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Instrumentation Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fairfax County

Instrumentation Technician I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$52K - $92K/yr

Assists in preventive maintenance & repairs of instrumentation and electronic equipment such as flow, level, and analytical measuring devices. These include doppler and transit time flow meters ...

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Instrumentation information

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$16

$32

$87

How much do instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation in Washington is $32.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.41 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long does it take to become an instrumentation technician?

Becoming an instrumentation technician typically requires completing a technical or community college program, which takes about 1 to 2 years, followed by on-the-job training or apprenticeships that can last 1 to 4 years. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region and industry, and developing skills in electrical systems, control systems, and instrumentation tools is essential during this period.

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 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.

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 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.

Is instrumentation in high demand?

Instrumentation technicians and engineers are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities due to the need for precise control systems and automation. Employment opportunities often require technical skills, certifications, and familiarity with tools like PLCs and SCADA systems, and the field is expected to grow as automation advances.

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.
More about Instrumentation jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Instrumentation jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Instrumentation jobs in Washington? For Instrumentation jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Instrumentation jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Instrumentation jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Instrumentation jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Instrumentation job openings:
Instrumentation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,829 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Elkridge, MD • On-site

$118K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 443 rated engineering

Job description

Description
Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our electric power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR). This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. You will work on major process controls engineering projects in the following areas:
  • Develop and market high level, complex programs for nuclear power projects associated with design, operational excellence, safety, maintenance, and project management.
  • This position will offer you the opportunity to direct technical decision making, in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing power plant controls systems, specifically digital upgrades
  • You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of instrumentation & controls engineering issues,
  • Coordinate systems design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements,
  • Perform Digital Systems Design Development - PLC, DCS, HSI, networked computer systems, and digital instrumentation & control systems functional requirements for nuclear plant systems. Work collaboratively on quality assessments and critical digital reviews,
  • Perform consulting level work for digital IOT, innovation, and strategic first of a kind (FOAK) projects for the nuclear industry,
  • Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for analog and digital controls applications,
  • Prepare documentation for design input for drawing production including master diagrams and schematics,
  • Interface with vendors to prepare and review materials and equipment purchase specifications,
  • Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements,
  • Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation,
  • Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
  • Support station outage activities as required

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential Skills & Experience:
  • A BS or MS in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program required
  • 10 or more years of experience in the design of instrumentations and controls engineering systems in a project team environment for non-commercial, heavy industrial plants, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants, or modifications or replacements for existing plants.
  • Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays.
  • Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR of PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display.
  • Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
  • Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role is desirable.
  • Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.

Valued but not required skills and experience:
  • PE license preferred
  • Construction and start-up experience a plus
  • Commissioning experience a plus
  • Broad background in providing technical support to nuclear plant projects - from design, project planning, providing technical expertise associated with testing and operations, contract specifications, project oversight, successful project execution, and overall direction of complex nuclear projects. Licensing strategies associated with Digital I&C Modernization projects

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
$118,023 - $180,313
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
Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!
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.

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About Sargent & Lundy

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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

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