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Lead Instrument Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Audubon Companies

Instrument Designer, Senior

Houston, TX · On-site

$86K - $92K/yr

The Instrument Designer, Sr will Perform assignments associated with designing instrument equipment ... Large project lead experience preferred. * Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively ...

Audubon Companies

Instrument Designer, Senior

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $104K/yr

The Instrument Designer, Sr will Perform assignments associated with designing instrument equipment ... Large project lead experience preferred. * Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively ...

Audubon Companies

Instrument Designer, Senior

Houston, TX · On-site

$86K - $92K/yr

The Instrument Designer, Sr will Perform assignments associated with designing instrument equipment ... Large project lead experience preferred. * Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively ...

CB&I

Instrumentation Designer

Plainfield, IL · On-site

Overview The Instrument and Controls Designer is responsible for ensuring the Hexagon SmartPlant 3D ... Lead/Project Engineers. Responsibilities * Read and understand Process and Instrument Diagrams (P ...

General Motors

Design Manager, Instrumentation

Warren, MI · On-site

$134K - $207K/yr

Lead, support, and develop a team of designers focused on driver instrumentation , coaching both project outcomes and individual growth. * Own the design strategy and execution for digital instrument ...

HGA

Instrumentation Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Candidate shall have experience in the PetroChemical industry as the Lead Instrument/Control ... Direct designers and drafters in the production of construction drawing packages per industry and ...

Matthey

SCAT Engineer 11

Devon, PA · On-site

Lead instrument designs including data acquisition and control systems. Install corrective engineering measures and full testing protocols for all safety systems. Lead all Job Safety Analysis ...

Johnson Matthey

SCAT Engineer 11

Devon, PA · On-site

Lead instrument designs including data acquisition and control systems. Install corrective engineering measures and full testing protocols for all safety systems. Lead all Job Safety Analysis ...

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Lead Instrument Designer information

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$42K

$91.2K

$157K

How much do lead instrument designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead instrument designer in the United States is $91,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Instrument Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Instrument Designer, you need a deep understanding of instrumentation design principles, process control systems, and relevant engineering standards, usually supported by a degree in engineering or equivalent experience. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SPI (SmartPlant Instrumentation), and knowledge of industry codes like ISA and IEC is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and collaborate with multidisciplinary stakeholders. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient project delivery and compliance with safety and quality standards.

How does a Lead Instrument Designer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

A Lead Instrument Designer works closely with process, electrical, and mechanical engineers to ensure that instrumentation layouts and specifications align with broader project requirements. Collaboration often involves participating in interdisciplinary meetings, reviewing design documents, and coordinating on-site installation details. This cross-team communication is crucial for resolving interface issues and integrating instrumentation systems seamlessly into overall plant or facility designs. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as the role frequently requires balancing technical input from multiple stakeholders.

What are Lead Instrument Designers?

Lead Instrument Designers are specialized professionals responsible for overseeing the design and layout of instrumentation systems in industrial projects, such as those in oil and gas, petrochemical, or manufacturing facilities. They lead teams in creating detailed drawings, selecting appropriate instruments, and ensuring systems meet project specifications and industry standards. Their role often includes coordinating with engineers, project managers, and other disciplines to ensure accurate integration of instrumentation with overall plant operations. By managing both technical and supervisory tasks, Lead Instrument Designers play a crucial role in delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective instrumentation solutions.

What is the difference between Lead Instrument Designer vs Instrument Designer?

AspectLead Instrument DesignerInstrument Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, with experience in instrumentation designRequires similar educational background, often with less experience
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, coordinates teams, and oversees design processes in industrial or manufacturing settingsPerforms design tasks under supervision, focusing on creating instrument layouts and specifications
Industry UsageCommonly found in large industrial plants, oil & gas, and manufacturing sectorsUsed across similar industries, often in smaller projects or teams

The main difference is that the Lead Instrument Designer oversees and manages the design process, while the Instrument Designer focuses on executing specific design tasks. The lead role involves more responsibility, coordination, and project management, whereas the instrument designer concentrates on technical design work within a team.

