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Instrument Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The instrumentation engineer will assist in generating instrumentation project deliverables for new or updated process instrumentation under the supervision of a senior-level instrument engineer.

Instrument Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

BSc in Instrument, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical) Engineering Experience: Min Yr = 1Max Yr = 3+ Licensure:E.I.T. Preferred Technical Skills: Microsoft Office, Adobe, Microsoft Windows, PC ...

Instrument Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

BSc in Instrument, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical) Engineering • Experience: Min Yr = 1Max Yr = 3+ • Licensure:E.I.T. Preferred • Technical Skills: Microsoft Office, Adobe, Microsoft ...

Preparing instrument requirement documents for the designer, fabricator, and installer including installation details, specification sheets and 3D review. Performing instrument detailed design.

Associate degree in Electronics Engineering Technology (EET), Electronic Automated Systems (EAS), or a related technical field preferred. Journeyman-level experience as an Instrument Technician ...

Overview The Instrument & Controls (I&C) Engineer is responsible for defining appropriate instrumentation applications, development of instrument specifications and lists, material requisitioning ...

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Instrument Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$12.1K

$101.6K

$158.9K

How much do instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument engineer in Illinois is $101,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $127,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an instrument engineer do?

As an instrument engineer, your job is to design and build mechanical and electronic instruments for your employer. Most instruments are purpose-built to accomplish specific objectives, such as measuring the presence of particular chemicals or the pressure within pipes. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of an instrument engineer often requires creativity, flexibility, and the ability to coordinate with other engineers. You may also need to manage supplies, test instruments, or work overtime as needed to develop better instruments. This job title refers exclusively to designing and building instruments that measure or control processes and should not be confused with jobs that design and create musical instruments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument Engineer, you need a solid background in instrumentation, control systems, and process automation, often supported by a degree in engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with tools like PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and certifications such as ISA CAP or equivalent are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex systems. These competencies are vital for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of industrial operations.

What are some common challenges instrument engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Instrument Engineers often collaborate with process, electrical, and mechanical engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and project timelines. Integrating instrumentation with complex systems requires clear communication to ensure proper data flow and control functionality. Adapting to evolving project specifications and troubleshooting issues during commissioning are also common, making flexibility and problem-solving skills essential. Building strong relationships with colleagues across disciplines helps streamline the process and achieve project goals efficiently.

Are instrument engineers in demand?

Instrument engineers are in demand in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and power generation, where they design, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentation. The profession requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of automation tools, and job opportunities are expected to grow with ongoing infrastructure and technological development.

What is the difference between Instrument Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectInstrument EngineerControl Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Instrumentation Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; similar certifications in control systems
Work EnvironmentOil & gas, manufacturing, chemical plants, focusing on instrumentation and process controlAutomation, manufacturing, power plants, focusing on control system design and integration
Employer & Industry UsageIndustries requiring precise instrumentation for process controlIndustries implementing automation and control system solutions

Both roles involve engineering expertise in process control, but Instrument Engineers focus on selecting, installing, and maintaining instrumentation devices, while Control Systems Engineers design and optimize control algorithms and systems. They often collaborate but serve different technical functions within industrial settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Instrument Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,647 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Instrument Engineer

Brindley Engineering

Lisle, IL

$70K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

The instrumentation engineer will assist in generating instrumentation project deliverables for new or updated process instrumentation under the supervision of a senior-level instrument engineer. Other duties include performing project site surveys of existing instrumentation to be replaced or re-designed, performing client documentation searches, marking up drawings or data sheets for as-found instrumentation and wiring details under the supervision of a senior-level instrument engineer.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:
•Assist with instrument site surveys and walkdowns 
•Develop and prepare as-built or as-found instrumentation documentation 
•Perform client instrument documentation searches to find required project documents
•Assist with generating instrumentation data, sheets, loop drawings, installation details, instrument lists, DCS/PLC I/O lists and P&IDs

Minimum Qualifications:
•Education: BSc in Instrument, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical) Engineering
•Experience: Min Yr = 1Max Yr = 3+
•Licensure:E.I.T. Preferred
•Technical Skills: Microsoft Office, Adobe, Microsoft Windows, PC hardware
•Management: No management experience required
•Other Skills: Strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills

Professional Development Opportunities:
•Develop instrumentation knowledge skills
•Develop project skills
•Develop skills used to generate instrument deliverables
•Develop knowledge of industry instrumentation standards
•Obtain industry and skill-specific certifications
•Learn new engineering software tools and programs

Individual field assignments typically each have their own unique requirements.  Prior to deployment on any field assignment, you must be able to meet all client-specific site requirements.  Should you be unable or unwilling to meet assignment-specific requirements, your continued employment would then be subject to the availability of other assignments whose requirements can be met.  These unique requirements may include:
•You must possess physical mobility (on the ground and at heights).
•You may be required to pick up, lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs.
•You may be required to work at heights, climb ladders and stairways, and may occasionally work off platforms/scaffolding/ladders using the appropriate and required fall protection.  
•You must be able to work in all weather conditions (including heat, rain, cold, and wind) while wearing the appropriate PPE. This may include but not be limited to a hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs, masks/respirators, hi-vis safety vests, leather gloves, and leather, steel-toed work boots.  
•You may be required to position yourself to work in confined spaces
•You may be required to adhere to a client’s random drug testing program prior to entering their site.
•You may be required to meet a client’s facial hair safety policy prior to entering their site.

Pay Range: $70,000 - $95,000 annually
The above pay range represents a general guideline; however, Brindley considers several factors when determining base salary that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to the candidate's depth of experience, skill set, certifications, specific work location, and current market conditions. Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonus and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans in addition to base pay to reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results. 
In addition, BE provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer matching, company paid holidays, paid parental leave, compensatory time off, and paid time off (PTO).  Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
Brindley Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
 BE participates in E-Verify. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please go to www.e-verify.gov.