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Junior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

WEC Energy Group

Gas System Analyst

Amery, WI · On-site

... instrumentation and related code compliance activities. Providing field response to gas system ... Provides leadership direction and support to junior staff. The Gas System Analyst is a technical ...

WEC Energy Group

Gas System Analyst

Rice Lake, WI · On-site

... instrumentation and related code compliance activities. Providing field response to gas system ... Provides leadership direction and support to junior staff. The Gas System Analyst is a technical ...

WEC Energy Group

Gas System Analyst

Rice Lake, WI · On-site

... instrumentation and related code compliance activities. Providing field response to gas system ... Provides leadership direction and support to junior staff. The Gas System Analyst is a technical ...

We Energies (WE)

Gas System Analyst

Rice Lake, WI · On-site

... instrumentation and related code compliance activities. Providing field response to gas system ... Provides leadership direction and support to junior staff. The Gas System Analyst is a technical ...

WEC Energy Group

Gas System Analyst

Elmwood, WI

... instrumentation and related code compliance activities. Providing field response to gas system ... Provides leadership direction and support to junior staff. The Gas System Analyst is a technical ...

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All JobsJunior Instrumentation Engineer JobsJunior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

Junior Instrumentation Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$33.8K

$72.5K

$110.5K

How much do junior instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior instrumentation engineer in Wisconsin is $72,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $80,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which is best, Ece or EIE?

For a Junior Instrumentation Engineer, both ECE (Electronics and Communication Engineering) and EIE (Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering) are relevant fields. ECE focuses on communication systems, circuits, and electronics, while EIE emphasizes instrumentation, control systems, and automation. The choice depends on your interest in communication technology versus instrumentation and control systems, which are integral to instrumentation engineering roles.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Instrumentation Engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior Instrumentation Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to industry-specific standards, learning to interpret complex instrumentation diagrams, and understanding the nuances of different control systems. They may also need to quickly develop troubleshooting skills for various sensors and devices while working under the guidance of senior engineers. Effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, are essential for successfully integrating instrumentation solutions into larger projects.

What does a Junior Instrumentation Engineer do?

A Junior Instrumentation Engineer assists in designing, developing, and maintaining instruments and control systems used in industrial processes. They typically help with the installation, calibration, and troubleshooting of equipment such as sensors, transmitters, and controllers under the supervision of senior engineers. Their work ensures that measurement and control systems operate efficiently and safely, supporting the overall productivity of plants or facilities. Junior engineers also document their work, follow industry safety standards, and may participate in testing and commissioning new systems.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

As a Junior Instrumentation Engineer, earning $500,000 annually is unlikely, as entry-level engineering roles typically have lower salaries. High earnings are generally associated with senior positions, specialized skills, management roles, or working in high-paying industries and locations. Gaining experience, certifications, and advanced skills can increase earning potential over time.

Are instrumentation engineers in demand?

Instrumentation engineers are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation, where they design, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentation. The growing focus on automation and process optimization increases the need for skilled professionals with knowledge of control systems, PLCs, and calibration. Job prospects are generally strong for those with relevant technical skills and certifications.

What is the difference between Junior Instrumentation Engineer vs Instrumentation Technician?

AspectJunior Instrumentation EngineerInstrumentation Technician
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering or related fieldDiploma or technical certification in instrumentation
Work EnvironmentDesign, troubleshooting, and project planning in industrial settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of instrumentation equipment
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, oil & gas, power plantsIndustrial plants, maintenance companies, manufacturing facilities

While both roles involve working with instrumentation, Junior Instrumentation Engineers focus on design, analysis, and project coordination, often requiring a degree. Instrumentation Technicians primarily handle installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, typically with technical certifications. The roles complement each other within industrial environments, with engineers planning and technicians executing tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Instrumentation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid understanding of instrumentation principles, process control, and a relevant engineering degree such as in electrical or instrumentation engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like PLCs, SCADA systems, and calibration equipment, as well as certifications like ISA CAP or equivalent, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in team environments and troubleshooting scenarios. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring reliable system performance, safety, and efficient operation in industrial settings.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, typically in large companies or high-demand industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Junior Instrumentation Engineer jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Junior Instrumentation Engineer job openings:
Junior Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Instrumentation Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,471 per year, or $34.8 per hour.
Sr. Optical System Engineer

Sr. Optical System Engineer

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Madison, WI • On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 402 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 521 rated manufacturers

Job description

Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Laboratory Setting, Office
Job Description
LOCATION: This is a fully onsite position based at our Madison, WI site. Unfortunately, relocation assistance is NOT provided.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screen.
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while advancing solutions to some of the world's toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
The Analytical Instruments Group (AIG) at Thermo Fisher Scientific provides a broad portfolio of instruments, software, and services that support a wide range of laboratory, production, and field applications. Our solutions are used by customers across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, government, environmental, and industrial markets to advance research, improve productivity, and drive innovation. At the Madison, Wisconsin site, our teams design and manufacture advanced spectroscopy instrumentation used by scientists around the world for research, materials science, energy, and industrial applications.
Description
We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to architect and develop advanced optical systems for FTIR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy instruments. This role focuses on system-level design, optical modeling, and cross-functional integration of complex photonic systems. The ideal candidate combines strong optical expertise with systems engineering experience and thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop optical systems, including imaging, illumination, sensing, or laser-based subsystems

  • Translate product requirements into optical architectures and system-level specifications

  • Perform optical modeling and simulation (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools)

  • Drive tolerance analysis, error budgeting, and performance optimization

  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust system integration

  • Own system-level trade studies and design decisions balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability

  • Guide prototyping, testing, and validation of optical systems

  • Develop and execute test plans; analyze data and iterate designs accordingly

  • Support transfer to manufacturing, including alignment strategies and yield improvement

  • Troubleshoot complex optical/system-level issues in development and production

  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership within the team

  • Interface with external vendors and partners for components and subsystems

Requirements
  • Advanced Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related discipline plus 3 years of experience, or Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years of experience developing complex optical systems

  • Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, wave optics, diffraction, and polarization

  • Experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax)

  • Experience designing and analyzing optical systems such as imaging systems, lasers, fiber optics, or photonic devices

  • Familiarity with laboratory optical equipment (e.g., interferometers, spectrometers, alignment tools)

  • Knowledge of optical tolerancing, fabrication processes, and metrology techniques

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to optimize complex system performance

  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering

  • Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis, modeling, or automation

  • Experience working in regulated development environments (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, defense) is a plus

  • Knowledge of opto-mechanical design considerations and thermal effects in optical systems

  • Familiarity with ISO or other relevant industry standards

  • Experience leveraging AI/ML or generative AI tools to enhance data analysis, optical modeling, or engineering productivity (e.g., code generation, data interpretation, or design exploration)

  • Awareness of how AI/ML techniques may be applied to instrument data processing, signal analysis, or system optimization

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical documentation and design reviews

  • Demonstrated ability to manage technical work independently while contributing to team deliverables

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