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Overnight Instrument Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Willingness and Availability to travel; overnight travel up to 50-75% per month. Must possess a ... Ideal Candidate would have (1-5 years of experience) in FSE instrument repair and field work.

Field Service Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$57K - $113K/yr

Willingness and Availability to travel; overnight travel up to 50-75% per month. Must possess a ... Ideal Candidate would have (1-5 years of experience) in FSE instrument repair and field work.

Willingness and Availability to travel; overnight travel up to 50-75% per month. Must possess a ... Ideal Candidate would have (1-5 years of experience) in FSE instrument repair and field work.

Willingness and Availability to travel; overnight travel up to 50-75% per month. Must possess a ... Ideal Candidate would have (1-5 years of experience) in FSE instrument repair and field work.

Overnight Instrument Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12.9K

$108.1K

$168.9K

How much do overnight instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for overnight instrument engineer in Chicago, IL is $108,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What does an Overnight Instrument Engineer do?

An Overnight Instrument Engineer is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation and control systems during overnight shifts in industrial settings such as refineries, manufacturing plants, or laboratories. Their duties include ensuring all instruments are functioning correctly, performing routine calibrations, and responding to technical issues that arise outside of regular business hours. They play a crucial role in maintaining operational efficiency and safety during nighttime operations, often working independently or as part of a small team.

What is the difference between Overnight Instrument Engineer vs Day Shift Instrument Engineer?

AspectOvernight Instrument EngineerDay Shift Instrument Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires same certifications (e.g., Instrumentation Certification, Technical Degree)Same as overnight role
Work EnvironmentWorks during night hours, often in industrial plants or manufacturing facilitiesWorks during daytime hours in similar environments
Employer & IndustryCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, chemical plantsSame industries, different shift timing
Work ScheduleNight shift, often with shift rotationsDay shift, regular hours

Both Overnight and Day Shift Instrument Engineers require similar skills and certifications, but differ mainly in work hours. The overnight role involves working during night hours, which may impact work-life balance, while the day shift offers more traditional hours. Employers in manufacturing, oil & gas, and chemical industries frequently employ both shift types to ensure continuous operations.

Are instrumentation engineers in demand?

Instrumentation engineers are in demand across industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and power generation due to their expertise in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems and instrumentation. The role often requires knowledge of automation tools, calibration, and safety standards, and job growth is driven by ongoing technological advancements and infrastructure development.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Roles in management or with significant technical expertise and responsibility can also reach or exceed this salary level.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Overnight Instrument Engineers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Overnight Instrument Engineers often face unique challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment failures with limited on-site support and working independently during non-standard hours. Effective communication with day-shift teams, maintaining detailed logs, and using remote support tools are essential strategies for managing these situations. Additionally, staying proactive with preventative maintenance and regular system checks can help minimize unexpected issues. Building strong relationships with other overnight staff and being adaptable to changing priorities are also key to success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Overnight Instrument Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Overnight Instrument Engineer, you need a solid background in instrumentation engineering, troubleshooting, and process control, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and calibration tools is commonly required, along with certifications like ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST). Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently during off-hours are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring reliable plant operations, minimizing downtime, and safely addressing instrumentation issues during overnight shifts.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Overnight Instrument Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Overnight Instrument Engineer job openings:

Senior Substation Protection & Control Field Engineer - Greater Chicago, Illinois Area

Orbital Engineering, Inc.

Whiting, IN

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Title:

Senior Substation Protection & Control Field Engineer

Location:

Hybrid - Whiting, Indiana / Greater Chicago, IL

FLSA Classification

Exempt

Job Description:

Orbital is currently seeking a Senior Substation Protection & Control Field Engineer to support projects in the Greater Chicago area. The position may be filled at the Senior Engineer I through Senior Engineer III level, based on the candidate's experience criteria detailed below.

This position is responsible for the guiding the installation, testing, and maintenance of the protection and control and substations systems that safeguard customer electric transmission, distribution, and generation infrastructure. Performs startup and commissioning of new T&D equipment. Performs P&C system troubleshooting and problem correction. Investigates electric system events and protection operations. Performs NERC compliance activities. Documents and reviews compliance requirements. Performs fieldwork in an industrial setting with exposure to high voltage, electromagnetic fields, and hazardous materials. Work schedule can include extended hours or overnight stays out of the area.

