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Instrument Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

advansix

Instrument Mechanic - Hopewell

Petersburg, VA

$45.55/hr

The Instrument Mechanics install, calibrate, configure, program, modify, diagnose, and repair control valves, electronic, computerized, and electro-mechanical equipment. They perform preventative and ...

advansix

Instrument Mechanic - Chesterfield

Chester, VA · On-site

$46.52/hr

... Instrument enclosures and wiring systems · Performing and documenting instrument calibrations · Performing and documenting preventive maintenance (PM) activities for instrumentation equipment. · ...

advansix

Instrument Mechanic - Chesterfield

Chester, VA

$46.52/hr

... Instrument enclosures and wiring systems · Performing and documenting instrument calibrations · Performing and documenting preventive maintenance (PM) activities for instrumentation equipment. · ...

Team Fishel

Survey Instrument Operator

Stafford, VA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Survey Instrument Operators at Team Fishel assist the Survey Crew Leader on projects by performing all related work to conducting surveys. Responsibilities * Using GPS equipment to set control ...

AdvanSix

Instrument Mechanic - Hopewell

Dinwiddie, VA · On-site

$45.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Instrument Mechanics install, calibrate, configure, program, modify, diagnose, and repair control valves, electronic, computerized, and electro-mechanical equipment. They perform preventative and ...

AdvanSix

Instrument Mechanic - Chesterfield

Richmond, VA · On-site

$46.52/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Instrument enclosures and wiring systems • Performing and documenting instrument calibrations • Performing and documenting preventive maintenance (PM) activities for instrumentation equipment ...

Timmons Group

Survey Instrument Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties.

Timmons Group

Survey Instrument Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

The Instrument Operator assists Land Surveyors and Party Chiefs in application of principles, methods, and techniques of civil engineering and land surveying by performing the following duties.

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All JobsInstrument JobsInstrument Jobs in Virginia

Instrument information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$29

$46

How much do instrument jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument in Virginia is $29.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $35.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by instrument technicians in industrial settings?

Instrument Technicians often work in environments where precision and safety are paramount, such as manufacturing plants or refineries. A common challenge is troubleshooting complex instrumentation systems under tight time constraints, especially during equipment malfunctions or plant shutdowns. Technicians must stay updated with rapidly evolving technology and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Effective communication with engineers, operators, and other team members is essential to ensure seamless operations and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Instrument vs Technician?

AspectInstrumentTechnician
Required CredentialsCertification in instrument calibration or maintenanceTechnical diploma or associate degree in related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, field sitesManufacturing facilities, maintenance departments
Industry UsageUsed across industries like manufacturing, oil & gas, pharmaceuticalsCommonly employed in maintenance and repair roles within similar industries
Job FocusCalibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentsInstalling, repairing, and servicing equipment and instruments

In summary, an Instrument primarily focuses on calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of measurement devices, often requiring specialized certifications. A Technician, on the other hand, handles installation, repair, and maintenance of a broader range of equipment, including instruments, usually with a technical diploma. Both roles are vital in industrial settings but differ in scope and specific responsibilities.

What is an instrument technician?

Instrument technicians are skilled professionals responsible for installing, maintaining, calibrating, and repairing instruments and control systems used in industrial and manufacturing settings. These instruments may include sensors, gauges, control devices, and monitoring equipment that help ensure processes run safely and efficiently. Instrument technicians often work in industries such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, power generation, and pharmaceuticals. Their tasks are crucial for maintaining product quality, safety standards, and operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrumentation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or instrumentation engineering, strong analytical skills, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA systems, and relevant certifications like ISA CAP can be important. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the precise operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex control and instrumentation systems in industrial settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Instrument jobs in Virginia are:

Instrument jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrument job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,205 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Instrument Mechanic - Hopewell

advansix

Petersburg, VA

$45.55/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

AdvanSix rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

Position Summary: The Instrument Mechanics install, calibrate, configure, program, modify, diagnose, and repair control valves, electronic, computerized, and electro-mechanical equipment. They perform preventative and corrective maintenance to distributed control systems (DCS), continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) and all associated instrumentation. Instrument Mechanics work predominantly independently but are required to collaborate with fellow technicians, contractors, operators, and vendors as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Working a rotating shift schedule
  • Performing and documenting maintenance calibration, installation, fault diagnosis, repair of electronic, electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic instruments and systems i.e., transmitters, switches, analyzers, control valves, relays, etc. to have a safe and reliable operating unit
  • Performing basic maintenance and troubleshooting on automated control systems (PLC/DCS) and computer workstations to maintain and operating unit producing on time quality product
  • Working with a wide variety of instruments including pH, conductivity, ultrasonic, guided wave radar, mass flow, pressure transducers, RTD’s, nuclear levels, etc
  • Repairing and maintaining environmental and continuous emissions monitor system (CEMS)
  • Using knowledge of instrumentation and electrical test equipment
  • Assisting with Quality Improvement Projects to facilitate continuous improvement
  • Performing all duties in a manner consistent with environmental, health, and safety policies
  • Providing daily support to all plant operations to continue 24/7 operations
  • Willing to work overtime and provide off hours call out support when required
  • Performing Scheduled and non-scheduled PM Preventative Maintenance
  • Communicating with planners and order non-stock parts
  • Reading and understanding manuals, schematics, and P&ID’s
  • Documenting and maintaining equipment history to track its reliability to determine when to make repairs and/or replace
  • Assist with maintaining site instrumentation and electrical technical documentation to ensure equipment design, technical drawings, loop sheets, specification sheets and process changes are documented and current
  • Willing and able to be trained and learn new technologies as the skills of an Instrument Technician to advance with new technologies and applications

Required Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required
  • 2+ years of troubleshooting as an instrumentation technician in an industrial or manufacturing environment or education level of Associates Degree in Instrumentation

Additional Qualifications:

  • Instrumentation Certification preferred
  • 5 years of troubleshooting as an instrumentation technician in an industrial or manufacturing environment preferred
  • Knowledge of Experian systems preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills preferred
  • Experience wearing Personal Protective Equipment (Fire retardant clothing) preferred

The hourly rate for this position is $45.55

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