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Instrumentation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Instrumentation information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$28

$76

How much do instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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 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.

How long does it take to become an instrumentation technician?

Becoming an instrumentation technician typically requires completing a technical diploma or associate degree, which takes about 1 to 2 years. Many technicians also gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training, which can add additional months to a year depending on the program and employer requirements.

Is instrumentation a good career?

Instrumentation is a viable career that involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems and instruments used in manufacturing, energy, and other industries. It often requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of tools like PLCs and sensors. The field offers steady employment opportunities and potential for advancement with experience and specialized training.

What can you do with instrumentation?

Instrumentation involves designing, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting measurement and control systems used in various industries such as manufacturing, energy, and aerospace. Instrumentation professionals work with sensors, controllers, and calibration tools to ensure accurate data collection and process regulation, often requiring knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and software systems. Certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) can enhance job prospects in this field.

What kind of job is instrumentation?

Instrumentation jobs involve designing, installing, maintaining, and repairing measurement and control systems used in industrial processes. These roles often require knowledge of sensors, control systems, and tools like PLCs, with certifications such as ISA or OSHA sometimes preferred. Workers typically operate in manufacturing, energy, or automation environments and may need to follow safety protocols and work flexible schedules.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,375 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer - Network Communications

Mpr Associates, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Overview
MPR Associates, Inc. (MPR), a thriving multi-discipline, specialty engineering services and consulting firm, is actively seeking a capable and motivated Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer - Network Communications to join our team. If you are seeking a unique, challenging, and rewarding career opportunity, MPR may be the right company for you.
Founded in 1964, MPR has a wide and growing client base in the fields of power and energy, federal services, and health and life sciences. We work throughout the United States as well as internationally. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, we also have offices in East Lyme, Connecticut, Burlington, Massachusetts, and Salt Lake City, Utah. MPR makes challenging projects successful, delivering safe and reliable technical solutions across the entire project or product life-cycle to benefit our clients and society as a whole. We hire the best and brightest, which results in a high-performance culture built on trust and respect, making MPR an exceptional place to work.
General Job Description
The Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer - Network Communications will have technical, project management, regulatory, business, and client interface responsibilities. This position will provide strategic guidance and technical leadership to our U.S. and international clients. In addition, this individual will work closely with the MPR leadership team to develop market and client strategies and align MPR's growth, skills, and tools development with future industry needs. This is a full-time, exempt position based out of MPR's Virginia or Connecticut office.
Duties/Responsibilities
The I&C Engineer - Network Communications, is expected to have a broad range of skills, duties, and responsibilities, including:
  • Provide technical experience and leadership in control system engineering, focusing on the design, implementation, programming/ configuration, commissioning, testing, and troubleshoot of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) with an emphasis on networked communication architectures.
  • Design, configure, and maintain robust industrial network systems, including Ethernet/ IP, Modbus, Profibus, OPC UA, and other communication protocols. Ensure reliable and secure communication between devices, systems, and networks.
  • Lead efforts to meet regulatory and cybersecurity requirements, such as NERC CIP and ISA/IEC 62443, for networked controls systems and associated devices.
  • Support the integration of digital devices into ICS, including protective relays, sensors, and actuators with network communication capabilities.
  • Develop high-quality engineering deliverables, such as communication network diagrams, system architecture designs, cybersecurity risk assessments, and feasibility studies for networked control upgrades.
  • Work with multi-disciplinary teams to design and implement network-centric control system solutions for power generation, healthcare, and other industrial applications.
  • Provide analysis and modeling capabilities for networked I&C systems, including developing and refining simulator algorithms to test communication integrity.
  • Collaborate with clients to understand challenges related to network communication in control systems, develop technical proposals, and present innovative solutions to address their needs effectively.
  • Assist in identifying opportunities for advanced network communication services, partnerships, and technologies that align with client needs and company growth strategies.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to team members on best practices for network communication technologies and system implementation.
  • Identify, analyze, and resolve system design weaknesses, particularly related to communication system performance and reliability.

Qualifications
Education
  • 4-year technical degree is required.
  • Advanced degree is a plus.

Experience
  • At least 5 years of directly related I&C experience working in a project/systems engineering role, including demonstrated experience with the following:
    • Industrial Control Systems such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and/or Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems and control system devices, computers, communications, and networks.
  • Experience designing, configuring, and operating communication systems and instrumentation and control systems in the renewable energy, battery energy storage, natural gas power, and/or oil and gas industries.
  • Familiarity with cyber security controls and protocols, and experience identifying and mitigating cyber security vulnerabilities on field deployed equipment.
  • The following experience is considered a plus:
    • Design and operation of commercial nuclear plant I&C systems and regulations.
  • Familiarity with IEEE, IEC, and ISA standards.
  • Familiarity with different I&C vendor products and their offerings including Emerson Ovation, GE, ABB, Allen-Bradley, Modicon, Wonderware, Schweitzer RTAC, Schneider, Framatome.

Skills - Technical
  • Knowledge and experience of electrical and electronics theory.
  • Extensive knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks from NIST, FDA, FIPS and RMF processes within the Federal government.
  • Strong background in networking including but not limited to:
    • Knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6.
    • Ability to create and interpret network diagrams.
    • Managing and modifying registry, group policy and firewall settings.
  • Software programming experience, preferably C/C++/C#, extensive experience is not required.
  • Strong understanding of algorithms and data structures.
  • Strong understanding of system control and automation.
  • Strong understanding of software development workflow, software lifecycle, and software documentation.
  • Microsoft Office Software.

Skills - Personal
  • Excellent communication skills; both written and oral.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Critical thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Self-motivated and disciplined.
  • Ability to lead and work within teams.
  • Motivated to tackle new problems and take on new responsibilities.
  • Effective time management and organization skills.
  • Strong questioning attitude and the ability to accept that in others .

Travel
As required by project assignments. Estimated level is up to 20-30%, each trip typically not exceeding 2 or 3 days, but durations are dependent on project needs and could be of longer duration.
MPR Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, who participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other classification as required by applicable laws. MPR is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer.