ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Instrumentation Tech Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Collabera

Instrumentation engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

Company Description About Collabera Collabera is ranked amongst the top 10 Information Technology ... A Fortune 500 manufacturing and aerospace giant looking for Instrumentation Engineer who will be ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsInstrumentation Tech JobsInstrumentation Tech Jobs in Chicago, IL

Instrumentation Tech information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$31

$48

How much do instrumentation tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation tech in Chicago, IL is $31.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $36.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is an instrumentation technician in high demand?

Instrumentation technicians are in high demand due to their specialized skills in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation. The job outlook is positive, with steady growth expected as industries continue to rely on automation and process control systems, often requiring certifications and knowledge of tools like PLCs and sensors.

What is an instrumentation tech?

Instrumentation Technicians, often called Instrumentation Techs, are skilled professionals who install, maintain, and repair devices used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery, and processes. They work in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation, and pharmaceuticals. Their responsibilities include calibrating instruments, troubleshooting faults, and ensuring systems operate safely and efficiently. Instrumentation Techs play a critical role in ensuring automated equipment and control systems function properly to maintain production quality and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrumentation tech?

To thrive as an Instrumentation Tech, you need a solid understanding of electronics, process control systems, and instrumentation principles, often supported by an associate degree or technical certification. Familiarity with PLCs, calibration equipment, and industry-standard software such as SCADA is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, accurate, and efficient operation and maintenance of complex instrumentation systems in industrial environments.

Is instrumentation tech in high demand?

Instrumentation technicians are in high demand due to the need for skilled workers to install, maintain, and repair control systems in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation. Employment prospects are strong, especially for those with certifications and experience working with automation tools and calibration equipment.

What are some common challenges instrumentation techs face when troubleshooting complex automated systems?

Instrumentation Technicians often encounter challenges when diagnosing issues in complex automated systems due to the integration of various sensors, controllers, and communication protocols. Troubleshooting can be time-consuming as it requires a deep understanding of both hardware and software components, as well as the ability to interpret technical diagrams and system documentation. Successful technicians rely on methodical problem-solving skills, collaboration with engineers and operators, and continual learning to keep up with evolving technology. Being proactive in preventive maintenance and staying updated with the latest industry standards can also help mitigate these challenges.

Is instrumentation tech a stressful job?

Instrumentation technicians often work in environments that require attention to safety and precision, which can be stressful during high-pressure situations or when troubleshooting complex systems. The job may involve shift work, tight deadlines, and exposure to hazardous conditions, contributing to stress levels. However, proper training, experience, and safety protocols can help manage these stressors effectively.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Tech vs Electrician?

AspectInstrumentation TechElectrician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a technical diploma or certification in instrumentation or electronicsRequires a high school diploma and electrician's license or certification
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in industrial plants, manufacturing facilities, and process industriesWorks in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing, oil & gas, and chemical industriesEmployed across construction, maintenance, and electrical service sectors

Instrumentation Technicians focus on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems and sensors in industrial settings, while Electricians handle electrical wiring, systems, and repairs across various environments. Both roles require technical skills but serve different specialized functions within the industry.

What do you do as an instrumentation technician?

An instrumentation technician installs, maintains, calibrates, and repairs control systems and instruments used in industrial processes. They work with tools like multimeters and calibrators, often following technical manuals and safety protocols to ensure equipment functions accurately and reliably.

What are popular job titles related to Instrumentation Tech jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Instrumentation Tech jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Instrumentation Tech jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Instrumentation Tech jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Instrumentation Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation Tech job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,685 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 447 rated engineering

Job description

Description
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
  • This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering.
  • You will work on project teams with other I&C engineers involved in the design of new power plants, modifications to existing power generation facilities, and plant controls betterment.
  • You will be involved in power distribution designs and the preparation of specifications for the procurement of instrumentation and controls equipment and related installation services.
  • As a member of a multi-discipline project team, you will be involved in power plant design coordination, engineering calculation preparation, and electrical control circuit design.
  • Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.
  • Develop your career via peer-learning by way of S&L's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice."

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
  • A BS in Electrical Engineering from an accredited engineering program is required. An emphasis in power systems is preferred.
  • PE license or ability to earn a PE license is required.
  • 9+ years of relevant power plant and heavy industrial control systems experience.
  • Power or industrial controls experience.
  • An understanding of the practical application of instrumentation and controls engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design.
  • Experience reading and creating logic diagrams and control narratives.
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications, with emphasis on MS Excel and Access.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Effective experience working in a collaborative team environment.
  • Exceptional work habits.
  • Resourceful and enthusiastic attitude.

Valued but not required skills and experience:
  • Experience with DCS, TCS, and/or PLCs programming.
  • Experience performing field work (i.e. control system upgrades, commission, start-up).

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:
  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$100,019 - $152,807
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
About This Business Unit
The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) specializes in delivering advanced engineering solutions across various sectors, including power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, from new plant design to plant betterment and upgrade services for operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants, yielding over 100,000 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. Our expertise includes numerous recent and ongoing combined cycle projects that leverage the latest advanced machinery, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators from all leading suppliers. EIG is recognized for its commitment to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power. We excel in detailed engineering services for photovoltaic (PV) solar projects and energy storage integration, and lead the industry in carbon capture technologies, managing projects from conceptual studies, pilot demonstrations and through commercial scale implementation for utilities and industrial plants.
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

What Sargent & Lundy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

Facebook

View All Sargent & Lundy Jobs

Apply