Instrument Operator
$20 - $24/hr
A growing engineering and geomatics firm is seeking a motivated Instrument Operator and a Crew Chief to support field survey operations in VA. Instrument Operator Responsibilities - Assist the Survey ...
Quick apply
Instrument Operator
$20 - $24/hr
A growing engineering and geomatics firm is seeking a motivated Instrument Operator and a Crew Chief to support field survey operations in VA. Instrument Operator Responsibilities - Assist the Survey ...
E&I Engineer
$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 ...
Quick apply
E&I Engineer
$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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Ashburn, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Ashburn, 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.
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.
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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Staunton, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Staunton, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Staunton, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Staunton, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
$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.
Survey Instrument Operator
$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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Newport News, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Newport News, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Staunton, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Staunton, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
$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.
Survey Instrument Operator
$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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Ashburn, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Ashburn, 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.
... systems o Instrument enclosures and wiring systems · Performing and documenting instrument ... engineering practices to instrumentation repair work for a variety of typical process plant ...
... systems o Instrument enclosures and wiring systems · Performing and documenting instrument ... engineering practices to instrumentation repair work for a variety of typical process plant ...
Survey Instrument Operator
Virginia Beach, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Virginia Beach, 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.
... systems o Instrument enclosures and wiring systems · Performing and documenting instrument ... engineering practices to instrumentation repair work for a variety of typical process plant ...
... systems o Instrument enclosures and wiring systems · Performing and documenting instrument ... engineering practices to instrumentation repair work for a variety of typical process plant ...
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.
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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Newport News, 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.
Survey Instrument Operator
Newport News, 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.
Instrument Engineer information
See Virginia salary details
$12.4K - $26K
0% of jobs
$26K - $39.7K
0% of jobs
$39.7K - $53.4K
1% of jobs
$53.4K - $67K
16% of jobs
$75.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$67K - $80.7K
14% of jobs
$80.7K - $94.3K
13% of jobs
The median wage is $101.7K / yr.
$94.3K - $108K
13% of jobs
$108K - $121.6K
15% of jobs
$126.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$121.6K - $135.3K
12% of jobs
$135.3K - $148.9K
12% of jobs
$148.9K - $162.6K
6% of jobs
$12.4K
$104K
$162.6K
How much do instrument engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 5, 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 engineers make $500,000?
Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes certifications or advanced 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.
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. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and work in high-demand industries or high-cost-of-living regions.
What engineers make $200,000 a year?
Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. These roles typically involve high responsibility, complex problem-solving, and may require working in high-demand industries or leadership positions.
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?
| Aspect | Instrument Engineer | Control Systems Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor'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 Environment | Oil & gas, manufacturing, chemical plants, focusing on instrumentation and process control | Automation, manufacturing, power plants, focusing on control system design and integration |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Industries requiring precise instrumentation for process control | Industries 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, installs, 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.
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:
- instrumentation engineer
- electrical and instrument engineer
- senior instrumentation engineer
- electrical instrumentation engineer
- instrumentation engineering technician
- instrumentation and control engineer
- electrical and instrumentation engineer
- instrument designer
- instrumentation and controls engineer
- instrumentation specialist
$20 - $24/hr
Full-time
Posted 29 days ago
Job description
A growing engineering and geomatics firm is seeking a motivated Instrument Operator and a Crew Chief to support field survey operations in VA.
Instrument Operator Responsibilities
- Assist the Survey Crew Chief with daily field survey operations on transportation, utility, land development, and infrastructure projects
- Operate total stations, GPS receivers, data collectors, and levels to gather accurate field data
- Perform construction staking, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and as-built surveys
- Set up, maintain, and transport survey equipment safely and efficiently
- Accurately record measurements and observations for office processing
- Follow company safety standards and maintain a clean, organized jobsite
- Travel to project sites and work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions
Instrument Operator Requirements:
- 2+ years of engineering surveying experience
- Associates degree is a plus but not required
-Valid drivers license required
- Ability to work outside for long periods of time required
By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, Al-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Synerfac Technical Staffing and our contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undeliverable messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at www.synerfac.com/privacy/
Instrument Operator Responsibilities
- Assist the Survey Crew Chief with daily field survey operations on transportation, utility, land development, and infrastructure projects
- Operate total stations, GPS receivers, data collectors, and levels to gather accurate field data
- Perform construction staking, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, and as-built surveys
- Set up, maintain, and transport survey equipment safely and efficiently
- Accurately record measurements and observations for office processing
- Follow company safety standards and maintain a clean, organized jobsite
- Travel to project sites and work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions
Instrument Operator Requirements:
- 2+ years of engineering surveying experience
- Associates degree is a plus but not required
-Valid drivers license required
- Ability to work outside for long periods of time required
By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, Al-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Synerfac Technical Staffing and our contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undeliverable messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at www.synerfac.com/privacy/
About Synerfac Technical Staffing
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Since 1987, Synerfac has served three groups, Our Clients, Our Candidates and Our Staff. We treat all three with equal importance because we recognize the synergy of success when one group succeeds, We all succeed. Synerfac is in the business of providing opportunities and adding value. We strive to create extraordinary experiences. For our clients we provide staffing services that enable them to focus on their core competencies which will add value to their businesses. For our employees we provide permanent and temporary assignments that complement their job skills and experience while providing professional and financial rewards. For our staff –we provide careers that are balanced, uplifting and carry the highest rewards by continually improving our business process. Our goal is to enhance the lives and enterprises of all those we touch to make them better off for having known us.
Industry
Recruiting and staffing services
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Cherry Hill, NJ, US