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Instrument Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We seek to ...

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We seek to ...

Position Summary The Instrument Buyer II will optimize the use of company assets in the acquisition ... Sales, Engineering, Marketing, Customer Service, Distribution, Finance, and QA/RA. Education ...

SR Electrical Engineer

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

... schematics, instrument loop sheets, conduit and tray routing drawings and contractor scope ... engineering expertise. Strong communication skills, collaboration and courage to challenge the ...

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Instrument Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$12.2K

$102K

$159.4K

How much do instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument engineer in Raleigh, NC is $101,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $127,800.00 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 popular job titles related to Instrument Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Instrument Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Instrument Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Instrument Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Instrument Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,968 per year, or $49 per hour.

Systems Engineer Co-op - Fall 2026

RoviSys Building Technologies

Holly Springs, NC

$24/hr

Temporary

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Overview

Systems Engineer Co-ops will be assigned to work with an experienced project team. Individual responsibilities will be designated by the lead engineer based on the specific requirements of each project and the individual's capabilities.

Responsibilities

Systems Engineer Co-ops will be assigned to work with an experienced project team. Individual responsibilities will be designated by the lead engineer based on the specific requirements of each project and the individual's capabilities.

Following is a chronological overview of a typical project and the tasks with which and intern or part time engineer may assist. Percentages represent the tasks relative effort but will vary from project to project.

Instrumentation & Electrical Design

  • Create instrument lists by examining P&ID drawings
  • Compile submittal and procurement documentation for controls and instrument hardware
  • Provide technical support for panel fabrication technicians
  • Inspect completed control enclosures

System Design and Configuration

  • Participate in customer design review meetings
  • Assemble development system using project hardware and computers
  • Configure user interface and HMI screens
  • Configure DDC, PLC and/or DCS control algorithms
  • Draft system documentation from templates
  • Assist is customer demonstrations and acceptance testing

Onsite System Startup

  • Works in a supervised role and/or with a team at a customer site
  • Install project software and configuration onto site systems
  • Participate in point-to-point loop checks
  • Perform instrumentation and software calibration and tuning
  • Participate in functional tests of all systems
  • Troubleshoot installation discrepancies
  • Program field modifications as required
  • Assist with developing commissioning test plans and documentation updates/redlines
  • Assist with developing training documentation/presentation on operations and maintenance of system
Qualifications
  • Full-time student status
  • Strong academic achievement, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Enrollment in a Bachelor's program in a Technical Field, related to Engineering or Systems
  • Passionate about problem solving and developing solutions
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without RoviSys sponsorship
Compensation & Benefits Highlights
  • Competitive Hourly Rate: $24/hr
  • Travel Perks: Travel incentives + per-diem packages for field assignments
  • Grow With Us: Ongoing training, certifications, and professional development support 
Employment Type: TEMPORARY