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Instrumentation Controls Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IMEG

Senior Controls Designer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$107/hr

Senior Controls Designer Based in our Omaha office, this position is also remote eligible for ... Associates degree, or certificate, in Automation and Instrumentation, or Engineering preferred * 11 ...

IMEG

Senior Controls Designer

Omaha, NE · On-site +1

$107/hr

Senior Controls Designer Based in our Omaha office, this position is also remote eligible for ... Associates degree, or certificate, in Automation and Instrumentation, or Engineering preferred * 11 ...

Eastman

Electrical & Controls Designer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

Responsibilities The Electrical & Instrumentation Design team sits at the intersection of ... The Electrical & Controls Designer plays an important role in that work, supporting the development ...

Eastman

Electrical & Controls Designer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

Responsibilities The Electrical & Instrumentation Design team sits at the intersection of ... The Electrical & Controls Designer plays an important role in that work, supporting the development ...

redShift

Senior Instrumentation & Controls

Albany, NY · On-site

$120K - $143K/yr

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Location: Outside of Albany, NY Salary Range: $120,000 ... Direct and review electrical and control panel designs in coordination with internal engineering ...

redShift

Senior Instrumentation & Controls

Albany, NY · Hybrid

$120K - $143K/yr

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Location: Outside of Albany, NY Salary Range: $120,000 ... Direct and review electrical and control panel designs in coordination with internal engineering ...

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Instrumentation Controls Designer information

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How much do instrumentation controls designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation controls designer in the United States is $56.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.52 and $65.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Instrumentation Controls Designers?

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 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.

More about Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs? Cities with the most Instrumentation Controls Designer job openings:
What states have the most Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs are:
Instrumentation Controls Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Controls Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,026 per year, or $56.3 per hour.
Instrument and Controls Designer

Instrument and Controls Designer

Audubon Companies

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Senior Instrument & Controls Designer is responsible for leading the design, development, and coordination of instrumentation and control system deliverables for industrial facilities including oil & gas, LNG, petrochemical, refining, and chemical processing projects. This position applies advanced technical knowledge and extensive design experience to independently execute complex assignments, support multidisciplinary coordination, and ensure compliance with project specifications, industry standards, and client requirements.
The Senior Instrument & Controls Designer provides technical guidance to junior designers, supports project execution activities, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives throughout all phases of engineering, procurement, fabrication, and construction.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development and preparation of detailed instrumentation and control system drawings, layouts, wiring diagrams, loop diagrams, installation details, and assembly drawings from engineering designs, markups, and specifications
  • Develop and maintain:
    • Instrument location plans
    • Cable tray layouts
    • Conduit routing drawings
    • Junction box layouts
    • Wiring interconnection diagrams
    • Loop drawings
    • Hook-up drawings
    • Marshalling cabinet layouts
    • Control panel layouts
  • Interpret verbal and written engineering direction to initiate and complete preliminary and final instrument/control system designs
  • Perform instrument and electrical design calculations including:
    • Cable sizing
    • Conduit sizing
    • Voltage drop calculations
    • Cable tray fill calculations
  • Support development and implementation of:
    • PLC systems
    • DCS systems
    • SIS/ESD systems
    • Control logic schematics
    • Relay logic and interlock diagrams
  • Review and optimize application and functionality of instrumentation and control systems
  • Check and verify accuracy and completeness of drawings and deliverables prepared by others
  • Prepare and maintain:
    • Bills of materials (BOMs)
    • Instrument indexes
    • I/O lists
    • Cable schedules
    • Procurement packages
    • Material take-offs
  • Revise drawings, models, and documentation consistent with engineering changes and company change management procedures
  • Implement revisions and change control processes in accordance with company standards and project requirements
  • Assemble information and reference documentation from multiple disciplines and sources
  • Identify opportunities for design improvements, constructability enhancements, and cost reductions
  • Determine optimal drawing/model views and layouts to effectively communicate installation and construction requirements
  • Review field redlines and generate accurate as-built documentation
  • Support preparation and review of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals and turnover packages
  • Utilize 2D and 3D CAD software to create and maintain instrumentation and controls design deliverables
  • Create technical documentation supporting procurement, fabrication, installation, and construction activities
  • Support Engineering Change Order (ECO) development and implementation
  • Analyze impacts of proposed design changes and identify potential interferences or constructability issues
  • Coordinate with:
    • Process engineers
    • Electrical engineers
    • Mechanical engineers
    • Piping designers
    • Automation specialists
    • Vendors and contractors
  • Produce deliverables in accordance with company standards while maintaining project schedule and budget requirements
  • Maintain proper electronic file management and document control practices
  • Interact and communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and project teams
  • Track and maintain awareness of project schedules, manpower requirements, and budget impacts
  • Comply with all company and client HSSE standards and applicable regulations
  • Participate in hazard identification, safety observations, and incident reporting programs
  • Position requires candidate to work from clients office 5 days a week

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Associate's Degree from a Technical Institution preferred
  • Minimum 10+ years of instrumentation and controls design experience in:
    • Oil & gas
    • LNG
    • Petrochemical
    • Refining
    • Chemical processing
    • Midstream facilities
  • Advanced proficiency with:
    • AutoCAD
    • SPI / SmartPlant Instrumentation (Intools)
    • 3D modeling platforms such as:
      • PDMS
      • E3D
      • AutoCAD Plant 3D
  • Strong working knowledge of:
    • Instrumentation design standards
    • ISA standards
    • NEC requirements
    • PIP standards
    • Client specifications
  • Experience with:
    • PLC systems
    • DCS systems
    • SIS/ESD systems
    • Industrial networking and communications layouts
  • Extensive field experience and ability to perform site walkdowns independently
  • Experience leading small to medium-sized projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams
  • Ability to independently solve complex design and constructability issues
  • Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
  • Ability to read and understand:
    • Engineering drawings
    • P&IDs
    • Wiring diagrams
    • Loop diagrams
    • Instrument specifications
  • Ability to mentor junior designers and support team development

Preferred
  • Experience with LNG facilities strongly preferred
  • Experience supporting global engineering execution teams preferred
  • Familiarity with laser scan integration and intelligent 3D modeling environments preferred
  • Experience with document management systems and project workflows preferred

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