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Instrumentation Designer Refinery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Instrumentation Designer Refinery information

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$51

$65

How much do instrumentation designer refinery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation designer refinery in the United States is $51.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.75 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Designer Refinery vs Instrumentation Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation Designer RefineryInstrumentation Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or associate degree in instrumentation or related fieldBachelor's degree in electrical, instrumentation, or control engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign and drafting in refinery settings, often in offices or on-siteDesign, testing, and troubleshooting instrumentation systems, often in industrial or refinery environments
Industry UsagePrimarily in refinery and petrochemical industries for detailed design workBroader engineering roles across various industries including refineries, manufacturing, and energy

While both roles involve instrumentation, the Instrumentation Designer Refinery focuses on creating detailed designs and drawings specific to refinery projects, often with less emphasis on system analysis. The Instrumentation Engineer has a broader scope, including system analysis, testing, and troubleshooting, requiring a higher level of engineering credentials.

What are Instrumentation Designers in a refinery?

Instrumentation Designers in a refinery are professionals responsible for creating detailed plans and layouts for the installation and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems. These systems monitor and control various processes within the refinery to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. Instrumentation Designers work closely with engineers and other technical staff to select appropriate instruments, develop wiring diagrams, and specify control strategies. Their work is crucial for the smooth operation and automation of refinery processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instrumentation Designer in a refinery, and why are they important?

To excel as an Instrumentation Designer in a refinery, you need strong knowledge of instrumentation engineering, process control, and relevant industry standards, typically supported by a diploma or degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SmartPlant, and various DCS/PLC systems, as well as certifications in industrial instrumentation, are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with multidisciplinary teams are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant design of instrumentation systems vital to refinery operations.

What are some common challenges Instrumentation Designers face when working on refinery projects?

Instrumentation Designers in refineries often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple engineering disciplines, adapting to evolving project specifications, and ensuring compliance with rigorous industry safety standards. The dynamic nature of refinery projects requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to manage tight deadlines. Additionally, integrating new instrumentation technology with existing systems can be complex, demanding continuous learning and problem-solving skills.
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Designer Refinery job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 9% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,800 per year, or $51.3 per hour.
Instrumentation Engineer and Designers

Instrumentation Engineer and Designers

Eichleay, Inc

Ferndale, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Eichleay is actively growing our network of experienced Instrumentation Engineers and Instrumentation Designers to join our I&C (Instrumentation & Controls) team in the Western United States, with preferred locations in Ferndale, WA, Billings, MT, or in the Western US where Eichleay operates. At Eichleay, you will contribute to the design, engineering, and delivery of instrumentation and controls systems across a diverse portfolio of industrial projects. You will collaborate within a multi-discipline engineering environment, supporting projects from concept through detailed design, while delivering high-quality, practical solutions for complex process facilities.

Employment Type: Full-Time with benefits

Experience: Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in Refinery or other oil and gas related industries.

Instrumentation Engineer:

Core Responsibilities

  • Demonstrate awareness and commitment to health, safety and environmental issues. Address issues as necessary to ensure zero harm to all employees, clients, and contractors with zero environmental incidents.
  • Consistently achieve goals, delivering quality and accurate work and meeting project schedules. This includes reviewing project documents for conformity and quality assurance.
  • Support assembly of I&C engineering, drawing and construction work packages for review and approval.
  • Participate in HAZOP and LOPA reviews independently or under guidance of more experienced engineering staff when required.
  • Familiarity with/or preparation of calculations and understanding of safety instrumented systems (SIS) design with guidance from SIS subject matter specialists, is preferred. Preparation of SIS lifecycle documentation may be required, (if qualified).
  • Experience with the selection, and sizing of various field instrumentation, analyzer systems, flow measurement devices, control valves, and PSVs in industrial applications independently or with guidance from more experienced engineering staff.
  • Respond to construction requests for information (RFIs), independently or with guidance from more experienced engineering staff.
  • Perform scope development and create technical specifications for I&C equipment and modifications, independently or with guidance from more experienced engineering staff.
  • Prepare material requisitions for bid and technical bid evaluation, including reviewing of specifications of equipment, and responding to vendor submittals, independently or with guidance from more experienced engineering staff.
  • Ability to provide man hour estimates to support proposals and material quantity takeoffs for cost estimates, independently or with guidance from more experienced engineering staff.
  • Attend and participate in Client and Eichleay project team meetings.
  • Maintain schedule and budget commitments.
  • Ensure compliance with site, global and industry I&C standards, including ISA, ANSI, ASME, API, and NFPA/NEC standards.
  • Support project construction, commissioning and start-up as well as client site turnaround activities as required.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

