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Instrument Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pbf Energy

Sr Instrument Engineer

Oregon, OH · On-site

Sr Instrument Engineer PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities. We are ...

Cajun Industries

Instrument Engineer I

Tyler, TX

Communicate design concerns, scope changes, and technical issues to the lead or senior engineer as they arise. * Assist in developing instrument packages, scopes of work, specifications, and ...

Cajun Industries

Instrument Engineer I

Tyler, TX · On-site

Communicate design concerns, scope changes, and technical issues to the lead or senior engineer as they arise. * Assist in developing instrument packages, scopes of work, specifications, and ...

Cajun Industries

Instrument Engineer I

Tyler, TX · On-site

Communicate design concerns, scope changes, and technical issues to the lead or senior engineer as they arise. * Assist in developing instrument packages, scopes of work, specifications, and ...

S&B Engineers and Constructors

S&B is seeking an Instrument Engineer for all phases of instrument development and equipment design for a small project or selected segments of a larger project. Must be fully competent in performing ...

Westlake

Instrument Engineer II

Lake Charles, LA

Leads and coordinates engineering work assignments and workload using accepted engineering practices * Coordinates with instrument maintenance department and operations to plan and execute ...

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All 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 Jun 11, 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 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.
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Instrument Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument Engineer job openings in the United States 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 $104,896 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Instrument Engineer

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors

Waverly, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

Job Scope: Generally responsible for performing routine design of less complex engineering assignments using theoretical knowledge and practical design methods. This level is expected to assist in the design of larger and more complex electrical and instrumentation engineering assignments. This work will be performed under close supervision.

This position is based in Kingsport, TN and requires onsite presence.

Relocation assistance in the form of a onetime relocation bonus of up to $5,000 less applicable taxes may be offered for eligible candidates. To qualify, the candidate's primary residence must be located more than 75 miles from the Kingsport, TN client site.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, including all engineering disciplines, project managers, operations, and procurement, to ensure seamless project integration and successful project delivery.

  • Lead and manage the execution of Instrumentation scope of work at the selected engineering service provider in all phases (Pre-FEED, FEED, and Detail Design).

  • Define the discipline list of activities, list of deliverables, time schedule.

  • Produces a detailed list of in / out critical information to be closely monitored.

  • Reports on actual progress and forecasting / check for Discipline activities.

  • Coordinate the evaluation of the design changes to the original scope of work and verify the implementation of those approved.

  • Prepare and review engineering drawings, specifications and technical documents, ensuring compliance with industry standards, codes and regulations.

  • Apply industry codes and standards relevant to the chemical industry, such as ISO, ANSI, IEEE and other applicable codes, in the design and evaluation instrumentation systems and equipment.

  • Conduct thorough reviews and quality control checks to ensure compliance with design specifications and project requirements.

  • Stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in instrument engineering, particularly in the chemical industry, and identify opportunities for innovation and process improvement.

  • Utilize software tools and applications such as Intools, Bluebeam, Navisworks, AVEVA Engineering or equivalent and other engineering design software to support engineering activities and enhance project efficiency.

This position offers a highly competitive compensation package, including paid time off, health insurance benefits, and matching retirement contributions.

Ideal Background

Education: Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical or Instrument/Control from an accredited university is required.

Registration: Professional Engineer (PE) registration is highly preferred.

Experience: This position requires a minimum 3 years of relevant industrial experience in instrumentation and control engineering with focus on the chemical industry

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Execution of instrument engineering experience in large capital projects is preferred.

  • Experience with relay-based logic panels, generic PLC operation, fiber optics, radio networks, multiplexer systems, digital instrumentation, operator graphics display, digital systems integration is preferred.

  • Ability to mentor and develop less experienced team members.

  • Proven experience working on a project team of engineers, with excellent leadership and communication skills.

  • Familiarity with capital stage gate process and understanding of project execution.

  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Knowledge of safety regulations and standards related to instrumentation engineering in the chemical industry.

#LI-SH1

Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a "team mentality" so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

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