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Principal Instrument Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seeds Renewables

$181K - $208K/yr

In this high-impact role, you will drive the technical exploration of new payload and instrument ... Drive and support early-stage execution of R&D activities/proposals as Principal Investigator.

PacBio

Principal Electrical Systems Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$163K - $200K/yr

Principal Electrical Systems Engineer At PacBio we create the world's most advanced sequencing ... Create and maintain instrument system level electronic block diagrams. * Define, design, document ...

PacBio

Principal Electrical Systems Engineer

Menlo Park, CA

$163K - $200K/yr

Principal Electrical Systems Engineer At PacBio we create the world's most advanced sequencing ... Create and maintain instrument system level electronic block diagrams. * Define, design, document ...

Ralliant

Principal Platform Engineer

Principal Platform Engineer Software Platforms General Overview AI is collapsing the cost of ... Own reliability, security, and cost for the services you build: define SLIs and SLOs, instrument ...

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Principal Instrument Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal instrument engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal instrument engineer?

Principal Instrument Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for designing, specifying, and overseeing the installation and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems in industrial settings, such as oil and gas, chemical, or manufacturing plants. They lead engineering teams, ensure compliance with industry standards, and provide technical expertise for complex projects. Their duties often include project management, technical support, and mentoring junior staff, making them key contributors to the safe and efficient operation of plant processes.

How does a principal instrument engineer typically contribute to cross-disciplinary project teams?

As a Principal Instrument Engineer, you'll play a pivotal role in multidisciplinary teams by providing expert guidance on the design, selection, and integration of instrumentation systems. You’ll often collaborate closely with process, electrical, and control engineers to ensure instrumentation aligns with project requirements and safety standards. Your input is essential during project planning, design reviews, and troubleshooting phases, ensuring systems are reliable and compliant. Effective communication and leadership skills are key, as you may mentor junior engineers and coordinate with vendors or contractors to deliver successful outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal instrument engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Instrument Engineer, you need deep expertise in instrumentation engineering, project management experience, and a relevant engineering degree or professional certification. Familiarity with industry standards (such as ISA or IEC), design software (like AutoCAD or SPI/Intools), and safety systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing teams and interfacing with stakeholders. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of complex instrumentation projects in industrial environments.

What is the difference between Principal Instrument Engineer vs Instrument Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Instrument EngineerInstrument Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Engineering, often with professional certificationsBachelor's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLead role in project design, oversight, and technical decision-makingExecution of instrumentation installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Industry UsageUsed in large-scale projects, oil & gas, petrochemical, and manufacturingCommonly employed in plant operations, maintenance, and fieldwork

The Principal Instrument Engineer typically holds a senior technical role with leadership responsibilities, focusing on design and project oversight. In contrast, the Instrument Engineer is more involved in hands-on installation and maintenance tasks. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and are vital in industrial settings, but the Principal Instrument Engineer often supervises and guides the work of Instrument Engineers.

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What are popular job titles related to Principal Instrument Engineer jobs?

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Principal Instrument Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Instrument Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Instrument Technician

Wahpeton, ND

Minn-Dak Farmer's Cooperative
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Minn-Dak Farmer's Cooperativeexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in performing instrumentation, industrial computer, and electrical maintenance and construction tasks.

  • Complete reports, keep work areas clean, and report operational or safety issues to supervisors.

  • Develop process, electrical, instrumentation, and programming skills through training and on-the-job experience.

Job description

$1,000.00 SIGN ON BONUS!

Summary

This position assists in performing instrumentation, industrial computer, and electrical maintenance and construction as directed.

Principal Working Relationships

  • Supervisor: Instrumentation/Industrial Computer Supervisor, Electrical Supervisor, Electrical and Electronics Engineer
  • Others: Instrument Technician, Industrial Computer Technician, Electricians, Operations Management, Operations personnel

Essential Job Duties

  • The Controls Technician V assists Instrument Technicians, Industrial Computer Technicians, and Electricians in their jobs.
  • The Controls Technician V must strive to obtain the necessary qualifications needed to obtain the position of Instrument Technician, Industrial Computer Technician, or Electrician
  • The Controls Technician V will do some maintenance and construction jobs on their own as their knowledge, skills, and experience progress.
  • Keep work areas clean.
  • Complete reports as required.
  • Develop the process, electrical, instrumentation, and programming skills of self and others through training.
  • Use people, time, equipment, and material in the most efficient manner.
  • Report mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, environmental, food safety, feed safety, and operational problems, and unsafe conditions to supervisor.
  • Other duties as required by the business.
  • Adhere to all company policies and all safety, food safety, feed safety, and sanitation rules and programs

Qualifications

  • Two-year degree or diploma in a technical field associated with the Principal Objective from an approved trade or technical school or equivalent work experience.
  • Leadership and judgment qualities required.
  • Process related experience and basic sugar processing knowledge desired.
  • Should be motivated, willing, enthusiastic, and promotable.
  • Good attendance, safety, disciplinary, and overall employment records.
  • Ability to communicate and work cohesively with others.
  • Typical skills needed:
  1. Blueprint Reading
  2. Electrical Theory
  3. Power Supplies
  4. Basic Measurement Instrumentation
  5. Force, Weight, and Motion Measurement
  6. Level Measurement
  7. Final Control Elements
  8. Elements of Mechanics
  9. Electrical Measurements
  10. Energy Conservation
  11. Motor and Generator Maintenance
  12. Electrical Protective Devices
  13. Math
  14. Bearings
  15. Motor and generator maintenance
  16. Electrical Controls
  17. Electronic Theory
  18. Pneumatics
  19. Process Control
  20. Pressure Measurement
  21. Flow Measurement
  22. Temperature Measurement
  23. Safety Calibration and Testing
  24. Basic Sugar Processing
  25. Lubrication
  26. Electrical Troubleshooting
  27. AC and DC Circuitry
  28. Rigging
  29. Transformers
  30. Heating and Cooling Systems
  31. Electrical Construction
  32. Variable frequency drives (VFD’s)
  33. Programmable logic controllers (PLC’s)
  34. Electrical classified areas
  • Organized with excellent time management skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels

Physical Demands and Expectations

•  Able to stand or walk on concrete floors for an entire eight hour shift if necessary

•  Able to bend and lift – 20 to 100 pounds

•  Able to climb stairs

•  Able to work in temperature extremes (cold and hot)

•  Able to work in noisy and dusty conditions

•  Able to work on rotating shifts up to six days per week.  A normal shift will consist of eight hours with a scheduled sixth day every four weeks


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