  • Education: Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or scientific discipline from an ABET accredited program.
  • Licensed PE or working toward is desired.
  • ISA S84 SFS or TÜV FSE Certified or working toward is preferred.
  • Experience with vendor instrument sizing programs, including Emerson and ASME PTC 19.3TW-2016 and InstruCalc Sizing software is desired.
  • On-site experience at a Refinery or other Heavy Industrial location is preferred.
  • Skills:
    • Ability to coordinate with other disciplines and project management in a team environment.
    • Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools in engineering workflows to improve efficiency, while maintaining responsible charge, code compliance, and accountability for final deliverables.
    • Coordinate with vendors and clients.
    • Manage budgets and schedules, independently or with guidance from more experienced engineering staff.
    • Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Bluebeam.
  • Technical Competence:
    • Experience with instrument specification and data sheet creation.
    • Experience with Smart Instrumentation (SI) / Smart Plant Instrumentation (SPI) including basic loop creation, spec sheet (datasheet) creation and basic loop wiring.
    • Familiarity with ISA, ANSI, ASME, API, and NFPA/NEC standards.
    • Familiarity with instrument sizing and selection including flow meter, thermowells, and control valves.

Instrumentation Designer:

Core Responsibilities

  • Demonstrate awareness and commitment to health, safety and environmental issues. Address issues as necessary to ensure zero harm to all employees, clients, and contractors with zero environmental incidents.
  • Consistently achieve goals, delivering quality and accurate work and meeting project schedules. This includes reviewing project documents for conformity and quality assurance.
  • Ability to assemble I&C engineering, drawing and construction work packages for review and approval, that may include Instrument Index, I/O List, and design deliverables including loop diagrams, conduit and wiring diagrams, schematics, location plans and other project deliverables.
  • Support development of man hour estimates and material take-offs (MTO).
  • Perform job walks, site visits, assisting with scope development and supporting IFC (construction) package completion, independently or with guidance from more experienced design staff.
  • Respond to construction requests for information (RFIs).
  • Support project construction, commissioning and start-up as well as client site turnaround activities as required.
  • Attend and participate in Client and Eichleay project team meetings when required.
  • Effectively interact with all levels of employees and clients.
  • Willingness to follow directions and guidance from senior Design and Engineering staff.
  • Maintain schedule and budget commitments.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

  • Education: Associate’s degree in engineering or scientific discipline is preferred, or specialized courses in drafting, AutoCAD, engineering drawing, and 3D modeling.
  • Demonstration of innovation, initiative, maturity, and sound judgement
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools in engineering workflows to improve efficiency, while maintaining responsible charge, code compliance, and accountability for final deliverables
  • On-site experience at a Refinery or other Heavy Industrial location is preferred.
  • Skills:
    • Ability to coordinate with other disciplines and project management in a team environment.
    • Coordinate with vendors and clients.
    • Manage budgets and schedules, independently or with guidance from more experienced design staff.
    • Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and working experience with AutoCAD/NavisWorks, and Bluebeam software.
  • Technical Competence:
    • Sound knowledge of design and drafting techniques, AutoCAD, engineering drawings, 3D Modeling and experience in reading engineering documents.
    • Basic understanding of electrical design activities and deliverables is preferred.
    • Solid experience with Smart Instrumentation (SI) / Smart Plant Instrumentation (SPI) including loop wiring.
    • Familiarity with industry standards including ISA, ANSI, ASME, API, and NFPA/NEC standards is desirable.
    • Collaboration: Ability to form and foster collaborative relationships within Eichleay and with clients and partners.

Industry Requirements:

This role may require all or some of the following requirements at time of hire or during employment:

  • RSO/HHFT Safety Training and current card or ability to obtain.
  • Client Safety Training and current badge or ability to obtain.
  • TWIC Certification and current card or ability to obtain in advance of employment.
  • Background screening including previous employment, professional references, education, criminal history, and driving record verification.
  • Participation in random drug and alcohol programs.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

  • While performing duties of this job, you would occasionally be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear (this includes being able to hear and talk on site based communication equipment), distinguish between various colors, be able to hear safety tones/notifications, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools, temperature or controls.  
  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perceptions, and the ability to adjust focus.  
  • Overtime may be necessary as workload dictates. This may include weekdays and weekends.  
  • Job duties may be performed at a client site, production facility or industrial/construction job site. Day to day job direction will typically be by Eichleay team lead.  
  • Conditions and/or schedule may vary, but the conditions listed above will generally apply.  
  • Candidates will be required to follow our clients' site-based rules and protocols regarding infectious diseases. 

Move Forward with Eichleay

Eichleay, Inc. is a dynamic organization with over 150 years of experience delivering integrated project management and engineering solutions across energy and chemicals, power generation, life sciences, mining, and food & beverage industries. We are committed to innovation, safety, and building long-lasting relationships with our clients.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including medical condition), military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information or other status protected by law or regulation. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence: At Eichleay, we embrace the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and decision-making across our operations, including recruitment.


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About Eichleay

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Concord, CA, US

Year founded

1875