Essential Functions

  • Reviews project design drawings and verifies field wiring to ensure strict adherence to proper protective relaying practices and Orbital or customer standards.
  • Provides onsite engineering support and directs various operating and construction personnel to ensure that all substation electrical equipment is installed, tested, and operates properly.
  • Designs control scheme logic and creates protective relaying schematic diagrams for new substations or renovation projects for temporary protection purposes during construction outages.
  • Performs acceptance, calibration, functional testing and final load checks of protective relays and control schemes for new substations or renovation projects.
  • Performs field acceptance testing of new substation equipment (power transformers, high voltage circuit breakers, instrument transformers, voltage regulators, circuit reclosers, capacitor banks, and motor operated switches).
  • Performs scheduled inspection and functional test maintenance of protective relays and equipment control systems to ensure continued reliability.
  • Maintains, calibrates and repairs the system monitoring equipment (Digital Fault Recorders and Sequential Event Recorders) located at critical transmission substations.
  • Maintains, calibrates and repairs the electronic controls used in voltage regulating, power factor correction and circuit recloser equipment.
  • Provides technical assistance and engineering services to various departments within the organization and to industrial and commercial customers.
  • Documents all equipment test data and maintains the most current version of substation electrical prints.
  • Provides the field-testing of the recommended ground grid installation to ensure adherence to design parameters.
  • Conducts substation power transformer loading and voltage surveys and maintains system distribution voltage levels in proper adjustment.
  • Responds promptly to investigate and provide solutions to field problems with protective relaying control schemes or other substation equipment.

Other Duties

Please note that this job posting does not list all duties and responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required for Selection:

Qualifications at the Sr Level I Engineer:

  • Knowledge normally acquired through a formal engineering curriculum: BS Degree in Electrical Engineering or BS Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Consideration will be given to two-year degrees with experience in electric system protection/control or other relevant experience.
  • A minimum of seven (7) years of total relevant experience with (5) years Substation Field Engineering Experience. Responsible experience requires evidence of critical decision-making skills without supervisory intervention and a mastery of the knowledge/skills required.

Qualifications at the Sr Level II Engineer:

  • Requirements as for Sr. Level I plus a minimum of ten (10) years of total relevant experience with eight (8) years Substation Field Engineering Experience. Responsible experience requires evidence of critical decision-making skills without supervisory intervention and a mastery of the knowledge/skills required.

Qualifications at the Sr Level III Engineer:

  • Requirements as for Sr. Level II plus a minimum of fifteen (15) years of total relevant experience with twelve (12) years Substation Field Engineering Experience. Responsible experience requires evidence of critical decision-making skills without supervisory intervention and a mastery of the knowledge/skills required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required for Selection:

  • Ability to investigate and analyze assigned technical issues and apply basic electrical engineering principles to recommend sound solutions.
  • Ability to read and interpret electric schematics and wiring diagrams
  • Knowledge of electrical engineering principles including: 3-phase circuit theory, energy systems, electronics theory and equipment troubleshooting concepts.
  • Specific knowledge of system configuration and operation of electric transmission and distribution facilities.
  • Specific knowledge of protective relaying principles and testing concepts.
  • Ability to devise and apply specific test procedures related to protective relay control systems and their associated elements.
  • Ability to troubleshoot relay control schemes in a logical manner.
  • Ability to operate complex electrical test and measurement equipment and accurately interpret results.
  • Organizational and planning skills to plan workload and logically layout project schedules.
  • Good and written communication skills for interfacing with company personnel or outside customers.
  • Working knowledge of electrical equipment clearance request procedures.
  • Working knowledge of safety policies/procedures, material/supply systems, and electric/material standards.
  • Specific knowledge of both typical and engineering PC applications.
  • Basic knowledge of SCADA/RTU control systems and microwave/power line carrier/fiber optic communication systems.
  • Ability to plan, organize and complete complex projects on schedule with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to effectively complete multiple projects concurrently.
  • Ability to effectively work independently or as a member of a team or as a team leader.
  • Communication and motivation skills to lead technical personnel.
  • Ability to work with customers or contractors on major projects and explain complex technical issues.

This position requires the ability to pass a post-offer drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test in compliance with Federal regulations and is also subject to random testing as a condition of continued employment.

Location Note:

This is an in-office or hybrid position. Compensation is based on market data and internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s location.

Salary Range:

$97,000-192,000 annually (based on experience, qualifications, and location)

Benefits:

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; a 401(k)-retirement savings plan; and supplemental insurance options. We also provide company-paid life and AD&D insurance, company-paid short-term disability coverage, and a generous paid time off program to ensure you have the support and flexibility you need both professionally and personally.

About Orbital:
Powered by People, Driven by Solutions

Since 1969, Orbital has been specializing in project development, project execution and asset management for the heavy industrial sectors and utilities. Our regional offices, hands-on mentality, and world-wide integrated teams provide an ability to leverage subject matter experts and industry best-practices wherever a project may lie geographically. Our focus steadfastly remains on finding and delivering the best solution, regardless of where that team sits across our organization. At Orbital, our power is our people.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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