1

Instrument Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Instrument Controls Designer Location: Memphis, TN Duration: Ongoing Contract Basis Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k Description: * The Instrument Controls Designer will entail the development ...

Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and researchers to ensure instrument designs align with project objectives. * Construct, assemble, and test instruments using appropriate materials, tools, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Instrument Designer information

See salary details

$19

$51

$65

How much do instrument designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 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 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.

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 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 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. Advanced skills in CAD software and knowledge of engineering principles can lead to higher compensation, especially in specialized or high-demand sectors.

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.

What cities are hiring for Instrument Designer jobs? Cities with the most Instrument Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Designer jobs? The most popular types of Instrument Designer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Instrument Designer jobs? The top employers for Instrument Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Instrument Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Instrument Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Instrument Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Instrument Designer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Instrument Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,800 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Instrument Designer - Digital Delivery Specialist

Parsons

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Job Description:

Job Posting

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!Are you a digital delivery specialist interested in supporting major infrastructure projects? Want to take your designer skills to the next level to work on tough projects that will have a huge impact on the community and the country?

At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Parsons is now hiring an experiencedInstrument BIM Specialist for our expanding portfolio of federal projects. Parsons extensive experience in this field, combined with your digital delivery and design knowledge, will propel your career forward with opportunity for advancement with top performance. We offer training, development and opportunities to work on marquee projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our Designers / BIM Specialist to develop and maintain detailed digital models using Building Information Management software to achieve alignment with architectural, engineering, project precision, and compliance requirements. You will perform a wide variety of modeling techniques and analysis activities to complete difficult/complex assignments while confirming project deliverables are met. You will work with engineers that will provide technical input on digital models, drawings, and specifications suitable for procurement and system installation.

Our Federal Engineered Systems Global Business Unit is a world-class leader in delivering Engineering and Technology enhancing solutions to Federal DoD and Civilian clients. With a history of disruption beginning in 1944, we apply our distinct perspective to help our customers confront the issues of tomorrow in every domain - land, sea, air, space, and cyber. We have provided successful programs, system integration, engineering, modernization, environmental, and construction management support for the Federal Aviation Administration, US Army Corps of Engineers, Army, Navy, and Air Force on Aviation related programs worldwide. Parsons' numerous programs and long history give us unparalleled experience in program integration, staff support, technology insertion, and on-site support.

This role will be in Parsons' new design center office located in beautiful Kingsport, Tennessee.

Ability to obtain a DOE or DOW security clearance.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Utilizes BIM related software to develop and manage digital models.

  • Supports the preparation, review, and execution of implementation/management plans at the program/project level.

  • Collaborates with project teams for effective model integration.

  • Assists team in responding to client queries and requests.

  • Provides input to clients/others working on the same project.

  • Completes model assurance reports and supports drafting special provisions, with oversight.

  • Interfaces with other departments on matters relating to work assignments.

  • Provides technical guidance to, and reviews deliverables of junior staff and supports the development of training and coaching materials.

  • Collaborates with project teams for effective model integration.

  • Interfaces with other departments regularly, on matters relating to work assignments.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent work experience).

  • At least 6+ years of related work experience with industrial and chemical process plants.

  • BIM related certification is a plus.


What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

  • Strong interpersonal communication skills.

  • Excellent written and oral communications skills.

  • Proficiency in advanced core building information modeling software packages/workflows and related modeling principles and application.

  • Advanced knowledge of engineering principles; apply concepts to modeling assignments.

  • Proficient with and established ability to apply moderately advanced modeling software packages and related modeling principles and application. Familiar with deployment processes, requirements, and software troubleshooting.

  • Knowledge of engineering principles to apply concepts to modeling assignments.

  • Proficiency in Common Data Environment (CDE) usage and management for model production.

Security Clearance Requirement:

NoneThis position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.Salary Range: $35.96 - $62.93We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer tohttps://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.


What Parsons employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom