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Instrumentation Design Engineer information

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$12.5K

$104.9K

$164K

How much do instrumentation design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrumentation design engineer in the United States is $104,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Instrumentation Design Engineers?

Instrumentation Design Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement systems and devices used to measure and control industrial processes. They are responsible for selecting appropriate instruments, creating detailed design drawings, and ensuring that all systems meet safety and performance standards. Their work is critical in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy, where precise measurement and control are essential for efficiency and safety.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Design Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation Design EngineerControl Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Instrumentation Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning and specifying instrumentation for industrial plants, oil & gas, manufacturingDeveloping control algorithms, programming PLCs, and integrating control systems
Industry UsageUsed in industries requiring precise measurement and control of physical variablesUsed in automation, process control, and system optimization

While both roles involve engineering in industrial settings, the Instrumentation Design Engineer focuses on selecting and designing measurement and control instruments, whereas the Control Systems Engineer develops control algorithms and system integration. Both collaborate closely but serve different functions within automation projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Instrumentation Design Engineers during project execution?

Instrumentation Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new instrumentation with existing plant systems, ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards, and managing tight project timelines. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—like process, electrical, and mechanical engineers—is essential to resolve interface issues and ensure system reliability. Staying updated on the latest instrumentation technologies and adapting designs to evolving project requirements also requires strong problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instrumentation Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrumentation Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or instrumentation engineering, experience with process control, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC programming, and industry standards such as ISA or IEC is typically required, along with certifications like EIT or PE being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and addressing complex technical challenges. These competencies ensure accurate, safe, and efficient design and implementation of instrumentation systems in industrial settings.
More about Instrumentation Design Engineer jobs
What states have the most Instrumentation Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Instrumentation Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Instrumentation Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Instrumentation Design Engineer jobs are:
Instrumentation Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,896 per year, or $50.4 per hour.
Sr Instrumentation Engineer

Sr Instrumentation Engineer

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors

Birmingham, AL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Hargrove is seeking Electrical Engineering talent to support our team!

Locations & Work Flexibility

  • Primary location: Mobile, AL
  • Additional office options: TX, LA, SC, GA, PA
  • Hybrid or interoffice execution support may be available
  • Relocation assistance may be offered based on role and location
What You'll Be DoingJob Overview

This role is responsible for the complete electrical and instrumentation design of complex industrial projects. The position requires advanced technical expertise, strong judgment, and the ability to lead discipline efforts on small to mid-sized projects. Work is performed under general supervision and includes collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Engineering

  • Execute full-scope electrical and instrumentation designs using advanced engineering techniques and analysis.
  • Develop conceptual layouts, preliminary designs, detailed calculations, sketches, and material take-offs appropriate to project phase and estimate level.
  • Produce electrical deliverables including:
    • 15kV/5kV power system single-line diagrams and equipment specifications
    • Electrical installation specifications
    • MCC single lines, elementaries, and connection diagrams
    • Electrical room layouts, cable schedules, grounding, lighting, power, and instrumentation plans
    • Control panel layouts and installation details
  • Ensure efficient material usage with emphasis on constructability and client expectations.
  • Verify designs for code compliance, accuracy, and adherence to specifications and design standards.

Project Execution & Coordination

  • Review project scope, specifications, and design criteria at assignment and proactively communicate scope or design changes.
  • Coordinate electrical/instrumentation activities with discipline leads and other engineering teams.
  • Serve as discipline lead on small to mid-sized projects as required.
  • Develop work-sharing packages and provide interoffice execution leadership.
  • Estimate engineering hours, track progress, and assess quality of electrical/instrumentation work.
  • Support development of construction cost estimates, schedules, and man-hour budgets.

Technical Leadership & Support

  • Provide technical guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers and designers.
  • Review and check calculations and drawings completed by others.
  • Assist designers with layout and detailing challenges by supplying clear sketches and direction.
  • Advise senior engineers on identified design or scope changes.
  • Compile electrical and instrumentation bid packages for procurement and subcontract pricing.

Construction & Field Support

  • Review vendor drawings, fabrication drawings, and construction submittals for technical compliance.
  • Perform field work to gather data, verify tie-ins, and support construction and startup activities.
  • Provide onsite support during commissioning and startup phases.

Instrumentation & Controls

  • Contribute to P&IDs related to measurement and control.
  • Develop control narratives and instrumentation specifications.
  • Specify instrumentation, analyzers, control systems, and actuated valves.
  • Size control valves using appropriate software tools.
  • Apply ISA standards and best practices for instrumentation and control systems.
Ideal BackgroundEducation & Credentials
  • Bachelor or Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university (required)
Experience
  • 10+ years of industrial electrical and instrumentation engineering experience
  • Proven ability to act as Engineer of Record when required
Technical Skills
  • Strong working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • Experience with:
    • Lighting level calculations
    • Wire, conduit, and overcurrent protection sizing
    • Voltage drop and short-circuit calculations
    • Cable tray and conduit routing and fill calculations
    • MCC and substation loading analysis
  • Ability to develop specifications for low- and medium-voltage equipment including MCCs, switchgear, motors, VFDs, and unit substations
  • Proficiency in developing installation documents based on vendor drawings
  • Familiarity with 15kV/5kV systems, equipment, and above/below-ground installation practices
  • Working knowledge of CAD software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or both)
  • Programming experience with PLCs, HMIs, and/or DCS platforms is a plus
Professional Competencies
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to accurately estimate task completion
  • Clear understanding of schedule constraints and deliverable requirements
  • Ability to lead small teams and execute within scope, schedule, and budget
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Effective in virtual team environments and cross-office collaboration
  • Capable of presenting Hargrove Engineers & Constructors services to clients
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods as required by the role

#LI-BH1

Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a "team mentality" so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

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