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Instrument Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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$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.

Medical Physcist - Radiation Oncology, Full-Time, Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120.30/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 389 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
The Medical Physicist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Physics V is responsible for all administrative aspects related to management of the physics section of Radiosurgery/Radiation Oncology/Prentice Radiation Oncology (hereafter referred to as "departments") and ensuring that the staff and infrastructure of the physics section supports the clinical needs of the department. Primary responsibilities include supervision of physics staff, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and administrative responsibilities.
Responsibilities:
  • Maintains primary responsibility for all physics operations, including workflow through the department and staff assignments and responsibilities.
  • Identifies and resolves daily operational issues related to the physics aspects of patient care.
  • Interacts with all sections of the department, including physicians, nursing, and therapists to ensure smooth patient treatment delivery.
  • Provides daily direction and supervision to physics staff, including Radiation Physicists, Dosimetrists, LAN Administrator, and Instrument Designer.
  • Actively participates in ongoing feedback, annual performance reviews, and staff growth and development.
  • Assists Manager in administrative responsibilities related to the physics section, including development of capital and operating budgets, monitoring of inventory, and ordering of supplies.
  • Ensures that the department quality assurance and monitoring plans achieve the goal of ensuring the highest quality of patient care and patient safety.
  • Maintains knowledge of current industry standards set by professional organizations, including the American College of Radiology and the American Association for Physicists in Medicine, and other sub-specialty organizations as indicated.
  • Actively participates in the Radiation Safety program and related committees for Northwestern Memorial Hospital, ensuring that departments are in full compliance with all radiation safety regulations and programs. Develops and maintains all required and appropriate documentation.
  • Directs acceptance and applications of new equipment in the departments. Develops and maintains all required and appropriate documentation.
  • Actively participates in the education/research program of hospital and department.
  • Directs the orientation of new physics staff and the continuing assessment of all physics staff.
  • Provides daily direction and supervision to physics staff, including LAN Administrator, and Instrument Designer
  • Directs ongoing feedback, annual performance reviews, and staff growth and development
  • Assists department manager in managing the human resource issues of the physics section by assuring competency of employees, and those policies, and procedures are followed

Qualifications
Required:
  • PhD or equivalent in Physics or Engineering
  • Faculty Appointment with Northwestern University Medical School
  • Registered with Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety as an approved Therapeutic Radiological Physicist or eligible.
  • Board Certified in Therapeutic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology or American College of Medical Physics

Preferred:
  • Five years previous supervisory experience
  • Proven skills in independent clinical research resulting in publication in peer reviewed journals
  • Board Certified in Diagnostic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology or American College of Medical Physics

Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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