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Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Controls Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

This role will guide instrumentation and operator interface design, ensuring safe, reliable, and ... Provide direct guidance to controls engineers on operator control needs and translate these into ...

This is a hands-on engineering role with strong prototyping, experimental design, hardware ... Instrumentation and diagnostics for temperature, pressure, flow, strain, vibration, leak detection ...

Showing results 21-40

Instrumentation Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$12.4K

$104K

$162.6K

How much do instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for instrumentation engineer in Austin, TX is $103,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $130,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrumentation engineer?

Instrumentation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, install, manage, and maintain equipment used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery, and processes. They work primarily in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation, and chemical processing. Their main goal is to ensure that these systems operate efficiently, safely, and within regulatory standards by using instruments like sensors, control systems, and automation technologies. Instrumentation Engineers often collaborate with other engineering disciplines to optimize and troubleshoot complex processes.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid understanding of instrumentation and control systems, process automation, and a degree in engineering (typically electrical, electronics, or instrumentation). Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS, and relevant industry certifications such as ISA CAP are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in project teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial processes.

What are some common challenges instrumentation engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Instrumentation Engineers frequently collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and process engineering backgrounds, which can present coordination challenges. Aligning instrumentation requirements with broader project timelines and ensuring compatibility with other systems often requires clear communication and adaptability. Additionally, troubleshooting integration issues and maintaining safety and compliance standards are ongoing aspects of the role. Successful Instrumentation Engineers develop strong teamwork and problem-solving skills to navigate these complexities.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Instrumentation, Control Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, process industries, automation systemsPower plants, electrical systems, construction sites
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, manufacturingPower generation, electrical infrastructure, electronics
Job FocusDesign, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentationDesign, develop, and maintain electrical systems and circuits

Instrumentation Engineers primarily focus on control systems and automation within manufacturing and process industries, while Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems across various sectors. Both roles require technical certifications and often overlap in industrial environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Instrumentation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Instrumentation Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,974 per year, or $50 per hour.

Instrumentation & Controls Technician, Water Treatment (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS TECHNICIAN - WATER TREATMENT

The Water Treatment team at SpaceX is looking for an experienced Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Technician to support our rapidly expanding site in Bastrop, TX. You will be the technical backbone of our critical water infrastructure, ensuring the reliability of Ultra-Pure Water (UPW), Industrial Wastewater (IWW), and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems that support our manufacturing and testing operations.

This is not a role for someone who prefers to sit at a desk. We need a hands-on problem solver who can troubleshoot a PLC panel in the morning, calibrate sensitive chemical analyzers in the afternoon, and help redesign a control loop before the end of the day. You will take ownership of the "eyes and ears" of our water systems, ensuring uptime for critical production lines and safety for the rest of the operations team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair of industrial instrumentation, including pH, ORP, conductivity, turbidity, flow, level, pressure, and temperature transmitters
  • Troubleshoot and maintain control panels, PLCs (Allen Bradley/Siemens), VFDs, and motor starters related to water treatment skids
  • Diagnose issues within 4-20mA, 0-10V, and digital communication loops (Ethernet/IP, Modbus)
  • Work closely with the water operations team to optimize chemical dosing pumps and automated valves for process efficiency
  • Execute preventative maintenance (PM) plans on electrical and control systems to minimize downtime
  • Assist engineers with the commissioning of new water treatment equipment and upgrades to existing infrastructure
  • Read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and logic diagrams to identify root causes of system failures
  • Maintain accurate records of calibration and maintenance activities
  • Configure the data acquisition hardware and control screens/HMIs

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
  • 3+ years of professional experience in industrial maintenance, instrumentation, or industrial electrical work
  • Experience working with low voltage controls (24VDC) and high voltage power (up to 480VAC)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Associate degree in instrumentation technology, electrical engineering technology, or a related field
  • Experience specifically within water/wastewater treatment facilities (RO, DI, UF, Clarification and Precipitation, Thermal Evaporators)
  • Proficiency with Allen Bradley and Siemens PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) and Ignition SCADA software
  • Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, pumps, and automated valves
  • Ability to solder, terminate wires, and fabricate simple brackets/conduit runs
  • Knowledge of NEC (National Electrical Code) and NFPA 70E standards
  • Experience with chemical handling systems and hazardous production materials

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • General physical requirements: Standing for long periods, climbing ladders/stairs, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs, and working in tight quarters
  • Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and on-call shifts when needed to support critical infrastructure

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US