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Scientific Instrumentation Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

You'll lead engineering teams while developing instrumentation, electrical, and control system designs for clients in industries including semiconductor, life sciences, food & beverage, and data ...

You'll lead engineering teams while developing instrumentation, electrical, and control system designs for clients in industries including semiconductor, life sciences, food & beverage, and data ...

You'll lead engineering teams while developing instrumentation, electrical, and control system designs for clients in industries including semiconductor, life sciences, food & beverage, and data ...

The engineer researches systems ideas and draws up plans for instrumentation and control. The ... Experience in industries such as Life Sciences, Building Automation, Food and Beverage, and ...

The engineer researches systems ideas and draws up plans for instrumentation and control. The ... Experience in industries such as Life Sciences, Building Automation, Food and Beverage, and ...

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Scientific Instrumentation information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$30

$81

How much do scientific instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific instrumentation in Portland, OR is $30.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $31.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrumentation scientist?

An instrumentation scientist designs, develops, and maintains scientific instruments used in research and industry. They often work with complex equipment, such as sensors, detectors, and measurement systems, requiring knowledge of physics, engineering, and data analysis. Their role ensures accurate data collection and instrument performance in laboratory or field environments.

What is the highest paid job in science?

In scientific instrumentation, senior roles such as Director of Scientific Instrumentation or Chief Scientific Officer tend to be among the highest paid, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership responsibilities in research facilities or industry settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Scientific Instrumentation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Scientific Instrumentation, a strong background in physics, engineering, or a related scientific field, along with hands-on experience in instrument design and troubleshooting, is essential. Familiarity with CAD software, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and certifications such as ISO 17025 are typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the accuracy, reliability, and innovation necessary for developing and maintaining complex scientific equipment in research and industry settings.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Principal Investigators typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong management skills, and they oversee research projects, staff, and budgets.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in scientific instrumentation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in scientific instrumentation often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions, staying current with rapidly evolving technologies, and ensuring precise calibration for accurate results. Addressing these challenges typically involves continuous training, collaborating closely with research scientists and engineers, and maintaining detailed documentation. Developing strong problem-solving skills and leveraging manufacturer support networks can also help professionals efficiently resolve technical issues and keep instruments running optimally.

What is the difference between Scientific Instrumentation vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectScientific InstrumentationLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTechnical degrees, certifications in instrumentation or engineeringAssociate's or bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, R&D labs, technical serviceResearch labs, clinical, educational institutions
Employer & Industry UsageInstrument manufacturers, research institutionsHospitals, universities, research facilities
Common Search & ComparisonTechnical roles in instrumentationLab support roles

Scientific Instrumentation involves designing, maintaining, and repairing complex scientific devices, often requiring specialized technical certifications. Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing and support research activities in lab settings. While both work in scientific environments, Scientific Instrumentation focuses on technical expertise with equipment, whereas Laboratory Technicians handle sample processing and data collection.

What jobs can you get with an instrumentation degree?

A degree in scientific instrumentation can lead to roles such as instrumentation engineer, laboratory technician, calibration specialist, or research scientist. These jobs typically involve working with measurement devices, data analysis, and maintaining complex equipment in research, manufacturing, or healthcare environments.

What is scientific instrumentation?

Scientific instrumentation refers to the design, development, and use of devices and equipment that measure, analyze, or control physical, chemical, or biological processes in scientific research and industrial applications. These instruments include spectrometers, microscopes, chromatographs, and sensors, among others. Professionals in this field work on ensuring accuracy, precision, and reliability of measurements, often collaborating with scientists and engineers. Their expertise is crucial in laboratories, manufacturing, healthcare, and environmental monitoring, enabling advances in research and technology.
Infographic showing various Scientific Instrumentation job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,512 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Barry Wehmiller Group

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Us:

BW Design Group is a fully integrated architecture, engineering, construction, system integration, and consulting firm committed to helping our clients realize their most critical goals from Strategy to Commercialization. As the only firm born from a manufacturing technology company to become an independent and fully integrated firm, we combine deep domain expertise in the manufacturing environment with an approach that is built to serve the dynamic needs of our clients. Rooted in our distinct culture of Truly Human Leadership, we cultivate the leaders who will define tomorrow and partner with our clients in the food & beverage, life sciences, industrial, and advanced technology industries to build the future of manufacturing and technology.


 

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.


 

Job Description:

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Who You'll Work With

You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1500 professionals, and work in teams and directly with our clients doing work that is shaping the world around us. You will be welcomed into a rapidly growing business and team and empowered to make an impact. You will be valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world-class professional consultant and surrounded by leaders who are committed to creating an environment that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment.

When you join Design Group as an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help the world's leading companies solve their most difficult problems. You will join our Architecture/Engineering Process Practice and partner with seasoned leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts to deliver the highest quality solutions to our clients with consistency and accuracy.

What You'll Do

You'll work individually and in teams to support capital projects and implement solutions for our clients. Together, you will help our clients make critical changes to improve their performance and realize their most important goals.

  • Develop and design control systems for our clients in the food and beverage, consumer health, life science, or advanced technology sectors

  • Provide engineering solutions for control systems and PLC\SCADA interface systems that meet and exceed our clients' requirements for safety and optimization

  • Lead design and estimation for the preliminary and detailed phases of projects

  • Conduct system and facility engineering job walk assessments

  • Develop and design engineering solutions for equipment optimization

  • Design systems that will monitor pressure, temperature, humidity, and flow in a manufacturing environment

  • Conduct root cause failure analyses

  • Document process requirements for instrumentation equipment

  • Interface effectively with engineering design team members and client representatives

  • Make an impact day-to-day with your skills and expertise, strengthening that relationship with our clients and team

What You'll Bring

  • A minimum of three years of experience leading I&C design and estimation for the programming phase of projects

  • Experience with Rockwell Automation hardware and software

  • Experience with mechanical, electrical and process (MEP) systems and working with MEP engineers and technicians

  • Experience with multi-disciplinary large capital projects involving owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators

  • A sound understanding of design/build (engineering and construction)

  • A solid understanding of complex process systems architecture & design, instrumentation, device selection, networking, PLC & I/O architectures, P&IDs, data sheets, and SCADA

  • A working knowledge of environments common in large industrial applications such as dry/wet mechanical, awn, gas/chem distribution, HVAC, and clean room environmental control

  • Proficiency in written and verbal technical communication, including generating reports and conducting group presentations.

  • A willingness to travel for project requirements including installation and start-up activities, client and company sponsored meetings, trainings, industry related seminars, forums, and conventions

  • A bachelor of science in electrical, chemical, or mechanical engineering, OR a degree emphasizing process control and instrumentation, OR equivalent work experience in process control and instrumentation in life science or advanced technology manufacturing

  • A professional engineer (PE) license or an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification (preferred)

Our culture and commitment to our people is what sets us apart. We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the individual and collective success of our professionals. Our model and entrepreneurial mindset offer a rewarding, challenging, and highly flexible path. As a Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program, Individual Development Plans, and Career Path resources and tools. You will be surrounded by exceptional talent who will support your development as both a world-class engineer and a highly effective leader.

Feel like you're on the path to becoming an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer but you're not quite there yet? We'd love to connect with you to see if we can take you from where you are today and grow you into a Design Group Engineering Consultant.

#LI-CD1

The approximate pay range for this position is $80,000-$130,000. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position.


 

At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.


 

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.


Company:

Design Group