1

Instrumentation Control Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

... Instrumentation Engineer to support the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous ... The successful candidate will develop, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems, SCADA ...

... Instrumentation Engineer to support the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous ... The successful candidate will develop, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems, SCADA ...

Showing results 41-60

Instrumentation Control Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$32

$61

$92

How much do instrumentation control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation control engineer in Washington, DC is $61.74, 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.

Infographic showing various Instrumentation Control Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,418 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation Engineer

MartinFed

Beltsville, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW
Founded in 2007 in Huntsville, AL, MartinFed provides the U.S. government with customer-focused, performance-based solutions using technology and an empowered workforce as an engine to drive its customers' missions. Our goal is to attract the best and brightest within their field.
We invest in our people because they are our greatest asset. They cultivate our purpose, embody and reflect our core values, and define our culture. MartinFed's core values that set us apart are the following:
  • Be Driven - We are fueled by the hunger to learn more and do more.
  • Be Curious - We engage in continuous improvement - never accepting the status quo.
  • Be Humble - We seek honest feedback to strengthen our relationships.
  • Pursue Excellence - We strive to achieve extraordinary results and do not settle for mediocrity.

Strive for excellence and consider joining our growing team today!
JOB OVERVIEW
MartinFed is seeking a highly motivated Automation & Controls / Instrumentation Engineer to support the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of industrial automation, data acquisition, and instrumentation systems used in fire testing and research laboratories. The successful candidate will develop, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems, SCADA/HMI applications, program VBA, C and SQL program languages, industrial instrumentation, and data acquisition systems while ensuring reliable operation, accurate data collection, and compliance with laboratory testing requirements. This role requires willingness to learn new technical devices and flexibility to collaborate with laboratory personnel to support testing operations and modernization projects.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain Instrumentations/Automation control systems.
  • Develop and maintain HMI/SCADA applications.
  • Configure Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC, and industrial communication networks.
  • Design, configure, and troubleshoot data acquisition (DAQ) systems.
  • Install, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation with sensors, such as temperature, pressure, flow, load cell, heat flux, gas analysis, and humidity sensors.
  • Perform system commissioning, validation, and preventive maintenance.
  • Configure analog and digital I/O modules.
  • Support SQL databases, historians, and automated data collection.
  • Prepare engineering documentation, wiring diagrams, and operating procedures.
  • Support laboratory operations during Test.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DoJ security clearance
  • US Citizen able to pass background check Clearance.
  • Bachelors degree with at least 11 years of relevant experience
  • Masters degree with at least nine (9) years of experience, or Ph.D./Doctorate with at least 12 years of experience

DESIRED SKILLS:
  • Allen-Bradley ControlLogix / CompactLogix PLC programming
  • Studio 5000 Logix Designer, Ladder Logic and Structured Text
  • GE iFIX, FactoryTalk View, or Ignition SCADA/HMI, OPC DA / OPC UA
  • Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU)
  • Data acquisition (DAQ) systems
  • Microsoft SQL Server and SQL queries and Microsoft Excel and VBA.
  • Electrical schematics and control panel troubleshooting
  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
  • Laboratory setting.
  • Be able to stand for long periods of time and operate several pieces of scientific equipment simultaneously.
  • Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
  • Be able to lift 50 pounds for a short period of time on a regular basis.

OTHER DUTIES
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
MartinFederal is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, protected Veteran Status, genetics or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access MartinFederal's current openings as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 855.212.1810. Thank you for your interest in MartinFederal Consulting.
Please Note: All positions at MartinFed are contingent upon passing a background check prior to a start date and are subject to random drug screenings during the employment period. In addition, MartinFed is an E-Verify employer.