEX, NEC, etc.).
  • Support compliance with process safety standards (e.g., SIL ratings, HAZOP recommendations, alarm management).
  • Participate in safety audits and provide technical expertise on instrument-related safety systems.
  • Interface with EPC contractors, vendors, and internal teams on instrumentation packages and control system integration.
  • Maintain and update instrument databases, calibration records, and system documentation.
  • Provide technical reports, inspection summaries, and recommendations for improvements.
  • In-depth understanding of process instrumentation and control strategies.
  • Experience with hazardous area classification and intrinsically safe systems.
  • Familiar with tools like SPI (SmartPlant Instrumentation), AutoCAD, or equivalent.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in the petrochemical, refinery, or process manufacturing industries.
  • Experience with DCS, PLCs, ESD systems, field instrumentation, and communication protocols (e.g., HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus).
  • Ability to make field trips and lead in all project communications.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Self-motivated, organized, and solution advocate.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.

Experienced Preferred:
  • PE Licensure.
  • OSHA or local safety certification for refinery/manufacturing environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.