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Instrument Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Grp Leader Instrument Automation

Richmond, VA · On-site

$38K/yr

Group Leader - Instrument Automation I. Job Summary The Group Leader - Instrument Automation ... The Group Leader balances hands-on technical execution--including programming, troubleshooting, and ...

General Information Job ID ATR61847 Posting Job Title Instrument Maintenance Technic Locations VA ... Programmable logic controllers. * Various industrial communication protocols. * Various process ...

DevOps engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$52.25 - $71.50/hr

Instrument agents for on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments to enable comprehensive monitoring ... Collaboration: Work with development, SRE, and DevOps teams to integrate observability best ...

As a Senior Instrument Technician, you'll take the lead in installing, calibrating, commissioning ... About TAI: TAI brings together engineering, construction, systems integration, on-site services ...

Advanced Engineer, Reliability

Richmond, VA · On-site

$94K - $118K/yr

The Advanced Engineer, Reliability at the Richmond, Virginia site is responsible for ensuring ... Build strategy around instrument and electrical system training and knowledge support; Creates and ...

Senior Instrument Tech

Arlington, VA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

As a Senior Instrument Technician, you'll take the lead in installing, calibrating, commissioning ... About TAI: TAI brings together engineering, construction, systems integration, on-site services ...

DevOps Engineer - Lead

Richmond, VA · On-site

$52.25 - $71.50/hr

... Engineer - Lead Location: Plano, TX 75024 | Richmond, VA 23238 (Hybrid) Duration: 12+ Months ... Instrument applications, infrastructure, and services to collect telemetry data using frameworks ...

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Instrument Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$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?

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, 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.
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:
Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator

Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator

Cardinal Civil Resources

Manassas, VA

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

About This Role:

Cardinal Civil Resources is currently looking for an employee with high integrity and excellent attention to detail to fill a position as a Survey Field Technician - Instrument Operator. Travel will be required from time to time at different job sites. You must be familiar with all surveying techniques used for pipeline surveying.

Responsibilities:

As a Survey Field Technician, you will:

Work in group environments

Work within defined project scopes and budgets

Ensure Safety and Health are the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes. Acting safely at all times

Participate in or conduct and document safety meetings with the crew daily. Host or assist with morning safety meetings. Bring safety and proper working procedure topics up as reminders and ensure all workers are comfortable with the tasks assigned to them by reviewing their day plan

Mentor less experienced employees and train them in proper company standards as well as ensure more experienced employees are helping to mentor green workers in proper company standards

Maintains digital files on assigned computer equipment to assure use of correct and current data files

Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and construction documents

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Operate electronic total station instrument run and adjust survey measuring instruments, including level, transit, theodolite, electronic measuring devices, and total stations with electronic data collecting capabilities

Take field notes of readings and observations

Operate and maintain vehicle and field equipment

Know and perform field principles of staking and marking

Perform other related field and office duties as assigned

Work primarily in the field on control, topographic surveys, and pipeline surveys as Instrument Man/Rodman of one, two, or three-person field crew

Cut and remove brush and undergrowth for a line of sight

Reads and understands plans and specifications

Know basic sources of measurement errors

Dig ground using a pick, shovel, and other hand tools to search for and locate survey monuments

Hold and plum rod in obtaining elevations and distances

Drive stakes to set grades on construction projects

Provide solutions to civil site design challenges

Topographical surveys

Boundary surveys

Well connect pipelines surveys

Pipeline route staking

Establish and recover survey control and monumentation, perform construction layout, obtain sewer invert and subsurface utility information and photo documentation of the project area

Qualifications:

EDUCATION: A high school education or equivalent is required, including a background in math, geometry, and trigonometry.

EXPERIENCE: Land Surveying experience

KNOWLEDGE OF:

  • Controlling the function of surveying instruments and calculators
  • Proficiency in the use of total stations, GPS Receivers, and data collectors
  • Possess good interpersonal skills and effective written and oral communication skills
  • Analyzing site plans, project plans, blueprints, maps, and charts.

ABILITIES:

Must be able and willing to travel daily.

Must have good written and verbal communication skills.

Must be highly motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team.

Must have essential requirements: professionalism, punctuality, and reliability.

Must possess strong attention to detail and an intense level of accuracy.

  • Must be able to work in inclement weather
  • Must have Reliable Transportation
  • Background Check and Drug Testing Required

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

Valid driver's license with insurable record

CST or Survey Apprenticeship Preferred


Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential function of this job successfully:

Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25/50/80 pounds regularly/occasionally

Must be able to drive a vehicle safely regular/occasionally

Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions.

Must be able to deal effectively and reasonably with stress in the workplace without lost time or undue strain

Must be able to sit, walk, talk, and hear for extended periods of time

Must be able to type/key-in data and answer telephones frequently as needed

Must have specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to focus

Must be able to see and respond to dangerous situations

Must be able to wear personal protective gear regularly/occasionally

Physical ability work including bending, squatting, reaching, stretching, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs

Must adhere to company policies, safety plan, and the project safety plan

About Us:

Cardinal Civil Resources ("CCR") is a fun, productive business dedicated to the success of our employees, clients, and our communities. With our rapid growth and several strategic acquisitions, there is an excellent opportunity to begin a fulfilling and rewarding career at CCR. Our success depends on attracting the best talent and continuously striving to improve what we do and how we do it.

EEO Statement:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.