ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Instrument Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hargrove Epc

Instrument Engineer

California, MO · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Provide technical guidance to less experienced drafting and engineering personnel in the department.* Coordinate work activities with other staff members and the discipline lead.* To perform duties ...

New

Hargrove & Associates Inc.

$85 - $120/hr

The Instrumentation Engineer is generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete designs of small and large electrical and instrumentation engineering assignments using theoretical ...

Westlake

Instrument Engineer

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

SUMMARY Provide engineering support to production, maintenance, project and technical departments to ensure improvements in electrical system reliability and to resolve repetitive electrical-related ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsManufacturing JobsElectronics JobsInstrument Engineer Jobs

Instrument Engineer information

See salary details

$12.5K

$104.9K

$164K

How much do instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrument engineer in the United States is $104,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $131,500.00 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 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 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 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.

Are instrumentation engineers in demand?

Instrumentation engineers are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation, where they design, maintain, and troubleshoot control systems and instrumentation. The need for skilled professionals with knowledge of automation, control systems, and relevant certifications continues to grow with technological advancements and infrastructure development.
More about Instrument Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Instrument Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Instrument Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Instrument Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Instrument Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Instrument Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Instrument Engineer jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Instrument Engineer jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Instrument Engineer jobs?

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

Instrument Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,896 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Instrument Engineer - Port Arthur

Keystone Engineering Inc.

Port Arthur, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and specify instrumentation systems for complex process control applications in petrochemical and manufacturing environments.

  • Support field installation, calibration, and loop-checking of instruments and control devices.

  • Interface with EPC contractors, vendors, and internal teams on instrumentation packages and control system integration.

Job description

Keystone Engineering Inc. opened for business in 1988 and for decades, has been a reliable provider of qualified engineering resources and technically innovative solutions. Keystone was founded to be an enduring company, and to provide an environment for our employees and clients to innovate, thrive, and be successful.
Keystone's family of companies include: Milestone Project Services, SIS SILverstone, VeraPro, and Salmon & Associates
Our varied and extensive experience indicates that successful projects come down to personnel. We incorporate their individual skills in a process that's geared toward excellence. The intentional pairing of people and process is the reason why clients know that they can trust their projects in the hands of Keystone. Services Offered: 3D Laser Scanning, Controls & Automation, Construction Management, Design & Drafting, Engineering: Civil/Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Process, Functional Safety, Information Technology, Instrumentation, On-Site Services, Operations & Commissioning Support, Procurement, Project Management.
Keystone Engineering is currently seeking an Instrument Engineer for our Port Arthur Area Office Team.
Position Type: Full-time
Location: Port Arthur, TX
Work Environment/Physical Demands: Office/Sedentary, work includes time in industrial operating units.
Travel Requirements: Occasional travel for site inspections, vendor FATs, or commissioning support.
Essential Functions:
  • Develop and specify instrumentation systems for complex process control applications in petrochemical and manufacturing environments.
  • Select instruments and control devices suitable for harsh environments (e.g., hazardous areas, corrosive chemicals, high-temperature operations).
  • Generate and review P&IDs, instrument datasheets, control panel designs, cable schedules, control narratives, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and IO lists.
  • Support field installation, calibration, and loop-checking of instruments and control devices.
  • Perform pre-commissioning and commissioning activities, ensuring all systems function according to process and safety requirements.
  • Ensure instrumentation systems comply with industry codes and standards (API, ISA, IECEx, ATEX, NEC, etc.).
  • Support compliance with process safety standards (e.g., SIL ratings, HAZOP recommendations, alarm management).
  • Participate in safety audits and provide technical expertise on instrument-related safety systems.
  • Interface with EPC contractors, vendors, and internal teams on instrumentation packages and control system integration.
  • Maintain and update instrument databases, calibration records, and system documentation.
  • Provide technical reports, inspection summaries, and recommendations for improvements.
  • In-depth understanding of process instrumentation and control strategies.
  • Experience with hazardous area classification and intrinsically safe systems.
  • Familiar with tools like SPI (SmartPlant Instrumentation), AutoCAD, or equivalent.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • 3-7 years of relevant experience in the petrochemical, refinery, or process manufacturing industries.
  • Experience with DCS, PLCs, ESD systems, field instrumentation, and communication protocols (e.g., HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus).
  • Ability to make field trips and lead in all project communications.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Self-motivated, organized, and solution advocate.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.

Experienced Preferred:
  • PE Licensure.
  • OSHA or local safety certification for refinery/manufacturing environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

Apply