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Instrument Electrical Designer Jobs in Washington

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Instrument Electrical Designer information

What does an instrument electrical designer do?

An instrument electrical designer creates electrical schematics and layouts for control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes. They select appropriate components, ensure compliance with safety standards, and use design software like AutoCAD or EPLAN. Their work supports the installation, maintenance, and operation of electrical instrumentation in various facilities.

How much do instrument electrical designers make?

Instrument electrical designers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals in this role often require knowledge of control systems, electrical schematics, and industry standards, with salaries increasing for those with specialized skills or certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument electrical designer?

To thrive as an Instrument Electrical Designer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, instrumentation design, and relevant technical qualifications such as an associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SmartPlant), knowledge of industry standards, and familiarity with control systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set stand-out designers apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate, efficient, and safe design of electrical and instrumentation systems in complex industrial projects.

What is an instrument electrical designer?

Instrument Electrical Designers are professionals who specialize in designing and drafting the electrical and instrumentation systems used in industrial facilities, such as power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants. They create detailed drawings and diagrams for the installation, modification, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems. Their work ensures that these systems meet industry standards, safety regulations, and project specifications, supporting efficient and reliable plant operations.

What is the difference between Instrument Electrical Designer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrument Electrical DesignerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical or Instrumentation TechnologyBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, process facilities, instrumentation labsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, consulting firms
Industry UsageProcess control, instrumentation, automation projectsPower systems, electronics, large-scale electrical systems

Instrument Electrical Designers focus on creating detailed electrical and instrumentation diagrams for process control systems, often working closely with instrumentation and automation teams. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, designing electrical systems across various industries, including power and electronics. Both roles require technical knowledge but differ in specialization and project scope.

What are some common challenges instrument electrical designers face when coordinating with multidisciplinary teams on large projects?

Instrument Electrical Designers often work closely with engineers, project managers, and other design disciplines, which can present challenges in communication and integration of design data. Ensuring that instrument layouts and electrical schematics align with mechanical and process requirements requires attention to detail and proactive problem-solving. Additionally, managing revisions and updates across multiple teams and software platforms can be complex, making strong organizational and interpersonal skills essential for success in this role.

How to become an instrument electrical designer?

To become an instrument electrical designer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, instrumentation, or a related field. Gaining experience with electrical design software, such as AutoCAD or EPLAN, and understanding control systems and industry standards are also important. Certifications like Certified Electrical Designer (CED) can enhance job prospects in this field.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Instrument Electrical Designer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Instrument Electrical Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Instrument Electrical Designer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Electrical Systems Engineer

Mpr Associates, Inc.

Alexandria, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

MPR Associates, Inc. (MPR), a thriving multi-discipline, specialty engineering services and consulting firm, is actively seeking a capable and motivated Electrical Systems Engineers to join our team. If you are seeking a unique, challenging, and rewarding career opportunity, MPR may be the right company for you.

Founded in 1964, MPR has a wide and growing client base in the fields of power and energy, federal services, and health and life sciences. We work throughout the United States as well as internationally. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, we also have offices in East Lyme, Connecticut, Burlington, Massachusetts, and Salt Lake City, Utah. MPR makes challenging projects successful, delivering safe and reliable technical solutions across the entire project or product life-cycle to benefit our clients and society as a whole. We hire the best and brightest, which results in a high-performance culture built on trust and respect, making MPR an exceptional place to work.

General Job Description

MPR is seeking an Electrical Systems Engineers for full-time positions at our Alexandria, Virginia, East Lyme, Connecticut, Burlington, Massachusetts, and Salt Lake City, Utah Offices. MPR engineers bring their energy, passion, and natural curiosity to help solve unique and challenging problems for clients spanning the utility, commercial power, and federal services industries. Successful candidates will contribute to and lead projects involving design, specification, test, modification, and failure investigation of power systems and equipment. MPR engineers engage on a variety of projects associated with a diverse set of industries to include distributed energy resources, renewable energy sources, commercial nuclear, new nuclear (fusion/ fission), grid modernization, transmission and distribution facilities, and transmission system substations. 

MPR is an adaptive technical organization that identifies and responds to our clients’ needs while helping them frame their problems into workable technical and managerial solutions. For more than 60 years, MPR has been the organization to which our clients turn for specialty engineering solutions developed with integrity and technical excellence.


The Electrical Systems Engineers will:

  • Develop electrical designs for power systems including:
    • Technology selection of inverter-based resources to satisfy PCC/POI interconnection requirements.
    • Select and specify power systems equipment including breakers, power transformers, metal clad switchgear, circuit switchers, instrument transformers, and protective relays.
    • Create single line diagrams, interconnection diagrams, detailed drawings, specifications, and layouts of equipment.
  • Validate designs that satisfy applicable codes and standards NFPA 70, IEEE, NERC, ISO, Local Utility and other applicable electrical safety and performance regulations.
  • Perform electrical power system analysis, including load flow, short circuit, protective device coordination, and transient stability studies for power systems.
  • Investigate electrical system problems, perform failure investigation and analyses, and evaluate alternatives to improve system performance and reliability and availability.
  • Develop equipment procurement specifications for major capital equipment.
  • Supervise design verification testing, equipment installation, and commissioning activities to ensure compliance with design requirements.
  • Author detailed technical documents, including design reports, qualification documents, and submittals such as technical manuals, drawings, and design review evaluations.
  • Work closely with the instrumentation and controls teams to deliver integrated project communication and protection systems consistent with current industry practices.
  • Support and mentor junior engineers, fostering their development in electrical design and power systems.
  • Communicate directly with clients, including engineering, management, and maintenance teams, to understand requirements and provide technical recommendations.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from an ABET-accredited university required.
  • Master of Science, Electrical Engineering (MSEE) degree a plus.

Experience

  • At least three (3) years of work experience in the field of electrical power systems.
  • Strong analytical skills with a fundamental understanding of the underlying first principles of engineering.
  • Familiarity with, or the ability to quickly become familiar with, industrial design standards, codes and regulations including but not limited to IEEE standards and NERC regulations.
  • Experience using electrical analysis tools to develop solutions for electrical power system problems. The analysis tools used by MPR vary depending upon the needs of our clients. Example tools include MATLAB, ETAP, EMTPRV, PSCAD, and ANSYS.
  • Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools for developing electrical drawings is a plus.
  • Experience specifying, designing, and developing design verification tests or equipment commissioning test programs.
  • Experience delivering comprehensive solutions to multi-disciplinary problems with engineers of all backgrounds.
  • Comfortable working in a dynamic engineering environment, often working onseveral technically diverse projects simultaneously.
  • Experience working through a complete electrical project lifecycle (i.e., design, equipment specification and procurement, installation, and commissioning) is considered a plus.

Skills – Personal

MPR’s culture and heritage is firmly rooted in engineering excellence. Successful candidates must have a passion for solving problems, natural curiosity, and a willingness to work hard in support of delivering unique value to our clients.  Additionally, successful candidates will have the following skills:

  • Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients and senior management.
  • Excellent written communication skills with the ability to explain complicated technical issues and summarize key findings and recommendations at an executive level.
  • Passion for leading and motivating project teams, encouraging teamwork, managing change, and making timely, effective decisions.
  • Motivation and desire to tackle new problems, take on new responsibilities, and work diverse projects in new areas.
  • Good time management and organization skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Strong questions attitude and ability to accept that in others.

Travel

As required by project assignments, estimated 10% - 20%.

MPR Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, who participates in E-Verify.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other classification as required by applicable law. MPR is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer.