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Junior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Senior Controls & Instrumentation Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Mentor junior and mid-level engineers on engineering and business development processes ... Experience selecting, specifying, and procuring process instrumentation and actuation hardware ...

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Junior Instrumentation Engineer information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior instrumentation engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Junior Instrumentation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Instrumentation Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Instrumentation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Instrumentation Engineer jobs include:
Junior Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Instrumentation Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Senior Geotechnical Instrumentation Engineer

Senior Geotechnical Instrumentation Engineer

TERRACON

Plymouth, MN • On-site

$114K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Terracon rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 57 rated business consultants

Job description


Lead Complex Instrumentation Solutions with Terracon. Terracon is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Instrumentation Engineer to provide technical leadership and advanced engineering expertise in the design, implementation, and interpretation of geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring programs.
In this role, you will lead engineering and consulting services for a broad array of projects and clients, with a focus on instrumentation-driven design support and performance monitoring. Responsibilities include development of monitoring strategies, advanced data evaluation, and delivery of clear, defensible engineering recommendations that inform design, construction, and risk management decisions.
You will work as part of highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams on large and often complex projects across Terracon's national footprint. This includes coordinating with engineers, geologists, construction professionals, and national technical resources to deliver integrated instrumentation solutions on major infrastructure, energy, and development projects.
What You'll Lead & Deliver
  • Lead the design and implementation of geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring programs (e.g., vibrating wire piezometers, inclinometers, extensometers, settlement systems, automated monitoring platforms).
  • Develop project-specific monitoring strategies to address construction risks, performance verification, and long-term monitoring objectives.
  • Perform advanced engineering analysis of instrumentation data, including trend evaluation, threshold development, and interpretation of complex behavior.
  • Provide technical oversight for instrumentation installation, construction observation, and system performance verification.
  • Prepare and review detailed technical reports summarizing findings, performance trends, and engineering recommendations.
  • Serve as a technical expert supporting large-scale projects requiring instrumentation-driven decision-making.
  • Collaborate across offices and disciplines to deliver consistent, high-quality instrumentation services on national projects.
  • Support proposal development, including scopes of work, budgets, and technical approaches for complex instrumentation programs.

This role can be offered as remote, in-person, or hybrid
Responsibilities
  • Lead safety efforts and promote a strong safety culture across all projects; ensure adherence to safety standards and pre-task planning.
  • Provide leadership for quality management, ensuring consistency and excellence in instrumentation program design, data interpretation, and reporting.
  • Serve as a senior-level engineering professional responsible for complex and specialized project assignments.
  • Plan, schedule, and direct engineering work involving instrumentation on projects of moderate to large scale and complexity.
  • Provide technical direction and mentoring to junior engineers and project staff.
  • Review and approve instrumentation-related analyses, reports, and recommendations.
  • Evaluate complex field and instrumentation data for inclusion in engineering analyses and reports.
  • Interact directly with clients and project teams to define scope, communicate project progress, and present findings.
  • Support and lead multidisciplinary collaboration across multiple Terracon offices and project teams.
  • Participate in marketing, business development, and client relationship management.
  • Supervise junior engineering staff.
  • Serve as (or work toward) a Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer (APR) and provide technical review consistent with APR standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Geological, or related Engineering field.
  • Minimum 8-11+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering, including significant experience in instrumentation and monitoring.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) registration required.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and implementing instrumentation programs for construction and performance monitoring.
  • Strong expertise in interpreting complex instrumentation datasets and translating findings into engineering recommendations.
  • Proven ability to lead technical efforts on large or complex projects.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to communicate complex issues to diverse audiences.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
  • Experience with automated data acquisition systems, remote monitoring platforms, and real-time dashboards.
  • Experience supporting major infrastructure projects (e.g., deep excavations, embankments, dams, pipelines, solar developments).
  • Progress toward or attainment of Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer (APR) status.

About Us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
About the Team
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located. From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.

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