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Instrument Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ALTEN Technology USA

E&I Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

... instrument datasheets, etc.) with operator and equipment safety in mind. * Manage budget, scope ... Bachelor of Electrical Engineering or equivalent degree. * Experienced with complex industrial ...

Team Fishel

Survey Instrument Operator

Stafford, VA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Location Stafford, VA Market Surveying & Engineering (PSG) Who is Team Fishel? Since 1936, we've ... Survey Instrument Operators at Team Fishel assist the Survey Crew Leader on projects by performing ...

Timmons Group

Survey Instrument Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties.

Timmons Group

Survey Instrument Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

The Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties.

Actalent

Survey Instrument Person

Glen Allen, VA

$39K - $41K/yr

Survey Instrument Person (Rodman)-Virginia Beach The Survey Instrument Person will carry out a ... Ability to understand and interpret legal descriptions, engineering plans, maps, and field data;

AdvanSix

Instrument Mechanic - Chesterfield

Richmond, VA · On-site

$46.52/hr

... systems o Instrument enclosures and wiring systems • Performing and documenting instrument ... engineering practices to instrumentation repair work for a variety of typical process plant ...

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All JobsInstrument Engineer JobsInstrument Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Instrument Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$12.4K

$104K

$162.6K

How much do instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument engineer in Virginia is $103,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $130,400.00 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 Virginia?

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

What are popular job titles related to Instrument Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Instrument Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Instrument Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrument Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Instrument Engineer jobs in VA?

For Instrument Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Instrument Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,996 per year, or $50 per hour.

Advanced Reliability Engineer - Electrical & Instrumentation

Celanese International Corporation

Richmond, VA

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Advanced Reliability Engineer - Electrical & Instrumentation - at the Richmond, Virginia site is responsible for ensuring compliance with reliability program requirements for unit instrumentation and low voltage electrical systems. This role is responsible for identifying and implementing improvements to reduce losses resulting from instrumentation and low voltage electrical system failures. This role primarily focuses on mid-to-long-term strategic reliability.


  • Ensure instrumentation and electrical systems are reliable and performance is aligned with site and unit reliability targets
  • Support unit MOC process, including Reliability approval of new or modified instrumentation and electrical system designs and changes to instrument system care plans
  • Lead reliability investigations for significant instrumentation and electrical system failures, including proper application of RCA process and corrective action plans
  • Participate in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), ISO 9000 audits, site/corporate audits
  • Develop action plans to achieve results, including recommendations to resolve emerging issues as part of the “Bad Actor” Process involving instrumentation and electrical systems
  • Support appropriate OEE classification of losses associated with instrumentation and electrical systems
  • Collaborate with Operations to understand and set priority for instrument and electrical system repairs impacting reliability
  • Build strategy around instrument and electrical system training and knowledge support; Creates and delivers training to develop the technical capabilities of the reliability, maintenance and operations team
  • Identify programs and initiatives around instrumentation and electrical systems to drive reliability improvements.
  • Provides oversight for instrument and electrical care plan development, and compliance with PM program requirements
  • Provide technical review of engineering projects; works with OEMs, unit and project teams on specification and selection of new instrumentation and electrical equipment

  • BS in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 7+ years experience in petrochemical, refining, or related industrial manufacturing setting supporting maintenance and/or reliability.
  • Technical expertise: Strong technical background in instrumentation and low voltage electrical systems, as well as a solid understanding of reliability engineering principles
    • This includes a depth of knowledge of various instruments and low voltage electrical equipment used in industrial settings for process measurement/monitoring and control, including DCS, sensors, transmitters, control valves, motor controls
    • Strong history of troubleshooting DP, radars, coriolis, pH/conductivity
    • Experience with Emerson, Honeywell, Delta V, Triconex, Woodward products is a plus
    • Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (i.e., SAP)
    • Familiarity with relevant industry standards and codes, such as API, ISA, & NFPA.
    • Proficiency in Safety Instrumented System (SIS) management
  • Reliability Engineering Knowledge: Skilled in conducting reliability assessments, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and root cause analysis (RCA) to identify and mitigate potential equipment failures. Experience with reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) methodologies and predictive maintenance techniques
  • Problem Solving skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for this role, demonstrated history of supporting troubleshooting of electrical and instrumentation issues
  • Communication and collaboration: Excellent communication skills are necessary; frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and engineering. The ability to clearly communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders is also important.  Mentoring I&E crafts is an important part of this role.
  • Safety: Commitment to safety and following applicable regulations and standards is essential. This includes knowledge of electrical codes, hazards, lockout/tagout procedures, and other safety protocols
  • Continuous improvement mindset: Willingness to continuously learn and improve is essential. Proactive in identifying opportunities for system optimization, cost reduction, and reliability enhancement is highly valued. This includes staying updated on the latest technological advancements and industry best practices to optimize system performance and minimize downtime

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