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Lead Instrument Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operations Superintendent / Turnover Lead Instrument & Controls Technician Commissioning / Startup ... Verify systems are designed, installed, and tested in accordance with project specifications ...

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Sr. Instrumentation Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

... designs, specifications, and sizing of process instrumentation, including control valves and on/off ... Lead instrument projects and manage client technical meetings and presentations • Develop and ...

Sr. Instrumentation Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

... designs, specifications, and sizing of process instrumentation, including control valves and on/off ... Lead instrument projects and manage client technical meetings and presentations • Develop and ...

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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
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.
I&C Technician: V

I&C Technician: V

Apidel Technologies

Sabine Pass, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description:
Location: Onsite TWIC Required Area
Department: Operations / Project Turnover
Reports To: Operations Superintendent / Turnover Lead
Instrument & Controls Technician Commissioning / Startup
Position Summary
The I&C Technician is responsible for execution of commissioning, turnover, and startup activities supporting LNG facility operations. This role ensures instrumentation, analyzers, and control systems are installed, tested, calibrated, and fully functional to support safe and reliable plant startup. The technician is expected to take ownership of system completion, quality, and operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee the execution of loop checks, calibration, functional testing, and commissioning of instrumentation and control systems, including GE Mark VI turbine controls.
Verify systems are designed, installed, and tested in accordance with project specifications, procedures, and company standards.
Drive system completion and turnover by validating documentation, punch closure, and readiness for Operations acceptance.
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve instrumentation and control system issues impacting commissioning and startup.
Ensure proper preservation, protection, and storage of instruments and analyzers through construction and commissioning phases.
Perform witnessing of regulatory and operational testing; verify records are maintained in compliance with plant and environmental requirements.
Interface directly with Operations, Engineering, and Construction to ensure alignment on system readiness and startup priorities.
Support turbine and process unit startup, including integration of Mark VI control systems with plant DCS and field instrumentation.
Track and verify material requests and critical spares required for commissioning and startup activities.
Role may require extended hours, nightshift support, and field execution during critical commissioning and startup milestones.
Minimum Requirements
5+ years I&C experience in , gas processing, or cryogenic facilities, with direct commissioning/startup involvement
Demonstrated hands-on experience with:
Instrument calibration, loop checks, and functional testing
GE Mark VI
Online analyzers (GCs, moisture, gas quality)
Process measurement (pressure, temperature, flow, level)
Turnover and system completion processes
Key Competencies
Strong working knowledge of LNG process systems and plant equipment
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop drawings, and control narratives
Ownership mindset with focus on safe, reliable startup execution
Strong troubleshooting and problem resolution skills in a live plant environment
Commitment to safety, procedure compliance, and quality workmanship
Ability to perform under dynamic startup conditions
Effective interface coordination across Operations, Construction, Commissioning, and Engineering
Work schedule: M-F, 12-hour days.
Duration: Through August 2027.
Interview process: One round, in-person but virtual if needed.
Interview availability: ASAP.


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About Apidel Technologies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We understand that attracting, qualifying, placing, and retaining the best candidates for our clients requires exceptional talent. That’s why our highly skilled and dedicated recruitment team works tirelessly to develop lifelong associations with all candidates and clients. We prioritize helping our employees achieve their career goals while providing effective staffing solutions to our clients and candidates. At Apidel, we believe in simple yet established core values that are ingrained within each member of our team. These values are time and again illustrated in our approach to employees, candidates, and clients. Our unwavering belief that our core values of integrity, client satisfaction, innovation, and intellect distinguish us from our competitors is what drives us forward. We remain focused on improving and sustaining a measurable client satisfaction program that has created an organizational culture where our associates provide world-class service every day.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Plainfield, IL, US

Year founded

2012