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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 ...

Communicate design concerns, scope changes, and technical issues to the lead or senior engineer as they arise. * Assist in developing instrument packages, scopes of work, specifications, and ...

Communicate design concerns, scope changes, and technical issues to the lead or senior engineer as they arise. * Assist in developing instrument packages, scopes of work, specifications, and ...

Communicate design concerns, scope changes, and technical issues to the lead or senior engineer as they arise. * Assist in developing instrument packages, scopes of work, specifications, and ...

S&B is seeking an Instrument Engineer for all phases of instrument development and equipment design for a small project or selected segments of a larger project. Must be fully competent in performing ...

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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 Jun 14, 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 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.
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 job categories do people searching Instrument Engineer jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,727 per year, or $47 per hour.
Instrument Engineer

Instrument Engineer

Wood Plc

Corpus Christi, TX

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

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.

Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from Wood is required

Responsibilities entail:

  • Executing the work plan for the on-time and on-budget delivery of all Instrument and Control deliverables
  • Good understanding of the design of facility Instrument and Controls:

            o Process Control and Safety System functional requirements

            o Process Instrumentation application, installation and hook up.

            o Control and Safety System installation and hook up, including field wiring, power requirements and circuit design

  • Participate in the production of:

            o Process Control and Safety system input to P&IDs

            o Instrument Index, I/O List

            o Instrument Selection and Sizing Calculations

            o Instrument Specifications, Datasheets, Requisitions, Bid Tabulations

            o Control System & Safety System Specifications

            o Control and Safety Logic definition including Cause & Effect, and SAFE Charts

            o Control system Wiring Diagrams and Loop Diagrams

            o Instrument location plans, Installation details (Hook Ups) and Bill of Materials (MTO)

            o Control Panel Fabrication drawings

            o Equipment layout drawings

  • Broad knowledge of applicable codes and regulatory requirements
  • Coordination with all other project disciplines for maximum integration of design
  • Provide field construction support as required by the project
Skills / Qualifications

Successful candidate will possess:

  • 5-15 years' experience in Instrument Engineering related to the oil and gas industry
  • Bachelor of Engineering from an Accredited College or University (Chemical Engineering Degree preferred)

Credentials:

NCEES Professional Engineer License (preferred)

NCEES Engineer-In-Training (preferred)

Physical requirements:

Field walk-downs in a refinery environment, climbing stairs, ladders and lifting up to 25 lbs, ability to wear respirator as needed.

Company Overview

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER