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Instrument Designer Jobs in Houston, TX (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

$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

Instrumentation Designer, Senior

Houston, TX · On-site

$98K - $105K/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

Instrumentation Designer, Senior

Houston, TX · On-site

$98K - $105K/yr

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

Arion Blue

Instrumentation Designer (19014)

Houston, TX · On-site

Develop and maintain P&IDs, instrument indexes, and I/O lists. * Prepare detailed location plans ... Mentor junior designers and provide guidance on project deliverables. * Perform related duties as ...

Burrow Global

I&E Designer - Walk down

Pasadena, TX · On-site

Burrow Global has an immediate need for a I&E Designer with field walk down experience for a ... Verifying P&ID updates to the field installation Completing and verifying data sheets, instrument ...

Taylor Technical Services, Inc.

Be Seen First

Drafter

Katy, TX · On-site

Specialties: Cad Drafters, Electrical Designers, Instrument Designers, Structural Designers, Piping Designers, Electrical Engineers, Instrument Engineers, Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers ...

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All JobsInstrument Designer JobsInstrument Designer Jobs in Houston, TX

Instrument Designer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$18

$47

$60

How much do instrument designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument designer in Houston, TX is $47.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.53 and $57.88 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 Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,888 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Instrument Designer, Senior

Houston, TX • On-site

Audubon Companies
See more jobs at Audubon Companiesexternal

$86K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Audubon is currently seeking a Instrument Designer, Sr to join our team in our South Houston, TX Office. The Instrument Designer, Sr will Perform assignments associated with designing instrument equipment, components, structures or systems.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Prepare complete design packages which may include, but not be limited to, preliminary, conceptual, and construction deliverables as well as engineering calculations.
  • Prepare detailed drawings of parts and assemblies from layouts, designs and working drawings including necessary projections, sectional views and standard specifications.
  • Interpret verbal or written direction to initiate a preliminary design.
  • Perform sizing and electrical load calculations such as cable sizing, conduit sizing, voltage drop, and cable tray using charts and tables, as required to complete work assignments.
  • Develop or assist in the development of control circuits for instrument components, logic controllers, and relays.
  • Review and optimize the application and function of instruments.
  • Check detailed sketches and drawings for project applicability and optimal construction.
  • Check and verify accuracy of drawings prepared by others.
  • Prepare parts lists, procurement lists, bills of material (BOM) and specifications when drawings are complete.
  • Revise lists, drawings and BOM consistent with engineering changes.
  • Implement revisions and change control per company standards at the direction of senior level designers and engineers.
  • Assemble information and reference drawings from a variety of sources.
  • Continually look for product improvements and cost reductions.
  • Confirm specification and code compliance, equipment compatibility, and optimal cost savings.
  • Assist with performing field surveys, documenting existing conditions, and/or recommending various design solutions.
  • Ensure accuracy of completed drawings before final release and verify drawings meet company and industry standards.
  • Check field red-lined drawings and generate accurate as-built drawings as needed.
  • Review and assist in preparation of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals.
  • Assist with proposal compilation utilizing computer aided design equipment and/or graphic tools to prepare high-level layouts and sketches.
  • Utilize 2D or 3D computer aided design software to create layouts of instrument systems, devices and components, and create fabrication and assembly drawings.
  • Create technical specifications to facilitate the procurement, fabrication, and installation of components.
  • Create documentation required to process Engineering Change Orders (ECO).
  • Utilize engineering sketches, specifications and supporting documents in the designing, detailing, documenting, and verifying of instrument parts, subassemblies, assemblies or system configurations.
  • Identify dimensions, angles, curvatures, tolerances and materials necessary for optimal construction.
  • Analyze the effect of proposed changes for proper fit and/or interference problems and recommend possible solutions or alternate construction options.
  • Produce drawings and deliverables utilizing company standards within project-approved schedule and budget.
  • Complete man-hour estimates for discipline specific scope of work.
  • Maintain proper file management in accordance with company and industry standards.
  • Interact and communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, vendors and other consultants.
  • Perform field data gathering when required to complete project deliverables within approved project scope and schedule.
  • Track and maintain a continued awareness of overall schedule and budget for assigned projects.
  • Develop detailed design schedules in coordination with the scheduler/planner, engineering, and project management personnel.
  • Confirm that discipline-specific drawing quality is correct, consistent and legible.
  • Comply with all company and client health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) standards as well as federal and local HSSE regulations.
  • Actively participate in company and client hazard identification and observation programs, and immediately report any unsafe acts, conditions or incidents to your supervisor.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Associate's Degree from a Technical Institution preferred.
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience preferred.
  • AutoCAD software experience required.
  • PDMS software experience preferred.
  • Microsoft Office software experience preferred.
  • SPI (Intools) software experience preferred.
  • Field experience required.
  • Experience in offshore oil & gas, onshore gas processing, hydrocarbon storage and transportation, chemical manufacturing or refining industry required.
  • Small/Medium project lead experience required.
  • Large project lead experience preferred.
  • Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work related problems.
  • Ability to comprehend instructions and request clarification as necessary.
  • Ability to work in a team oriented environment.
  • Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea.
  • Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
  • Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
  • Ability to read and understand drawing markups to determine drafting requirements.
  • Ability to utilize conventional drafting tools and CAD software to execute drafting requirements.
  • Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.

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