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Instrument Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Taylor Technical Services, Inc.

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Senior Piping Designer

Charleston, WV · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

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

Hawaii Gas

Instrument Mechanic

Kapolei, HI · On-site

$41.47/hr

Assists the Journey Instrument Worker in the less diverse/complex/difficult work in the ... Performs brazing, soldering and/or uses tools specifically designed to install, repair test ...

Brindley Engineering

Instrument Engineer

Lisle, IL

$70K - $95K/yr

... instrument engineer. Other duties include performing project site surveys of existing ... re-designed, performing client documentation searches, marking up drawings or data sheets for as ...

Orbital

Instrument Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Prepare, review and/or check engineering calculations, designs, drawings and other project ... Drawings, Instrument Loop Diagrams, Logic diagrams, Instrument Installation Details, etc.

Brindley Engineering

Instrument Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

... instrument engineer. Other duties include performing project site surveys of existing ... re-designed, performing client documentation searches, marking up drawings or data sheets for as ...

Brindley Engineering

Instrument Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

... instrument engineer. Other duties include performing project site surveys of existing ... re-designed, performing client documentation searches, marking up drawings or data sheets for as ...

CB&I Careers

Instrument & Ctrls Eng

Plainfield, IL · On-site

The Instrument & Controls (I&C) Engineer is responsible for defining appropriate instrumentation ... Ensure designs and details are safe for field erection and use, with constructability in mind.

CB&I

Instrument & Ctrls Eng

Plainfield, IL · On-site

Ensure designs and details are safe for field erection and use, with constructability in mind ... Manage instrument requisitions and ensure expedient vendor document reviews. * Coordinate with ...

Tesoro Group

Instrument Operator

Plano, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... designing resilient infrastructure, and developing communities that will thrive today and for ... We are seeking a dedicated Land Survey Instrument Operator to join our client's team and deliver ...

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Instrument Designer information

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$19

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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.

More about Instrument Designer jobs
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:
What are popular job titles related to Instrument Designer jobs? For Instrument Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Instrument Designer jobs near you
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.
Senior Piping Designer

Senior Piping Designer

Taylor Technical Services, Inc.

Charleston, WV • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

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Job description

Senior Piping Designer – Chemicals

Location: Charleston, WV (Office – hybrid)

Overview:

As a Senior Piping Designer, you will lead and support the delivery of piping design and drafting services for nuclear projects. This role applies advanced technical expertise to ensure design quality and supports project execution in alignment with nuclear safety, regulatory, and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Manage assigned piping design scope, including schedules and deliverables
  • Support project planning activities, including schedule development and milestone definition
  • Develop staffing plans aligned with project scope, budget, and schedule
  • Apply client procedures, nuclear quality assurance requirements (e.g., NQA-1), and project specifications
  • Ensure designs comply with applicable nuclear codes, standards, and regulatory requirements
  • Define and manage design areas within assigned units or facility areas
  • Maintain project information tracking tools, including “Needs Lists”
  • Monitor P&ID Management of Change (MOC) logs and identify scope changes
  • Use 3D modeling and review tools (PDMS, E3D, Navisworks) to track design progress and quality
  • Review deliverables prior to Issue for Construction (IFC) to ensure accuracy, compliance, and traceability
  • Coordinate piping design activities with engineering, QA/QC, and other disciplines
  • Implement and maintain deliverable verification processes in accordance with nuclear quality standards
  • Participate in formal design and model reviews
  • Conduct field walkdowns to verify P&IDs, collect measurements, identify tie-in points, and assess routing constraints
  • Integrate field data into 3D models and update designs accordingly
  • Utilize laser scan data to support tie-in identification and routing within existing facilities
  • Lead piping design efforts on brownfield nuclear projects with existing facility constraints

 

Technical & Industry Experience

  • Advanced experience with PDMS/E3D modeling and drafting, including integration of field data
  • Experience preparing and reviewing piping deliverables, including isometrics and layouts
  • Experience supporting piping design in nuclear facilities or similarly regulated environments
  • Familiarity with nuclear codes and standards (e.g., ASME Section III, B31.1)
  • Experience working within nuclear quality assurance programs (e.g., NQA-1)
  • Understanding of nuclear safety culture, design control, and documentation requirements
  • Familiarity with P&ID MOC processes and scope change management
  • Ability to coordinate effectively across multiple engineering and QA disciplines
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Education & Credentials

  • 8-15+ years of piping design experience, including experience in a senior or lead role, with a focus on nuclear projects.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Experience with Navisworks, SharePoint, and laser scanning tools is preferred.
  • Authorization to work in the United States.
  • Willingness to work in or relocate to the Charleston, West Virginia area.
  • Experience using laser scan and point cloud data
  • Skilled in modeling piping for existing/brownfield facilities
  • Ability to import and utilize point clouds for accurate design
  • NO remote - Hybrid in office - 9/80 schedule
  • Office:  Charleston WV 25071

Company Description

Taylor Technical Services began business in 1977. Since then, we have grown to become one of the largest suppliers of Engineering personnel in the Houston/Gulf Coast area and Alaska. We pride ourselves in having recruiters and account managers that have experience and have worked in the oil & gas engineering industry.
Specialties: Cad Drafters, Electrical Designers, Instrument Designers, Structural Designers, Piping Designers, Electrical Engineers, Instrument Engineers, Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Pipe Stress Engineers, EH&S, QA/QC, Procurement, Project Controls, Document Control, Administrative