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Instrument Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is recruiting for a mid-level Instrument Engineer with 5-15 years experience. This individual will support Flint Hills Refining in Corpus Christi, TX Office.

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is gathering resumes for an Instrument Engineer with willingness to lead projects for the discipline for the Houston, TX Office (this is a mid to senior level ...

$89K - $118K/yr

S&B is seeking an Instrument Engineer for all phases of instrument development and equipment design for a project of significant size and complexity (e.g., continuing services project involving ...

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Instrument & Controls Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

The role of Controls & Instrument Engineer is to support the Engineering Lead and Product Engineering Manager. They will be accountable for the electrical scope and systems in large scale data ...

This role requires close coordination with other engineering disciplines, project management ... Prepare and maintain equipment lists, load summaries, and instrument indices * Develop control ...

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Instrument Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$11.6K

$97.7K

$152.8K

How much do instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument engineer in Texas is $97,727.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $122,500.00 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 Texas? The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Instrument Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Instrument Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Instrument Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,727 per year, or $47 per hour.

Instrument Engineer

Taurus Industrial Group

Port Lavaca, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Instrument Engineer

About Taurus Industrial Group (Taurus)

Taurus is a leading technical services contractor in the energy and industrial sector. Our business has over 60 years’ history and service excellence with an unwavering commitment to quality, safety, integrity, and respect. With operations spanning the Gulf Coast, Mid-west, Canada and Mexico, we offer an end-to-end service offering to our customers through Engineering, Infrastructure, Electrical & Instrumentation, Specialty Services divisions.

Position Outline

Due to the continued growth and expansion of our business, we are seeking qualified candidates for the position of Instrument Engineer based in our Taurus Engineering Port Lavaca, Texas office.

The Instrument Engineer will be assigned onsite at client location in Point Comfort, Texas.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Plan, design, budget controls and complete the assigned project to meet the schedule.
  • Ability to prepare instrument engineering documents, such as instrument index, instrument specification and detail engineering design documentation etc.
  • Ability to review / comment P&ID, scope of work with operation and related parties.
  • Ability to review / comment piping ISO, specification, and layout drawings.
  • Capable of preparing instrument specifications for bidding as well as B2 estimation.
  • Familiar with instrument calculation method for flow elements, control valves and RV.
  • Familiar concepts of instrument engineering detail design include DCS SIS system design.
  • Able to read NEC code, specifications, and standards.
  • Ability to review/ comment on mechanical package equipment during quotation / evaluation stages.
  • Able to use Auto-Cad, Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point for documentation and reports.
  • Capable of reviewing vendor proposals, prepare COQ to meet specification.
  • Capable of working together with DDE to complete all the instrument engineering design documents.
  • Prepare construction package for bidding.
  • Capable of supporting field construction job, solve engineering errors or technical issues.
  • Attend project meeting, report project status to manager.
  • Apply good communication skills in verbal and writing.
  • Interact with vendors, contractors, and customers.
  • Capable of creating cost saving / value added tasks.
  • Capable of setting individual goals and achieve the expectations.
  • Perform special projects or other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • BS Electrical Control Systems Engineering.
  • 3 years instrument engineering experience in petro-chemical industry, plan, design, budget controls and complete the assigned project to meet the schedule.
  • Team player able to work effectively with other disciplines.
  • Adherence to project quality, safety, schedule, and budget
  • Comfortable with fast-paced work environment. Quick learner
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and documentation/procedural skills
  • Safety and detail focused.
  • Experience in the petroleum and/or chemical processing industry in a plant environment
  • Knowledge and experience with Industrial Controls, Instrumentation, and Processes
  • Knowledge of DCS/PLC I/O wiring
  • Knowledge of Instrument Power Systems Design
  • Strong time/project management skills.
  • Strong business acumen and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
  • High ethical standards, integrity, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

Compensation & Benefits

Taurus offers a competitive compensation program that considers the applicant’s experience and capabilities, including access to medical benefits, vacation and 401k.