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Instrument Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Audubon Companies

Instrument Designer, Senior

Houston, TX · On-site

$86K - $92K/yr

The Instrument Designer, Sr will Perform assignments associated with designing instrument equipment, components, structures or systems. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES : * Prepare complete design packages ...

Audubon Companies

Instrument Designer, Senior

Houston, TX · On-site

$86K - $92K/yr

The Instrument Designer, Sr will Perform assignments associated with designing instrument equipment, components, structures or systems. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES : * Prepare complete design packages ...

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Instrument Designer information

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$19

$51

$65

How much do instrument designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument designer in the United States is $51.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.75 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument designer?

An Instrument Designer is a professional who creates detailed plans and drawings for instruments and control systems used in industrial processes, such as those in oil and gas, chemical, or manufacturing plants. They collaborate with engineers to design layouts for piping, control panels, and instrumentation to ensure accurate process monitoring and control. Instrument Designers use specialized software to produce technical drawings and ensure that all designs meet safety, regulatory, and operational requirements.

What does an instrument designer do?

An instrument designer may work in a variety of industries, from the oil and gas industry to building and manufacturing to musical instrument design. The roles and responsibilities of an instrument designer change quite a bit depending on the industry. For instance, in the gas and oil industry, an instrument designer focuses on instrumentation and controls on projects and equipment to decide what and how many instruments are necessary for the job. In building and manufacturing, an instrument designer may come up with new instruments or new ways of using instruments for things like wiring and electrical systems.

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

To thrive as an Instrument Designer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, instrumentation, and drafting, typically supported by a relevant technical diploma or engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SmartPlant), P&IDs, and instrumentation specification tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are soft skills that set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure precise, safe, and efficient design of instrumentation systems crucial for industrial and engineering projects.

How does an instrument designer typically collaborate with engineers and other team members during a project?

Instrument Designers work closely with process, mechanical, and electrical engineers to ensure the correct selection and placement of instrumentation within a project. They often participate in multidisciplinary meetings, review P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams), and coordinate with other designers to resolve design clashes and maintain consistency. Regular communication and collaboration are essential, as Instrument Designers must integrate their designs with overall project specifications and safety standards. This teamwork ensures that instrumentation systems are both functional and aligned with the project's goals.

What is the difference between Instrument Designer vs Instrument Technician?

AspectInstrument DesignerInstrument Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degree or technical diploma, certifications in CAD and instrumentation designTechnical diploma or associate degree, certifications in instrumentation maintenance and troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, manufacturing plantsField sites, maintenance workshops, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by engineering firms, manufacturing, oil & gas, chemical industriesUsed by maintenance departments, industrial plants, service providers

While both roles involve working with instrumentation, the Instrument Designer focuses on creating and developing new instrument systems and drawings, whereas the Instrument Technician primarily handles installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of existing instruments. The roles complement each other within industrial and manufacturing environments, but they require different skill sets and certifications.

How much do instrument designers make?

Instrument designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and industry. Salaries can vary based on location, specialization, and the complexity of the instruments designed, with advanced skills and certifications often leading to higher pay.
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Instrument Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,800 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Electrical/Instrument Designer

Bridgewater, NJ • On-site

AVTC Group
See more jobs at AVTC Groupexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Electrical/Instrument Designer
AutoCAD
Single line diagrams, schematic drawings, medium to low voltage 32KV-24V
Responsible for designing loop sheets, wiring diagrams, instrument locations, and cable routing
Instrumentation, DCS cabinets, instrument layout
•Single line diagrams of medium voltage switchgear and low voltage MCC
•Panelboard distribution diagrams
•MV schematic diagrams
•Relay interface panels
•Cable and conduit schedules
•Cable tray BOMs, Plans, and section views
•Grounding plans and grounding details
•Electrical Heat Tracing drawings
•Instrument Location Drawings
•I/O Panel wiring and layout diagrams
Medium voltage (typically 600V-69kV) is reduced to low voltage (<600V) for distribution and further down to instrument levels (e.g., 120V, 24V)
Industrial or process plant experience a plus
Employment type: W2 Contract
Rate: open to Negotiation
Benefits available: including Health, Dental Vision, PTO, Holiday, 401K, etc.
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