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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bart & Associates

Senior Software Engineer (TERPS)

Mclean, VA · On-site

$123K - $163K/yr

Job Summary B&A is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) Production Software . This is a full-time, ...

CoVar

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Senior Machine Learning Engineer Location: McLean, VA (hybrid); occasional travel to Durham, NC and ... Deploy models to production (typically on the edge), instrument for monitoring, and iterate with CI ...

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All JobsInstrument Engineer JobsSenior Instrument Engineer JobsSenior Instrument Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Instrument Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$78.3K

$115.8K

$163.6K

How much do senior instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrument engineer in Virginia is $115,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $135,800.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Senior Instrument Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Instrument Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,837 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Senior Instrument & Controls Specialist - Water (Richmond)

Burns & McDonnell

Richmond, VA

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction

Job description

The Senior Instrument & Controls (I&C) Specialist will lead multi-disciplinary or controls-specific engineering teams to develop Instrument & Controls design packages, perform calculations and develop solutions in support of maintenance or capital projects in a variety of locations.

  • Lead preparation of control systems (DCS and/or PLC), Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and instrument contracts.
  • Manage control system retrofits and migrations.
  • Develop detailed scope documents to identify how the upgrade/migration will be executed.
  • Lead preparation of instrumentation design deliverables, including Instrument List, Instrument Construction Specifications, Instrument Installation Details, and Instrument Location Plans.
  • Develop piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID's) and equipment subcontract package specifications.
  • Manage instrument and control system specifications, instrument and instrument valve data sheets, request for quotation (RFQ) and technical bid summaries.
  • Design control system logic and configuration, graphic interfaces, and Input/Output (I/O) lists.
  • Manage vendor I/O and instrument lists; coordinate I/O to determine partitioning of the control system hardware.
  • Manage verification of design calculations, project studies and report preparation.
  • Lead development of specifications and site study for design of systems; provide assistance with P&ID design including instrumentation and related mechanical design.
  • Evaluate technical bids and managing vendor contracts.
  • Review and approve vendor drawings.
  • Plan and conduct Factory Acceptance Tests, control wiring design, and logic design.
  • Provide technical assistance during commissioning at project site.
  • Manage quality reviews of project submittals.
  • Manage sales and marketing efforts and identify key pursuits.
  • 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.
  • Bachelor Degree in Engineering Technology or related degree from an accredited program and 7 years of power generation engineering experience, consulting preferred required.
  • Strong knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Expert in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Strong in engineering design software skills including AutoCAD, BIM (Revit), 3D Rendering Programs and electrical analysis programs.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
  • Must meet standards to qualify for and maintain the Company's vehicle driving privileges as outlined in the Company's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy.
  • Valid driver's license required.

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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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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