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Instrumentation Control Principal Engineer Jobs

This role requires a strong understanding of control theory, process instrumentation, and system integration. Key Responsibilities: Work on a team of experienced EnergyX engineers on projects focused ...

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Instrumentation Control Principal Engineer information

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$81

How much do instrumentation control principal engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation control principal engineer in the United States is $54.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.55 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an instrumentation control principal engineer do?

An Instrumentation Control Principal Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing systems that monitor and control engineering processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or oil and gas. They ensure that instruments and control systems operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. Their role often includes project management, system integration, troubleshooting, and providing technical guidance to teams. They also help develop standards and best practices for instrumentation and control systems within their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrumentation control principal engineer?

To thrive as an Instrumentation Control Principal Engineer, you need deep expertise in control systems engineering, instrumentation design, and a relevant engineering degree (often with PE or chartered status). Proficiency with DCS, PLCs, SCADA systems, and industry standards like IEC or ISA, as well as experience with engineering software, is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills set top performers apart by enabling effective project management and cross-discipline collaboration. Mastery of these skills ensures the reliability, safety, and efficiency of complex industrial automation and control systems.

How does an instrumentation control principal engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects?

As an Instrumentation Control Principal Engineer, you'll often serve as a technical leader, working closely with process, mechanical, and electrical engineers to ensure seamless integration of control systems within complex projects. You'll coordinate design reviews, provide guidance on instrumentation selection, and lead troubleshooting efforts during commissioning. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential, as you’ll translate technical requirements between disciplines and ensure the control systems align with broader project goals and safety standards.

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

AspectInstrumentation Control Principal EngineerInstrumentation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Engineering, often with certifications like PE or ISABachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee, and lead instrumentation projects in industrial settingsImplement and maintain instrumentation systems, troubleshoot issues
Industry UsageUsed in oil & gas, chemical, power plants, and manufacturingCommon in similar industries for system implementation

The Instrumentation Control Principal Engineer typically holds more senior responsibilities, overseeing projects and teams, while the Instrumentation Engineer focuses on implementing and maintaining instrumentation systems. Both roles require relevant technical credentials and are vital in industrial automation and control systems.

What states have the most Instrumentation Control Principal Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Instrumentation Control Principal Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Instrumentation Control Principal Engineer jobs?

For Instrumentation Control Principal Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sr Engineer Instrumentation & Control

Houston, TX

Zachry Group
Construction • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Zachry Group rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 80 rated construction


Job description

Zachry Engineering Corporation (ZEC) is currently accepting applications for Senior Engineer I&C to join our I&C Department in Houston, Texas. This is a great opportunity to get involved in interesting and challenging design projects in Power Industry.

  • Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited engineering program
  • Strong background in instrument and control systems. 
  • 10+ years of instrumentation and controls engineering experience within the power industry. 
  • Training and experience with distributed control systems (ABB, Emerson Ovation, Siemens T3000, MarkVIe, GE MicroNet). 
  • Knowledge of control systems for gas boilers and turbines.
  • Values ethics, professionalism, and maintains confidentiality
  • Possesses advanced oral and written communication skills. 
  • Comfortable working in a collaborative, transparent, teamwork-based culture
  • Proficient with Engineering and Computer Software (MS Office, AutoCAD, 2D &/or 3D CAD, BlueBeam, Revit, NavisWorks, etc.)
  • Ability to independently organize and prioritize work assignments and coordinate a variety of tasks, with good attention to detail and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines
  • Understanding, acceptance and adherence of company policies and procedures, including all business objectives and goals
  • Willingness to travel and work in office and field environments

 

Preferred Requirements

  • Licensed Professional Engineer

Physical Demands

Employee will be required to communicate in person, via telephone, email, use of arm/hand steadiness, manual dexterity, finger dexterity, multi limb coordination, oral expression, and comprehension. May be required to lift, carry and move objects safely.

Physical Demands:

Employee will be required to communicate in person, via telephone, video conferencing, email, oral expression, and comprehension. May be required to lift, carry, and move objects safely.

Work Environment:

Employee will work primarily in an office however may work in other environments including warehouse and, in a trailer, or building on construction sites. On construction sites, noise levels will be moderate to high. Job sites may contain the following: light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools, people standing, walking, sitting, signaling, and talking. Noise levels vary and may include bells, whistles, and alarms.

The above description covers the fundamental responsibilities of the Senior Instrumentation & Control Engineer position. It shall not be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties which may be required from day-to-day.

Zachry Group is dedicated in providing a Safe and Drug Free work environment; and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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  • Responsible in the design office for engineering and design tasks of the controls area of assigned projects. Plans and conducts work requiring judgement in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation and modifications of standard techniques, procedures and criteria. Devises new approaches to problems encountered, receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects.
  • Assigned specific projects to complete, working as a fully competent engineer in all conventional aspects of the subject matter or the functional area of the assignment. Independently performs the assignment with instructions as to the general results expected. Employee is responsible for following project responsibilities as defined for the assigned project position.
  • Lead the production of instrumentation engineering/design deliverables, including Instrument Index, control systems (DCS and/or PLC) and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) Data Sheets and control design deliverables, including I/O list, Process Control Narratives. 
  • Responsible for applying knowledge of commonly used I&C engineering/design concepts, principles, practices, codes, and procedures within the engineering services industry.
  • May supervise a few engineers or technicians on assigned work unless project requires a licensed Professional Engineer. May perform studies, preparation of specifications, evaluation of proposals, and development of estimates. May recommend for purchase of controls system components.
  • Directs drafting personnel in the proper execution of drawings for controls systems to which assigned. Reviews complete 

project documents for conformity and quality assurance.

  • Maintains a thorough, current knowledge of new and innovative techniques in the controls engineering field. Is technically knowledgeable in specific areas of responsibility to the degree of preparing and providing training for other personnel
  • Practical knowledge of routine and precedent design and working knowledge of basic engineering principles for application in solving problems. Perform studies, preparation of specifications, evaluation of proposals, and development of estimates. May recommend for purchase controls system components. Knowledge of engineering methods and practices in specific areas of responsibility to the degree of preparing and providing training for other personnel, both within the company and for the customer.

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About Zachry Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zachry Group is America's pacesetter in turnkey construction, engineering, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services in the power, energy, chemicals, manufacturing and industrial sectors. It works with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Zachry Group operates 35 offices, and averages 20,000 employees working in more than 400 locations nationwide. Please visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Antonio, TX, US

Year founded

1924