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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Overview The Instrument & Controls (I&C) Engineer is responsible for defining appropriate ... Ability to work and build credibility across the business, up to and including senior management ...

About the role As a Senior Specialist Software Engineer you will help drive the development of our ... Contribute to the technical design and architecture of Rothera's core instrument management ...

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About the role As a Senior Specialist Software Engineer you will help drive the development of our ... Contribute to the technical design and architecture of Rothera's core instrument management ...

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

$126K - $166K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join a high-impact digital payments modernization ... Instrument and validate services running on Java, Oracle, Tomcat, and WebSphere as well as modern ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Instrument Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$76.6K

$113.2K

$159.9K

How much do senior instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrument engineer in Illinois is $113,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $132,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior instrument engineer do?

A Senior Instrument Engineer is responsible for designing, specifying, installing, and maintaining instrumentation and control systems used in industrial processes. They ensure that these systems function efficiently, safely, and reliably to monitor and control variables such as pressure, temperature, and flow. Senior Instrument Engineers often lead projects, troubleshoot complex issues, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers. They also collaborate with other engineering disciplines to optimize process performance and comply with industry standards.

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

To thrive as a Senior Instrument Engineer, you typically need a degree in engineering (often electrical, instrumentation, or control engineering) and extensive experience with instrumentation design, installation, and maintenance. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as PLCs, DCS, CAD software, and familiarity with relevant codes and certifications like ISA or IEC are essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help coordinate teams and interface with other engineering disciplines. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of complex industrial processes.

What are some common challenges faced by senior instrument engineers when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Senior Instrument Engineers often encounter challenges coordinating with other engineering disciplines, such as process, electrical, and mechanical teams, to ensure instrumentation specifications align with overall project requirements. Integrating new instrumentation technologies into existing systems while maintaining compliance with safety and industry standards can also be demanding. Effective communication, strong project management skills, and adaptability are essential to successfully navigate these complexities and ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget.

What is the difference between Senior Instrument Engineer vs Instrument Technician?

AspectSenior Instrument EngineerInstrument Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Engineering, certifications like CSE or ISATechnical diploma or associate degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, troubleshooting in industrial plantsInstallation, maintenance, calibration on-site
Industry UsageEngineering firms, oil & gas, manufacturingRefineries, power plants, process industries

While both roles involve instrumentation, the Senior Instrument Engineer focuses on design, planning, and troubleshooting at a higher level, often overseeing projects. The Instrument Technician handles hands-on installation, maintenance, and calibration tasks. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Senior Instrument Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Senior Instrument Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Instrument Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,220 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Senior Instrument & Controls Engineer - Mission Critical

Chicago, IL • On-site

Burns & McDonnell
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees

$99K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Burns & McDonnell is a company comprised of more than 14,000 engineers, architects, construction professionals, scientists, consultants, and entrepreneurs with offices across the country and throughout the world. Burns & McDonnell's Mission Critical team was ranked #2 by the ENR in 2023. We have exciting opportunities for those interested in growing their careers in one of the most fast-paced, innovative sectors of high-tech building design and construction. Project focus would be mission-critical data center projects. This opportunity hires directly into our Mission Critical team and into a multibillion-dollar industry that is growing exponentially. Data Centers are an aggressive market for Burns & McDonnell and are highlighted by several priority articles on our site. Mission Critical is an international practice for Burns & McDonnell involving exciting, collaborative work across many departments.

The Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer will lead either multi-disciplinary or controls-specific engineering teams to develop and review Instrument & Controls Engineering design packages, perform calculations and develop engineering solutions in support of capital and retrofit projects in a variety of locations. Work duties can consist of any of the following depending on client, project, and consultant role:

  • Lead development of design drawings and specifications for design of primarily HVAC control systems and EPMS, for both PLC-based systems and DDC-based systems (System is client-specific).
  • Coordinate with mechanical and electrical design teams to develop Sequences of Operations and Point Lists for HVAC control and electrical monitoring of equipment and systems.
  • Create engineering drawings for control panel and field wiring designs including installation details, bill of material, and P&IDs.
  • Manage quality reviews of project submittals.
  • Evaluate technical bids and managing vendor and sub-consultant contracts.
  • Review and approving of vendor and sub-consultant drawings, including Sequences of Operation, Points Lists, Engineering Drawings, Bill of Materials, Graphics, and Test Scripts.
  • Participate in Software Bench Tests, Software Factory Acceptance Tests, and Equipment Factory Witness Tests.
  • Provide technical assistance during commissioning at project site.
  • Ensure compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Facilitate multi-consultant and Owner meetings for design changes and implementation.
  • Lead production of engineering drawings using Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD Electrical, or ePlan.
  • Manages small projects.
  • Responsible for quality assurance, review and improvements and the coordination of tasks and personnel.
  • Resolves RFIs and develop work plans.
  • Ensures adherence to client and industry standards and applies client or industry standards, guidelines, specifications, practices and procedures in preparing designs.
  • Builds relationships at all levels and mentor staff.
  • Bachelor 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
  • Master Degree in Electrical Engineering and 6 years electrical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred. Required
  • Experience designing BAS systems for large and complex projects.
  • 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.

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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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