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Instrumentation Controls Designer Jobs in Topeka, KS

Talentporte

Design Engineer

Topeka, KS · On-site

$45 - $70/hr

Our client is seeking a Design Engineer - Protection and Controls to work at their Topeka, KS ... Works closely with other company System Protection Engineers in developing P&C designs for assigned ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Topeka, KS · On-site

$92K - $111K/yr

... valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Pomona, KS · On-site

$85K - $102K/yr

... valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Scranton, KS · On-site

$93K - $111K/yr

... valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from ...

All JobsInstrumentation Controls Designer JobsInstrumentation Controls Designer Jobs in Topeka, KS

Instrumentation Controls Designer information

See Topeka, KS salary details

$32

$52

$67

How much do instrumentation controls designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation controls designer in Topeka, KS is $52.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.59 and $61.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrumentation controls designer?

Instrumentation Controls Designers are professionals who design and develop systems that monitor and control engineering processes, usually in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants, oil and gas facilities, or power stations. They create layouts and specify the types of instruments and control devices needed to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation. Their work involves interpreting engineering blueprints, selecting appropriate sensors and controllers, and preparing detailed drawings for installation. They also collaborate with engineers and technicians to ensure that systems meet operational requirements and comply with industry standards.

How does an instrumentation controls designer typically collaborate with engineers and other team members during a project?

Instrumentation Controls Designers work closely with electrical, mechanical, and process engineers throughout all phases of a project. They are responsible for translating engineering requirements into detailed control system designs and schematics. Regular team meetings and design reviews ensure alignment on technical specifications, while ongoing communication with project managers and field personnel helps address challenges during installation and commissioning. Collaboration is key to ensuring that all control systems meet safety, quality, and performance standards.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Controls Designer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, instrumentation principles, and process control, often supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, PLC programming, and familiarity with industry standards like ISA are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for designing reliable, safe, and efficient control systems that meet project and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Controls Designer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation Controls DesignerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Instrumentation, Controls, or related fieldBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation projectsPower plants, construction sites, design offices, manufacturing
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, instrumentation systemsElectrical systems, power distribution, circuit design
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Instrumentation Controls Designers focus on automation and control systems within industrial settings, whereas Electrical Engineers have a broader scope including power systems and circuit design. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right career path or job opportunity.

What are popular job titles related to Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs in Topeka, KS?

For Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs in Topeka, KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs in Topeka, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs in Topeka, KS are:

Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Controls Designer job openings in Topeka, KS as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 57% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,133 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Design Engineer

Talentporte

Topeka, KS • On-site

$45 - $70/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Design Engineer
 
Position: Contract (17 months).
Contractors Needed: 2
Salary: $45.00 to $70.00 an hour (depending on experience).
Location: Topeka, KS (LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY).
Schedule: Monday – Friday (8 to 5).
Site: On-site (possible hybrid).
Status: Must be a US Citizen.
Reports To: Manager, System Protection Engineering and/or Sr Manager TS Engineering.
Must Have: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited program.
Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, Holidays and PTO available.
 
Summary: Our client is seeking a Design Engineer - Protection and Controls to work at their Topeka, KS location. This will be a long-term contract position.
 
Job Description: Perform engineering design related to the company's electric substation, transmission line, and generation equipment control and fault protection systems. Works closely with other company System Protection Engineers in developing P&C designs for assigned project work. Initial duties will include familiarization with the engineering documents and drawings. 
 
Responsibilities: Perform design relating to the company's electric substation, transmission line and generation equipment control systems and fault protection systems to ensure reliability and safety. 
Specify substation equipment using substation ratings (e.g., bus, ground mat, conduit, switches, power circuit breakers, transformers, relay panels, instrumentation, capacitor banks, reactor banks) to ensure reliability and safety. 
Design protective relay systems, metering and SCADA by referencing standards, past projects, new research, regulations and system requirements in order to ensure reliability and safety. 
Gather and analyze system ratings (e.g., voltage, power ratings, ampacity, system impedance, CT ratios, and relay settings) by researching substation current conditions and configurations to provide data to reporting agencies (i.e., SPP, NERC, FERC) and meet new system requirements. 
Produce detailed system protection and control project scopes and cost estimates to assist in multi-year projects and budget planning by using data from previous projects, bids, and research to ensure accuracy and completion of tasks on time and on budget. Support both operations and construction personnel as needed in troubleshooting, failure analysis, mis- operations, testing assistance, commissioning assistance and other technical duties by analyzing data and providing findings to resolve problems (e.g., equipment failures, construction issues, drawings, event reports). 
Prepare and study technical drawings and specifications of electrical systems and equipment to ensure that installation and operations conform to requirements (e.g., Company, protection, code). 
Direct designers and technicians by reviewing work and monitoring progress in order to ensure compliance with safety and regulations.
 
Experience/What you will bring:
The preferred candidate will have utility experience directly related to electric substation, generation, and transmission line equipment control and fault protection systems. Successful candidate requires knowledge of basic engineering principles and advanced mathematics. 
Requires knowledge of and skills in electric power engineering including Understanding of schematic, wiring, and logic diagrams. 
Requires the ability to learn major systems in a timely fashion. 
Knowledge of Generation, Transmission and Distribution system relays and associated protection schemes. 
Ability to develop elementary drawings, relay logic and settings for system protection designs. 
Must be dependable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented and have excellent organizational and proofreading skills. 
Must possess the ability to work and communicate effectively with other company personnel. 
Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and databases preferred. 
Must be able to handle multiple priorities and operate efficiently and effectively in high stress environment 
1. Ability to learn company design philosophy related to protection and control designs. 
2. Review and redline substation protection and transmission line protection and control drawings related to the company s typical designs. 
3. Review detailed system protection and control project bills of material.