More about Lead Instrument Designer jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Instrument Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Instrument Designer jobs are:
Lead Instrument Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Instrument Designer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,161 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Instrument Designer, Senior

Instrument Designer, Senior

Audubon Companies

Houston, TX • On-site

$86K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Audubon is currently seeking a Instrument Designer, Sr to join our team in our South Houston, TX Office. The Instrument Designer, Sr will Perform assignments associated with designing instrument equipment, components, structures or systems.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Prepare complete design packages which may include, but not be limited to, preliminary, conceptual, and construction deliverables as well as engineering calculations.
  • Prepare detailed drawings of parts and assemblies from layouts, designs and working drawings including necessary projections, sectional views and standard specifications.
  • Interpret verbal or written direction to initiate a preliminary design.
  • Perform sizing and electrical load calculations such as cable sizing, conduit sizing, voltage drop, and cable tray using charts and tables, as required to complete work assignments.
  • Develop or assist in the development of control circuits for instrument components, logic controllers, and relays.
  • Review and optimize the application and function of instruments.
  • Check detailed sketches and drawings for project applicability and optimal construction.
  • Check and verify accuracy of drawings prepared by others.
  • Prepare parts lists, procurement lists, bills of material (BOM) and specifications when drawings are complete.
  • Revise lists, drawings and BOM consistent with engineering changes.
  • Implement revisions and change control per company standards at the direction of senior level designers and engineers.
  • Assemble information and reference drawings from a variety of sources.
  • Continually look for product improvements and cost reductions.
  • Confirm specification and code compliance, equipment compatibility, and optimal cost savings.
  • Assist with performing field surveys, documenting existing conditions, and/or recommending various design solutions.
  • Ensure accuracy of completed drawings before final release and verify drawings meet company and industry standards.
  • Check field red-lined drawings and generate accurate as-built drawings as needed.
  • Review and assist in preparation of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals.
  • Assist with proposal compilation utilizing computer aided design equipment and/or graphic tools to prepare high-level layouts and sketches.
  • Utilize 2D or 3D computer aided design software to create layouts of instrument systems, devices and components, and create fabrication and assembly drawings.
  • Create technical specifications to facilitate the procurement, fabrication, and installation of components.
  • Create documentation required to process Engineering Change Orders (ECO).
  • Utilize engineering sketches, specifications and supporting documents in the designing, detailing, documenting, and verifying of instrument parts, subassemblies, assemblies or system configurations.
  • Identify dimensions, angles, curvatures, tolerances and materials necessary for optimal construction.
  • Analyze the effect of proposed changes for proper fit and/or interference problems and recommend possible solutions or alternate construction options.
  • Produce drawings and deliverables utilizing company standards within project-approved schedule and budget.
  • Complete man-hour estimates for discipline specific scope of work.
  • Maintain proper file management in accordance with company and industry standards.
  • Interact and communicate effectively with clients, subcontractors, vendors and other consultants.
  • Perform field data gathering when required to complete project deliverables within approved project scope and schedule.
  • Track and maintain a continued awareness of overall schedule and budget for assigned projects.
  • Develop detailed design schedules in coordination with the scheduler/planner, engineering, and project management personnel.
  • Confirm that discipline-specific drawing quality is correct, consistent and legible.
  • Comply with all company and client health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) standards as well as federal and local HSSE regulations.
  • Actively participate in company and client hazard identification and observation programs, and immediately report any unsafe acts, conditions or incidents to your supervisor.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Associate's Degree from a Technical Institution preferred.
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience preferred.
  • AutoCAD software experience required.
  • PDMS software experience preferred.
  • Microsoft Office software experience preferred.
  • SPI (Intools) software experience preferred.
  • Field experience required.
  • Experience in offshore oil & gas, onshore gas processing, hydrocarbon storage and transportation, chemical manufacturing or refining industry required.
  • Small/Medium project lead experience required.
  • Large project lead experience preferred.
  • Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work related problems.
  • Ability to comprehend instructions and request clarification as necessary.
  • Ability to work in a team oriented environment.
  • Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea.
  • Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
  • Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
  • Ability to read and understand drawing markups to determine drafting requirements.
  • Ability to utilize conventional drafting tools and CAD software to execute drafting requirements.
  • Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.

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