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Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coordinating instrumentation engineering activities with multidisciplinary teams (process, electrical, mechanical, piping, automation) to ensure integrated project delivery. * Communicating ...

Instrumentation Engineer The Instrumentation Engineer is a self-motivated, proactive professional ... Integrate instrumentation with mechanical, fluid, inert gas, and cryogenic systems * Develop robust ...

Instrumentation Engineer The Instrumentation Engineer is a self-motivated, proactive professional ... Integrate instrumentation with mechanical, fluid, inert gas, and cryogenic systems * Develop robust ...

Instrumentation Engineer The Instrumentation Engineer is a self-motivated, proactive professional ... Integrate instrumentation with mechanical, fluid, inert gas, and cryogenic systems * Develop robust ...

Instrumentation Engineer The Instrumentation Engineer is a self-motivated, proactive professional ... Integrate instrumentation with mechanical, fluid, inert gas, and cryogenic systems * Develop robust ...

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Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do mechanical instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical instrumentation engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical instrumentation engineer?

Mechanical Instrumentation Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing, developing, installing, and maintaining instruments and control systems used to monitor and control mechanical processes. They work in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation, and automotive sectors to ensure accurate measurement and regulation of variables like temperature, pressure, and flow. Their expertise bridges the gap between mechanical engineering and instrumentation technology, ensuring systems operate efficiently, safely, and reliably.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical instrumentation engineer?

To thrive as a Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, instrumentation design, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as AutoCAD, PLC programming, and industry standards like ISA, as well as certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP), is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in multidisciplinary teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These skills ensure accurate measurement, reliable process automation, and efficient maintenance, which are crucial for safety and productivity in engineering environments.

What are some typical challenges mechanical instrumentation engineers face when integrating new instrumentation systems into existing industrial processes?

Mechanical Instrumentation Engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning new instrumentation with legacy equipment, ensuring system compatibility, and minimizing downtime during integration. They must coordinate closely with operations, maintenance, and process engineering teams to develop solutions that address space constraints, compliance requirements, and data communication issues. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential, as each project can present unique technical and logistical hurdles that require creative and collaborative approaches.

What is the difference between Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer vs Mechanical Maintenance Engineer?

AspectMechanical Instrumentation EngineerMechanical Maintenance Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical or Instrumentation Engineering, certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, certifications like Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
Work EnvironmentDesign, install, and troubleshoot instrumentation systems in industrial plantsMaintain and repair mechanical equipment and systems in manufacturing or plant facilities
Industry UsageOil & gas, petrochemical, manufacturingManufacturing, power plants, industrial facilities

While both roles work within industrial settings, Mechanical Instrumentation Engineers focus on instrumentation systems and control devices, whereas Mechanical Maintenance Engineers handle the upkeep and repair of mechanical equipment. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities are hiring for Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

For Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Sr. Electro-Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$62K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and integrate high-precision inertial instruments for advanced guidance applications.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop prototypes, characterize performance, and deliver production-ready instruments.

  • Design experiments and develop processes for the fabrication of custom-designed instruments.


Job description

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

As Draper continues to grow we're hiring experienced engineers with expertise in sensor and instrumentation technology to support programs from early concept development through manufacturing and deployment.
As a Hardware Instrumentation Engineer you will play a critical role in the design, development, integration, and production of high-precision inertial instruments for advanced guidance applications. You will work closely with cross-functional teams of engineers and physicists to develop next-generation gyroscopes, accelerometers, and guidance-aiding sensors, building and characterizing prototypes, developing production rollout strategies, and ultimately delivering production hardened instruments that meet some of the world's most stringent performance and reliability requirements.
This role spans the full product lifecycle and are seeking someone with hands-on technical experience across sensor development, electro-mechanical and solid-state device design, control systems, sensor readout electronics, mechanical design, and system integration. Experience with MEMS or solid-state sensor technologies, precision instrumentation, and performance characterization is highly valued. Knowledge of optical displacement sensing technologies is a plus.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction to design and develop precision instruments.
Actively mentor less experienced Hardware Instrument engineers.
Designs experiments, and experimental precision instruments to prove which design concepts are viable and optimal.
Collaborates with other engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware to meet the application needs.
Collaborates with other groups to integrate precision instruments into larger systems, delivering on performance metrics.
Develops initial processes for the fabrication of custom designed instruments.
Drafts and presents formal technical documents, reports, and testing results to manager for approval.
Provides training related to devices to employees, sub-contractors and/or customers.
Performs independent research when needed for solving problems.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
Understanding of the design, development, and application of a wide variety of instruments.
Understanding of the processes used in the fabrication of precision instrument hardware.
Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer-aided design (CAD) software, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.
Education
Requires a bachelors degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering required; Masters or PhD degree preferred.
Experience
Requires 5-10 years of experience in Hardware Instrument Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description:

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing and developing electro-mechanical or electromagnetic instrumentation systems

  • Working knowledge of control system electronics and mechanical design principles; FEA experience preferred

  • Exposure to optical displacement sensing technologies is desirable

  • Demonstrated experience with novel or emerging technologies that advance fabrication, assembly, miniaturization, or system integration

  • Highly self-motivated with the ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment

  • Interest in mentoring students and junior engineers

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief technical and non-technical audiences

  • Proven track record of technical leadership, creativity, and inventiveness

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$62,500.00 - $245,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.