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Lead Instrument Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cajun Industries

Instrument Engineer I

Tyler, TX

Develop preliminary designs, instrument indexes, material take-offs, and estimate-level ... Communicate design concerns, scope changes, and technical issues to the lead or senior engineer as ...

Cajun Industries

Instrument Engineer I

Tyler, TX · On-site

Develop preliminary designs, instrument indexes, material take-offs, and estimate-level ... Communicate design concerns, scope changes, and technical issues to the lead or senior engineer as ...

CVR Energy, Inc.

Instrument Engineer

Wynnewood, OK · On-site

Lead and manage the plantwide Instrument Bad Actor Program to enhance overall instrument ... Evaluates, designs, specifies and makes cost estimates, to prepare and submit project AFEs

Cajun Industries

Instrument Engineer I

Tyler, TX

Develop preliminary designs, instrument indexes, material take-offs, and estimate-level ... Communicate design concerns, scope changes, and technical issues to the lead or senior engineer as ...

Orbital

Instrument Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Lead instrumentation project engineering and develop contractor construction packages including ... Prepare, review and/or check engineering calculations, designs, drawings and other project ...

Arthrex

Sr. Engineer I - Packaging

Naples, FL · On-site

Lead Instrument Case project when Instrument Case is a standalone MPI. * Provide support for ... Advanced capabilities in designing complex packaging designs and packaging instructions using a CAD ...

ARTHREX

Sr. Engineer I - Packaging

Naples, FL · On-site

Lead Instrument Case project when Instrument Case is a standalone MPI. * Provide support for ... Advanced capabilities in designing complex packaging designs and packaging instructions using a CAD ...

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All JobsLead Instrument Designer Jobs

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 25, 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.

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 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.

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.

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.
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
Instrument Design Physicist - Mass Spectrometry

Instrument Design Physicist - Mass Spectrometry

Agilent

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$175K - $274K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Agilent Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 520 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description

Join a premier measurement company focused on improving the quality of life and the world around us by bringing great science to life. Agilent, a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied markets, is seeking an experiencedInstrument Design Physicistwith a focus onMass Spectrometryto join an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers supporting new product development.

This role offers a compelling opportunity for an experienced instrument designer to lead, influence, and advance Agilent's Mass Spectrometry portfolio. In this position, you will leverage your scientific and engineering expertise, technical leadership, collaboration and communication skills, and industry knowledge to help define and execute the vision for Agilent's technology development inHigh-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Key Responsibilities

  • Initiate, design, and execute scientific research and development strategies to create devices, products, applications, and/or services related to mass spectrometry optics and overall instrument design.

  • Apply a wide range of scientific principles and concepts to inventions, products, and technical challenges, including ionization and ion optics, vacuum systems, ion detection systems, high-voltage power supplies, RF electrodes, and digitizer systems.

  • Investigate, evaluate, and test discoveries through experimentation and application of scientific knowledge.

  • Share knowledge and expertise with team members across functions and business divisions.

  • Troubleshoot equipment and products to validate data collection processes and resolve technical issues.

  • Maintain broad awareness of state-of-the-art principles, theories, and academic and industrial developments in mass spectrometry.

  • Contribute to scientific literature and professional forums, including publications, application notes, and presentations at conferences and symposia.

  • Participate in the development of patent applications and other intellectual property disclosures.

  • Interface with cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, Product Support, Manufacturing) and serve as an internal technical consultant.

  • Travel to manufacturing facilities to support new product development and resolve technical issues.

  • Visit customers to gather insights that inform product development and to support issue resolution.

  • Provide technical due diligence assessments, including intellectual property reviews, for technology licensing and acquisition opportunities.

Qualifications

  • PhD in Physics or a closely related scientific discipline.

  • Typically, at least 10+ years of relevant experience for entry to this level.

  • Demonstrated success in ion optics design, including optimization across multiple performance dimensions.

  • Deep understanding of and hands-on experience with Mass Spectrometry detector technologies, including MCPbased detectors.

  • Experience working with highvoltage power supplies and RF power supplies, including an understanding of performance characteristics that influence Mass Spectrometry system design and performance.

  • Practical experience with highvacuum system design practices relevant to Mass Spectrometry applications.

  • Proficiency with simulation tools such as SIMION, ANSYS, or equivalent.

  • Strong Python programming capability.

  • Solid knowledge of relevant materials science concepts applicable to Mass Spectrometry systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced or specialized experience leading scientific or technical development initiatives in Mass Spectrometry.

  • Demonstrated ability to influence systemlevel design decisions through crossdisciplinary technical expertise.

Additional Details

This job has a full time weekly schedule. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least June 30, 2026 or until the job is no longer posted.The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $175,968.00 - $274,950.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locationsAgilent Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and merit-based employer that values individuals of all backgrounds at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive in the workplace where everyone is welcome, and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email job_posting@agilent.com or contact +1-262-754-5030. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit www.agilent.com/en/accessibility.Travel Required: OccasionalShift: DayDuration: No End DateJob Function: R&D

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