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Instrument Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Future Flight Decks Sr Principal Engineer

Duluth, MN · On-site

$167.51 - $251.26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview The AD&D Engineer Principal Sr. - Future Flight Decks is a forward-thinking engineering ... Private, fixed‑wing pilot with instrument rating. * Advanced ratings or experience in multiple ...

AI Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As our AI Engineer , you'll keep the AI infrastructure our products and teams run on fast ... Build the visibility: instrument performance and usage across our AI surfaces so there's clear data ...

AI Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As our AI Engineer , you'll keep the AI infrastructure our products and teams run on fast ... Build the visibility: instrument performance and usage across our AI surfaces so there's clear data ...

AI Engineer

Minneapolis, MN

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As our AI Engineer , you'll keep the AI infrastructure our products and teams run on fast ... Build the visibility: instrument performance and usage across our AI surfaces so there's clear data ...

Showing results 41-60

Instrument Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$12.2K

$102.7K

$160.6K

How much do instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument engineer in Minnesota is $102,737.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $128,800.00 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 Minnesota?

The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Instrument Engineer jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Instrument Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Instrument Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,737 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Refrigeration (Multiple Locations)

Burns & McDonnell

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction


Job description

Description The Senior Mechanical Engineer will lead mechanical design project teams to create world class designs for new projects, alterations and redevelopments on a variety of projects including food & beverage, life sciences, and industrial manufacturing. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will lead the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting mechanical plans according to budget constraints, design factors or client needs.
  • Lead Mechanical (Refrigeration) design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion. Markets include Food & Beverage, Consumer Products, and Life Science (Pharmaceuticals and Environmental Chambers), and Manufacturing.
  • Leads Mechanical (Refrigeration) design for project phase specific deliverables which Includes but is not limited to: Design Basis, Heat and Mass Balances (HMBs), Block Flow Diagrams (BFDs), Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Equipment List, Line List, Instrument List, Tie-point List, Demolition Drawings, General Arrangements, and Piping Design.
  • Prepare mechanical (refrigeration) equipment / instrumentation: packaged equipment / instrumentation specifications and data sheets, Request for Qualifications (RFQ's), technical bid summaries, and purchase recommendations.
  • Review vendor drawings; data interface with suppliers, clients, other engineering disciplines, detailers, and designers.
  • Coordinate and support Construction Management in the development of subcontractor packages (ie. millwrights / equipment setters, piping, insulation, field fabricated equipment, etc).
  • Provides field support, including inspection, supervision of installation, commissioning support, and startup assistance on critical equipment.
  • Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
  • Conducts studies & evaluations for projects in early development.
  • Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers and contractors and develop new business opportunities. Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
  • Participate in sales and marketing efforts and identify key pursuits.
  • Support the development of project schedule, scope, budget, staff, and construction planning.
  • Prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates. Reports project performance and is responsible for the discipline's effective management of change orders.
  • Provide leadership, guidance and instruction to the mechanical engineering practice. Mentor and guide junior engineers.
  • Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
  • Responsible for effective communication with other engineering disciplines. (Civil. Structural, Architecture, Electrical, Controls, Designers, Process, Mechanical (HVAC / Plumbing / Process Utilities) and etc.).
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 7 years mechanical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.
  • Bachelor Degree in Mechanical or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and 7 years mechanical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.
  • Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 6 years mechanical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures. Strong knowledge of mechanical equipment design codes (ASME, ANSI, API, PIP, NACE). Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with leading the discipline design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.
  • Ability to travel.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred.

Preferred:
  • 7 years mechanical (refrigeration) engineering experience
  • Some familiarity with Sanitary Design including 3A standards and CGMP.
  • Design/Build Project Delivery experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite). Familiarity with Navisworks, AutoCAD, BIM (REVIT), CAESAR II, & PDF Markup Tool.

Compensation
$150,000.00-210,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Mechanical Engineering
Primary Location US-MN-Minneapolis/St Paul
Other Locations US-MO-Kansas City, US-GA-Atlanta
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 263223
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-KJ #GFS

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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