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Senior Instrument Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY This Senior Instrument Engineer position is for a direct-hire working for HGA in ... Direct designers and drafters in the production of construction drawing packages per industry and ...

Develop preliminary designs, instrument indexes, material take-offs, and estimate-level ... Communicate design concerns, scope changes, and technical issues to the lead or senior engineer as ...

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Senior Instrument Designer information

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$59K

$105.9K

$131K

How much do senior instrument designer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrument designer in the United States is $105,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Senior Instrument Designer job?

A Senior Instrument Designer is responsible for designing and developing instrumentation and control systems for industrial projects. They create detailed drawings, specifications, and layouts for equipment such as sensors, valves, and control panels. Their role involves collaborating with engineers, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and overseeing the installation process. They typically use specialized design software like AutoCAD or SmartPlant to produce accurate schematics. Additionally, they may provide technical guidance to junior designers and coordinate with other disciplines to ensure seamless project execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Senior Instrument Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Instrument Designer, you need a strong background in instrumentation design, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and knowledge of industry codes, supported by a relevant engineering degree or diploma. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SPI (SmartPlant Instrumentation), and familiarity with ISA standards are typically required, and certifications in these areas can be advantageous. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary engineering teams are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure the accurate development and integration of complex instrument systems, helping projects meet safety, quality, and timeline expectations.

What does a typical workday look like for a Senior Instrument Designer?

A typical day for a Senior Instrument Designer involves creating and reviewing detailed instrument drawings, developing and updating P&IDs, and coordinating with engineers and project managers to ensure design consistency and compliance with project specifications. You may spend time attending meetings to resolve design challenges, mentoring junior designers, and working with procurement teams to specify instrument components. Additionally, regular site visits or virtual walk-downs may be required to verify instrument locations and support construction or commissioning activities. This role offers a dynamic mix of technical design, collaboration, and problem-solving within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
What cities are hiring for Senior Instrument Designer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Instrument Designer job openings:
What states have the most Senior Instrument Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Instrument Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Instrument Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Instrument Designer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior Instrument Designer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $105,882 per year, or $50.9 per hour.
Senior Instrument & Controls Engineer - Mission Critical (New York City)

Senior Instrument & Controls Engineer - Mission Critical (New York City)

Burns & McDonnell

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 77 rated construction


Job description

Description
The Senior Instrument & Controls (I&C) Engineer will lead design teams to create world class designs for grassroots and revamp/brown field refining and chemical projects. The Senior I&C Engineer will lead the design team throughout the Engineering/design, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) process, adapting I&C plans according to assigned budget, schedule, engineering/design standards, and client requirements. The Senior I&C Engineer will lead in providing deliverables for Front End Planning (FEP) and Detailed Design phases and support construction phase.
  • Lead the production of instrumentation engineering/design deliverables, including Instrument Index, Instrument Data Sheets, Instrument Installation Details, Instrument Location Plans, Wiring Diagrams, and Loop Diagrams.
  • Lead the production of control systems (DCS and/or PLC) and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) Data Sheets.
  • Lead the production of controls design deliverables, including I/O list, Process Control Narratives, Graphic Sketches, Cause & Effect Diagrams, Alarm Rationalization, and manage third party control system suppliers to comply with the control system design requirements, including participating in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).
  • Lead the production of I&C purchase specifications, review bids, make technical recommendations and manage the overall purchase, review of I&C packages, and review of vendor documentation.
  • Manage the development of P&ID's for various projects.
  • Determine process measurements protocols, such as temperature, pressure, flow, level, analyzers, and control valves. Utilize knowledge of various technologies for selecting the appropriate I&C application.
  • Lead production of preliminary sizing calculations for instruments such as orifice plates, controls valves, relief valves, and thermowells.
  • Develop level sketches in conjunction with multiple departments.
  • Responsible for applying knowledge of commonly used I&C engineering/design concepts, principles, practices, codes, and procedures within the engineering services industry.
  • Quality review production drawings for a variety of projects and project related data as required by the project managers to verify corrections are made within multiple CAD related software.
  • Quality review the construction administration including coordination with field personnel to resolve design related installation issues, calculations, field inspections and testing of electrical systems.
  • Leads field inspections, installation, measurements or calculations for public and private clients.
  • Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
  • Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers and contractors and develop new business opportunities. Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
  • Participate sales and marketing efforts and identify key pursuits.
  • Lead the development of cost proposals and qualification statements to achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
  • Prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates. Report project performance.
  • Responsible for effective communication with other engineering disciplines.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and instruction to less experienced staff.
  • Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 7 years electrical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred. Required or
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and 7 years electrical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred. Required or
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering and 6 years electrical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred. Required or
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures. Strong knowledge of electrical equipment design ANSI and IEEE Standards. Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with leading the discipline design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.
  • Ability to travel. accredited program.
  • Must have or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred.

Compensation
$190,000.00-260,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Instrumentation & Controls Engineering
Primary Location US-NY-Manhattan
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 262125
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-DNP #GFS

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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