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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 ...

Develop preliminary designs, instrument indexes, material take-offs, and estimate-level deliverables appropriate to the phase of the project. * Prepare detailed design calculations, sketches, and ...

Develop preliminary designs, instrument indexes, material take-offs, and estimate-level deliverables appropriate to the phase of the project. * Prepare detailed design calculations, sketches, and ...

Evaluates, designs, specifies and makes cost estimates, to prepare and submit project AFEs * Oversees varying complexity of instrument projects * Technical ownership of plants instrumentation ...

Evaluates, designs, specifies and makes cost estimates, to prepare and submit project AFEs * Oversees varying complexity of instrument projects * Technical ownership of plants instrumentation ...

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Instrument Designer information

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$51

$65

How much do instrument designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 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 is instrumental engineering salary?

The salary for an instrument designer typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and industry. Skilled professionals with certifications and proficiency in CAD software or control systems tend to earn higher wages.

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.

What is the highest paid designer job?

Among design roles, specialized positions such as industrial designers working in high-tech industries or senior aerospace instrument designers tend to have the highest salaries. These roles often require advanced technical skills, certifications, and extensive experience, with top earners making significantly more than entry-level designers.

How much do instrument designers make?

Instrument designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in CAD software and engineering principles can lead to higher compensation, especially in specialized or high-demand sectors.

What does an instrument designer do?

An instrument designer creates detailed plans and specifications for scientific, medical, or industrial instruments, ensuring they meet functional and safety standards. They often use CAD software and collaborate with engineers and manufacturers throughout the development process.

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 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,800 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Instrumentation Designer, Spec

Quanta Power Solutions, LLC

Birmingham, AL • On-site, Remote

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

About Us

Quanta Power Solutions brings together the industry-leading capabilities and resources of Quanta's operating companies to deliver complete EPC solutions. Our integrated approach spans power generation, battery energy storage, renewables, transmission, substation, and underground infrastructure - from concept to commissioning, we execute complex power infrastructure projects with the speed, certainty, and operational excellence our customers depend on.

At Quanta Power Solutions, we are driven by a culture of safety, integrity, and disciplined execution - and we're building a team that shares that commitment.

About this Role

Quanta Power Solutions is seeking an experienced Instrumentation Designer, Spec to support the development and execution of construction engineering standards and design deliverables for complex power and industrial projects. In this role, you will help lead the development of construction design standards, templates, installation details, specifications, and engineering deliverables while providing technical leadership and mentorship across the EI&C Engineering Department.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a passion for continuous improvement in engineering design practices and project execution.

What You'll Do
  • Lead the development of procedures, policies, specifications, templates, and standards supporting construction engineering projects
  • Develop design documents and project deliverables in accordance with project specifications, industry standards, and company best practices
  • Coordinate closely with construction teams to support construction execution and EPC projects
  • Lead development of construction quantities for EPC project estimates
  • Manage multiple projects while ensuring compliance with company procedures and project requirements
  • Coordinate project deliverables to meet quality, schedule, and budget expectations
  • Supervise, mentor, and support designers and engineering team members
  • Delegate work assignments and provide follow-up support to ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality deliverables
  • Serve as a technical resource by providing guidance and problem-solving support to project teams
  • Direct design activities to ensure adherence to industry standards and engineering best practices
  • Identify and communicate scope or design changes to project teams in a timely manner
  • Participate in and lead cross-discipline design reviews to ensure coordination between engineering disciplines
  • Review and check work performed by other designers for accuracy, code compliance, and sound engineering practices
  • Provide technical support to customers through phone, remote access, and onsite support activities
  • Attend training and continuing education programs related to industry advancements and emerging technologies
  • Perform additional duties as assigned
  • Employee may be required to visit job sites, field offices, and customer locations
What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of 10 years of educational and/or professional experience developing construction design documents and deliverables in an EPC or consulting engineering environment
  • Strong understanding of workflow and information flow between engineering disciplines and supplier engineering packages
  • Demonstrated project management skills with ability to meet quality, schedule, and budget objectives
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD, email systems, and internet-based applications
  • Experience with electrical schematics, plans, schedules, and related EI&C design documentation
  • Strong technical aptitude and willingness to learn emerging technologies and engineering tools
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with customers, vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams
  • Proven leadership skills with experience mentoring, training, and developing engineering personnel

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting EPC, power generation, substation, transmission, renewable energy, or industrial infrastructure projects
  • Familiarity with EPC project execution and multidisciplinary coordination
  • Experience developing engineering standards, specifications, and reusable design templates
  • Knowledge of applicable industry codes, standards, and construction practices
What You'll Get
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Weekly Pay
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Employee Discount Program
Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.

Employment Type: OTHER