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Junior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Specify process mechanical equipment and support instrumentation design activities * Collaborate ... Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development of engineering best practices ...

Specify process mechanical equipment and support instrumentation design activities * Collaborate ... Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development of engineering best practices ...

Specify process mechanical equipment and support instrumentation design activities * Collaborate ... Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development of engineering best practices ...

Specify process mechanical equipment and support instrumentation design activities * Collaborate ... Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development of engineering best practices ...

Specify process mechanical equipment and support instrumentation design activities * Collaborate ... Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development of engineering best practices ...

Specify process mechanical equipment and support instrumentation design activities * Collaborate ... Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development of engineering best practices ...

Specify process mechanical equipment and support instrumentation design activities * Collaborate ... Mentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development of engineering best practices ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Instrumentation Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$74K

$112.8K

How much do junior instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior instrumentation engineer in Chicago, IL is $73,964.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Instrumentation Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Instrumentation Engineer job openings:

Senior Electrical Engineer - Water (Multiple Locations)

Burns & McDonnell

Chicago, IL

$110K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction


Job description

Are you an ambitious, driven engineering professional looking to elevate your career with an industry-leading, high-performing team? Our Water Global Practice is recognized for delivering top-tier engineering, design, and construction solutions for critical infrastructure projects, and we are looking for exceptional talent to build on our success. We are seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our growing, dynamic team in Chicago, IL, St. Louis, MO, or Columbus, OH.

In this role, you will lead discipline-specific design efforts for complex projects including municipal and industrial water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, greenfield projects, electrical equipment upgrades, and SCADA modernizations. As the lead electrical engineer on key projects, you will coordinate directly with clients, project managers, other engineering discipline leads, and construction professionals to ensure that project quality, budget, and schedule are met.

This position offers excellent technical leadership, mentorship, and career progression opportunities. While formal direct-report team management is not an initial requirement, we are looking for a collaborative professional who is passionate about coaching junior staff and is excited about a pathway into direct team management.

  • Direct the design and specification of electrical systems associated with municipal and industrial drinking water and wastewater treatment plants, pumping facilities, and other process related projects.
  • Lead projects from conceptual phase through construction completion, executing complex designs that require advanced techniques for the preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, and studies.
  • Serve as the electrical lead on multi-discipline project teams, overseeing the design of electrical systems including low and medium-voltage power, lighting, SCADA and process controls, process instrumentation, voice/data networking, fiber optics, emergency power systems, UPS, security systems, CCTV, fire alarm, and commercial/industrial facility building systems with the support of design teams consisting of junior engineers, designers, and drafters.
  • Coordinate closely with clients, project managers, and other discipline leads to ensure seamless project delivery.
  • Act as technical mentor, providing guidance, coaching, and work delegation to staff and assistant electrical engineers.
  • Apply expert knowledge of commonly used electrical engineering/design concepts, principles, practices, codes, and procedures within the electrical engineering services industry.
  • Provide quality reviews of engineering drawings, specifications, studies, estimates, etc., on drinking water, wastewater, distribution & collection systems, and industrial water and wastewater projects.
  • Perform power supply studies, short-circuit studies, coordination studies, and arc flash studies for treatment and pump station facilities.
  • Develop engineer's opinion of probable construction costs for Electrical portions of projects at various phases of design.
  • Provide construction administration support, including submittal review, procurement, response to Contractor's requests for information, review and approval of change orders, and development of record of construction documents
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplined teams across multiple office locations.
  • Support business development activities by providing input on proposals, project approaches, and project fee development.
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 7 years electrical engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred.
  • Bachelor Degree in Electrical or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and 7 years electrical engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred. 
  • Master Degree in Electrical Engineering and 6 years electrical engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred. 
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures. Strong knowledge of electrical equipment design ANSI and IEEE Standards. Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with leading the discipline design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.
  • Ability to travel to project sites and other office locations as needed, up to 20%. 
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred.

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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