1

Instrument Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Instrument Technician

Arnold Air Force Base, TN · On-site

$38.44 - $42.71/hr

Instrument Technician (6 Positions Total - 3 in Aero, 2 in Hypersonic & 1 in Space & Missiles ... Engineering and Development Complex. We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Instrument Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$11.3K

$95.2K

$148.8K

How much do instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument engineer in Tennessee is $95,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,300.00 and $119,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often due to high demand, extensive experience, and advanced skills. These roles may involve leadership, complex projects, or working in high-cost-of-living areas, and often require advanced certifications or degrees.

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.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Instrument engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with top earners in high-cost areas or with extensive experience reaching higher figures. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires senior management positions, significant industry experience, or working in highly lucrative sectors such as oil and gas or aerospace.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, professional certifications, and work in high-demand industries or executive levels.

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.

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 does an instrument engineer do?

An instrument engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes. They work with sensors, controllers, and automation equipment to ensure accurate measurement and operation, often using tools like PLCs and SCADA systems. The role typically requires knowledge of engineering principles, safety standards, and relevant certifications.
Infographic showing various Instrument Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,206 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Instrument Technician

BNH

Arnold Air Force Base, TN • On-site

$38.44 - $42.71/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview

Job Title: Instrument Technician (6 Positions Total - 3 in Aero, 2 in Hypersonic & 1 in Space & Missiles)

Location: Arnold AFB TN

Function/Branch: O & M/Aero (Plant-Electrical, Test Ops), Hypersonic (ARCS), Space & Missiles (Ranges)

Directorate: Test Ops

Position Type: Craft   

Pay Type: A21

Grade: A21

Salary Range or Starting Hourly Rate: $38.44 - $42.71

 

Job posting closes on June 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST 

 

Overview

Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has an exciting opportunity for an Instrument Technician, supporting TOS II, at Arnold AFB in Tullahoma, TN. The Instrument Technician will be working as a member of an integrated team responsible for [e.g. operating and maintaining or supporting] the United States Air Force Test Operations and Sustainment efforts.

Open to internal and external candidates.  The selected candidate for this requisition must be available to work any shift and shift determination will be made based on the priority of work at the time the selected candidate is cleared to report to work.

Job Summary

The successful candidate will under general supervision, calibrate and repairs various instruments for electrical and mechanical measurements used in aeronautical tests and research activities and in plant control.

Supplementary Functions: Participation in functional specific safety training.

Job Duties:

  • Modifies, fabricates, maintains, repairs, and calibrates a with variety of mechanical, optical, electrical, electromechanical, and electronic indicating and recording instrument and precision measuring equipment
  • Performs diagnostic and troubleshooting activities required to service discrete and digital logic instrument control systems
  • Connect instruments to computers and recording devices
  • Adjusts and calibrates instruments as directed and adapts them to new or extended uses
  • Assists in servicing and adjusting computers, microprocessors, and peripheral devices
  • Uses a wide variety of instruments, tools, and equipment necessary to perform assigned duties
  • Works primarily in a laboratory or field equipment environment
  • Assists in training lower-level technicians
  • It is a condition of employment to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
  • Performs other related duties as required
Responsibilities

Basic Qualifications:

  • Educational Equivalent: Must possess High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Specific Knowledge or Experience: Four years of progressive experience in technical instrumentation with six months' schooling in electronics or instrumentation field
  • In-depth knowledge of operational characteristics of laboratory test instruments
  • Licenses/Certifications: Valid State Driver's License
  • Communication Skills: Must be able to read, write, and speak English well enough to understand, give and take directions
  • Must put forward professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation
  • Current United States Citizenship required
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and the AEDC local area network
  • Current U. S. Citizenship required

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Active Secret clearance
Who We Are

Who We Are

Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is a fully populated joint venture of Astrion and Fluor Federal Services, Inc. formed to provide unmatched Test Operations and Sustainment services for the Arnold Engineering and Development Complex.

We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our commitment to AEDC's rich aerospace research and development legacy anchored in AEDC's Towards New Horizons founding study and the unprecedented opportunities to greatly expand AEDC's capabilities and capacity Beyond those existing today. Leveraging the capabilities of our parent companies, BNH specializes in testing and evaluation for military and space systems combined with proven capability in large-scale Government program management, integration, engineering, and construction services for specialized and technically advanced high-hazard facilities.

Join our Team!

BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Employment Type: OTHER