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Instrumentation Control Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Automationtechies

Senior Control Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

... programming, implementation, and support of industrial control systems that keep natural gas ... Integrate PLCs, instrumentation, and field devices using industrial communication protocols over ...

Automationtechies

Senior Control Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

... programming, implementation, and support of industrial control systems that keep natural gas ... Integrate PLCs, instrumentation, and field devices using industrial communication protocols over ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 4

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Control engineers use these skills to design and implement ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 6

Tysons, VA · On-site

$172K - $215K/yr

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ... The ability to read process & instrumentation diagrams. * Understanding of industrial control ...

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All JobsInstrumentation Control Engineer JobsInstrumentation Control Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Instrumentation Control Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$32

$61

$92

How much do instrumentation control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation control engineer in Washington, DC is $61.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.17 and $70.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an instrumentation control engineer do?

An Instrumentation Control Engineer designs, develops, installs, and maintains the systems that monitor and control engineering processes, machinery, or equipment in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or power generation. They work with instruments that measure variables like pressure, flow, temperature, and level, ensuring that processes operate safely, efficiently, and within set parameters. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting, calibrating instruments, and optimizing control strategies to improve system performance.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an instrumentation control engineer in an industrial setting?

As an Instrumentation Control Engineer, your daily tasks will often include monitoring and maintaining control systems, calibrating and troubleshooting instrumentation equipment, and collaborating with operations and maintenance teams to ensure optimal performance of automated processes. You'll also review system data, participate in safety checks, and help implement upgrades or modifications to improve reliability and efficiency. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as you'll frequently work with cross-disciplinary teams to resolve technical challenges and meet production goals.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or instrumentation engineering, process control principles, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and certifications like ISA CAP or similar are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for diagnosing issues and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure reliable automation, efficient process control, and safe operation of industrial systems.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Control Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation Control EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesPower plants, electrical systems, construction sites
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, manufacturingPower generation, electrical systems, infrastructure
Job FocusDesign, installation, and maintenance of control systems and instrumentationDesign, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment

While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Instrumentation Control Engineers focus on control systems and automation within industrial processes, whereas Electrical Engineers work on electrical power systems and circuitry. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Instrumentation Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Control Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,983 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

Electronics Instrumentation & Control Engineer

Rockville, MD • On-site

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about US Nuclear Regulatory Commissionexternal

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

This position is located in the following offices: NMSS, NRR, and OAR. The NMSS supervisor is Patrick Koch. The NRR supervisor is Michael Wentzel. The OAR supervisors are Scott Krepel and Alec Neller.

This position is subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements. This position is subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements. In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as demonstrated experience applying an engineering or physical science background to provide technical support, advice, and guidance on program or policy planning, strategic planning, or performance management; analyzing and evaluating issues to manage and advance projects; and coordinating with other organizations (internal or external) to accomplish a range of activities, such as program management, resource assessment, scheduling, program evaluation, policy development, or technical reviews.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

  1. Demonstrated knowledge of electrical engineering as well as electronics engineering instrumentation and control (I&C) systems, relevant to nuclear power plants, sufficient to independently review and evaluate the adequacy of safety aspects of the design and functional capability of complex electrical, instrumentation and control systems, and component design features proposed by applicants, vendors and architect-engineering firms.
  2. Demonstrated ability to independently develop and implement successful problem-solving approaches related to the design, development, or inspection of safety critical electrical and instrumentation and controls technologies, digital architecture and network communications, and/or software development processes.
  3. Demonstrated skill in the development of sound technical basis to achieve resolution of technical and regulatory issues related to electrical and instrument and control (I &C) regulations, regulatory guides, review guidance, design standards, and practices as they apply to the design, construction, testing, and operation of fuel cycle facilities or other nuclear facilities.
  4. Demonstrated skill in communicating technical information, ideas, and advice in a clear, concise, and logical manner, both orally and in writing, to a variety of different audiences (e.g., colleagues, leadership, representatives of federal, state, and local governments or agencies, industry representatives, oversight or professional groups, members of the public, etc.).

A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate must be addressed in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to the specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.

PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

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