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Instrument Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Stepan

E&I Engineer

Elwood, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

E&I Engineer (Electrical & Instrumentation - Reliability Focus) Millsdale, IL | On-site Own the reliability of an entire site's electrical systems We're hiring an E&I Engineer to serve as the ...

Stepan

E&I Engineer

Elwood, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

E&I Engineer (Electrical & Instrumentation - Reliability Focus) Millsdale, IL | On-site Own the reliability of an entire site's electrical systems We're hiring an E&I Engineer to serve as the ...

idexcel

Electrical Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

Interfacing with other disciplines to determine project instrument requirements. Producing a ... S. degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering Minimum (5) years of experience with process ...

Droisys

Software Engineer

Champaign, IL

Net and C# applications for instrument control, data collection and analysis. Train and assist end ... C++ programming language is helpful but not required Experience in data visualization or data ...

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All JobsInstrument Engineer JobsInstrument Engineer Jobs in Illinois

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 13, 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.

More about Instrument Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Instrument Engineer jobs in IL? For Instrument Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Instrument Engineer jobs near you
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.

Principal Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Valdes Architecture & Engineering

Lombard, IL • On-site

$125K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Principal Engineers are expected to be leaders of projects and project teams and  responsible for managing project man-hour budgets and scheduling of department man-hours
  • Strong technical skills and an ability to mentor and assist staff in all aspects of electrical design, including I&C specifications and selection
  • Supervise and monitor project staff ensuring that engineering packages are completed on time and within budget for the project they are responsible for. 
  • Ability to analyze, design and produce engineering packages for clients and prepare instrumentation specifications for purchase
  • Ability to establish and maintain good business relationships with key client contacts throughout the project
  • Extensive knowledge of required design codes and the knowledge to establish design criteria and ensure staff is following proper protocol
  • On-site interface with client engineering representative and other discipline engineers
  • Review, check and analyze design drawings prior to client submittals
  • Responsible for ensuring that documents produced by the team members follow both internal and client quality standards
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Electrical or Controls Engineering
  • 10-15 years (or more) of experience working in a Power Generation, Distribution, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Pharmaceutical and/or Industrial engineering environment
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred
  • Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future
Technical Competencies
  • Low voltage power distribution system design and layout
  • Instrumentation identification and installation package development as well as application design including data sheets, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, instrument lists, input / output lists, and scope of work development.
  • Instrumentation skills including: reading or developing P&IDs , Instrument selection and specifications, control valve and primary element sizing, instrument loop diagrams, locations plans and installation details, and interconnection and wiring diagrams
  • Distributed Control System interface design experience
  • Electrical heat trace design
  • Development of wiring diagrams and schematics
Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
Valdes Architecture & Engineering Company is looking for bright and talented people that want to take their career to the next level. We offer many rewarding career paths to challenge and engage our employees at all phases of their careers. Our office provides a team environment, and excellent working conditions, which allow individuals to maximize their potential. Valdes Architecture & Engineering offers an outstanding benefits package including Medical, Dental, 401K plan, Company paid Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance, Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance, Pet Insurance, a discounted gym membership and tuition reimbursement.
EEO/AAE

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.