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Instrumentation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Instrumentation Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks ...

Senior Instrumentation Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks ...

Join us as a Electro-Instrumentation Technician in Ashland and help bring materials to life in a workplace where health and safety always come first. What's in it for you Taking care of our people is ...

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Instrumentation information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$28

$76

How much do instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation in Virginia is $28.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are the Qualifications to Get an Instrumentation Job?

The qualifications to get an instrumentation job depends on the expertise level and complexity of the position. To become an instrumentation technician, you need at least a certificate or an associate degree in a field such as electro-mechanics, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or process control. If you want to become an instrumentation engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related subject. In addition to your educational requirements, you must have strong analytical problem-solving skills to work in instrumentation.

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

To thrive as an Instrumentation Technician, you need a solid understanding of electronics, process control, and instrumentation principles, usually backed by a relevant technical diploma or degree. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, calibration tools, and industry certifications such as ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of instrumentation systems, directly impacting operational safety and efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in instrumentation roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in instrumentation often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex control systems, ensuring accurate calibration of instruments, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies. To address these, many teams prioritize continuous training, implement standardized maintenance procedures, and encourage collaboration between engineers, technicians, and operators. Being proactive in learning and leveraging digital tools can also help instrumentation professionals stay effective and resilient in dynamic industrial environments.

What are instrumentation jobs?

Instrumentation jobs involve the installation, maintenance, and repair of devices and systems used to measure and control physical quantities such as pressure, flow, temperature, and level in industrial settings. Professionals in this field work with sensors, control systems, and automated equipment to ensure that processes operate efficiently and safely. They are essential in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and power generation, where precise measurement and control are critical. Instrumentation technicians and engineers often collaborate with other technical staff to troubleshoot issues and implement new technologies.

What is the difference between Instrumentation vs Control Technician?

AspectInstrumentationControl Technician
Primary FocusDesign, installation, and maintenance of measurement and control instrumentsMaintaining and troubleshooting control systems and equipment
CertificationsInstrumentation certifications, PLC, and calibration skillsControl system certifications, PLC, and electrical skills
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants, industrial settingsIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, oil & gas, power plantsCommon in process industries, automation sectors

Instrumentation professionals focus on the measurement and control devices that monitor and regulate industrial processes, while Control Technicians primarily troubleshoot and maintain control systems like PLCs and DCS. Both roles often overlap but differ in scope and specialization within industrial automation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Instrumentation jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Instrumentation jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Instrumentation job openings:
Infographic showing various Instrumentation job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,375 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Electra Aero, Inc.

Manassas, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Senior Instrumentation Engineer

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage - and this role is no exception.

The Role

As our Senior Instrumentation Engineer, you'll design, build, and maintain the instrumentation and data acquisition systems that power Electra's ground and flight test programs. This is a hands-on technical role with high visibility - the quality of your work directly determines the quality of the data engineering relies on to advance the EL9 toward FAA Part 23 certification. You'll work closely with the Systems Test Manager and flight test team to stand up a capability built for a certification program, not adapted from one.

What You'll Do

  • Design, install, and maintain sensor systems, signal conditioning hardware, and data acquisition systems for ground and flight test applications.
  • Develop and manage data acquisition architectures that capture test data across avionics, propulsion, structural, and flight control systems.
  • Collaborate with test and engineering teams to define instrumentation requirements and ensure data quality meets certification standards.
  • Develop calibration procedures and maintain traceability of all instrumentation systems.
  • Support SIL/HIL lab development with instrumentation integration and signal interface design.
  • Troubleshoot instrumentation anomalies in real time during ground and flight test operations.
  • Document instrumentation designs, configurations, and test procedures to support FAA certification activities.

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience (aerospace, electrical, or mechanical preferred).
  • 8+ years of experience in instrumentation and data acquisition for aerospace ground or flight test programs.
  • Hands-on experience with sensor selection, signal conditioning, and DAS hardware (e.g., Curtiss-Wright, Amphenol, HBK, or similar).
  • Proficiency with instrumentation software and data processing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
  • Experience developing instrumentation plans and test procedures in support of CAA (FAA/EASA) certification programs preferred.
  • Strong understanding of avionics, propulsion, or structural test environments.
  • S. Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance.
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays.
  • Paid winter break.
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting.
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters.
  • Free on-site parking.

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.