ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Instrument Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S&B Engineers and Constructors

$89K - $118K/yr

S&B is seeking an Instrument Engineer for all phases of instrument development and equipment design for a project of significant size and complexity (e.g., continuing services project involving ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 14, 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 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 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.

Are instrument engineers in demand?

Instrument engineers are in demand in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and power generation, where they design, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentation. The profession requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of automation tools, and job opportunities are expected to grow with ongoing infrastructure and technological development.

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.

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 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,896 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Instrument Engineer 5

S&b Engineers And Constructors Ltd

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New

S&B Engineers and Constructors rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

OVERVIEW
S&B is seeking a Control System Engineer for all phases of control system development and control system equipment design for projects of varying sizes and complexities (e.g., continuing services project involving multiple engineering disciplines). Must be fully competent in performing all conventional aspects of Control System Engineering and application of independent judgment for the evaluation, selection and substantial adaptation and modification of standard design engineering criteria, methods, and procedures. Periodic evaluation of work done by less experienced engineers is required. Assignments require knowledge and understanding of Project Management requirements including staffing and scheduling.
ABOUT S&B
S&B is an exceptional full-service Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, proudly maintaining private ownership and operation for over five decades. With our extensive experience, we have successfully undertaken diverse projects across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Energy Transition, Power, and Pulp & Paper. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to safety, timely project completion, and cost-effective solutions. Our proven track record speaks for itself, as we consistently deliver outstanding results while adhering to the highest industry standards. Moreover, our company culture is unparalleled, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. At S&B, we understand the value of our talented team, and we ensure they are rewarded accordingly. We offer a competitive compensation package, flexible and hybrid work schedules, and a comprehensive benefits program to attract and retain the best professionals in the field.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides technical guidance and coordination of manpower for the Control Systems Engineering staff assigned to one or more projects. Assists in the evaluation and review for hiring of personnel.
EDUCATION
Normally requires at least a four-year degree in Chemical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Requires a minimum of 10 years' experience in Control Systems Engineering (or equivalent working knowledge/experience). Incumbent must be cognizant of the capabilities and limitations of various computer software packages and automated engineering and design equipment to effectively direct their use for diverse engineering assignments. Certified Functional Safety Engineer (Exida CFSE) or TUV Functional Safety Engineer registration is preferred.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Meets with clients' technical staff to discuss technical information and features.
  • Prepares sketches and performs calculations for a detailed segment of a project.
  • Conducts field trips to existing plants to gather operating data and equipment information.
  • Prepares equipment specifications, inquiry, and purchase requisitions for approval.
  • Evaluates vendors' bids and drawings to assure compliance with specifications.
  • Communicates equipment design to client and other design disciplines.
  • Reviews and approves design drawings for assigned segment of a project.
  • Participates in reviews of Process Flow Diagrams and Piping and Instrument Diagrams.
  • Participates in the preparation of equipment lists, instrument index and process specifications for instruments.
  • Develop System Architecture drawings showing all control systems on the project including required hardware and communication protocols that interface with the DCS, SIS, PLCs, Analyzers, vendor packaged equipment and Central Control rooms and any other required platform.
  • Prepare control system specification and procurement for multiple control system platforms and attend Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for equipment purchased by the project or by the client.
  • Develop and support Safety Instrument System (SIS) documentation, which includes but is not limited to Cause and Effect, Safety Requirement Specification, Safety Instrumented Function design, Safety Integrity Level (SIL) calculations and all other documentation related to the Functional Safety Management Plan.
  • Able to support and/or facilitate an Alarm Rationalization between key stakeholders for the project.
  • Monitors subcontracted technical services' activities.
  • Participates in preparation of design guides, guide specifications and contract proposals.
  • May supervise and direct the activities of other personnel working on one or more projects.
  • Provides input to estimates, proposals, scheduling, manpower planning, et cetera.
  • Participates in plant start-ups and field assignments as required.
  • Participates in equipment inspections at vendors' facilities.
  • May plan, organize and supervise design engineering activities for a project of significant size and complexity (e.g., continuing services project requiring the integration of two or more engineering disciplines), or two or more projects of moderate size and complexity (e.g., continuing services projects involving a single engineering discipline).
  • Experienced in safety shutdown and/or critical control systems.
  • Experienced in PLC programming, logic, human-machine interface and/or graphics.
  • Experienced in DCS programming, configuration, human-machine interface and/or graphics.
  • May participate with construction personnel concerning constructability issues as related to field conditions, sequencing, and scheduling of construction activities.
  • May require foreign travel and assignment.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of clients, managers, designers and engineers.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Occasionally may conduct or participate in a field trip to an operating plant or construction site. This requires normal hearing, the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb and balance, clear close and distance vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. Lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Normal work environment will be a business office with moderate noise. Occasionally may visit an operating plant or construction site. This may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, work near moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, construction equipment, vibration, fumes, chemicals and airborne particles.
#LI-Hybrid

What S&B Engineers and Constructors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply