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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Serviss

Senior Data Pipeline Engineer (Elastic)

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$121K - $165K/yr

Senior Data Pipeline Engineer Location: Washington D.C. Area / Remote Employment Type: Full-Time ... Instrument pipelines with monitoring, alerting, and logging so data-flow issues are detected and ...

CertiPath Inc

Senior AWS Platform Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior AWS Platform Engineer to lead the design, security, and ... Instrument Prometheus/Grafana stacks, monitor runner pod lifecycle, build performance, and cluster ...

Hubbell Incorporated

Senior Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Job Overview The Senior Software Engineer develops and tests software systems or applications for ... Instrument and operate your services (OpenTelemetry/metrics/logs/traces); define SLOs, dashboards ...

Hubbell Incorporated

Senior Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Job Overview The Senior Software Engineer develops and tests software systems or applications for ... Instrument and operate your services (OpenTelemetry/metrics/logs/traces); define SLOs, dashboards ...

FAREVA

Senior Calibration Tech

Henrico, VA

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Director of Engineering & Maintenance General Purpose Maintains plant manufacturing, packaging ... Follow written calibration procedures to detect, report, and eliminate variations in instrument ...

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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 Control Systems Engineer

RoviSys Building Technologies

Manassas, VA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Senior Control Systems Engineers are responsible for designing and leading building automation projects.


Instrumentation & Electrical Design

  • Create instrument lists by examining P&ID drawings
  • Compile submittal and procurement documentation for controls and instrument hardware
  • Provide technical support for panel fabrication technicians
  • Inspect completed control enclosures

System Design and Configuration

  • Participate in customer design review meetings
  • Assemble development system using project hardware and computers
  • Configure user interface and HMI screens
  • Configure DDC, PLC and/or DCS control algorithms
  • Draft system documentation from templates
  • Assist is customer demonstrations and acceptance testing

Onsite System Startup

  • Works in a supervised role and/or with a team at a customer site
  • Install project software and configuration onto site systems
  • Participate in point-to-point loop checks
  • Perform instrumentation and software calibration and tuning
  • Participate in functional tests of all systems
  • Troubleshoot installation discrepancies
  • Program field modifications as required
  • Assist with developing commissioning test plans and documentation updates/redlines
  • Assist with developing training documentation/presentation on operations and maintenance of system

Technical Experience:

  • Bachelors Degree in a technical field or related Technical Degree
  • 8+ years of experience in related field/industry
  • Controls Experience in at least one of the following:
    • Rockwell: FactoryTalk Suite, RS Logix/Studio 5000, familiarity with PlantPAx DCS
    • Aveva System Platform
    • Inductive Ignition Perspective
    • Distech: Experience with BACnet and LON Distech controllers, Eclypse Controllers
  • Other useful technologies include:
    • Johnson Controls: Facility Explorer or Metasys controllers
    • Tridium: Niagara N4
    • SQL
    • Scripting languages (VBA, Python, etc.)
    • Knowledge of Kepware OPC server, ThinManager, VMware is preferred.

HVAC Experience/Knowledge:

  • Basic understanding of HVAC systems in large building automation systems.
  • Understanding of sequence of operations and P&IDs for HVAC and plant utilities.
  • Experience with functional testing, including the ability to create, maintain, and execute test plans.
  • Experience with specifying instrumentation and control valves for HVAC systems

  • Competitive Base Salary: $100,000–$150,000, depending on experience 

  • Performance Bonuses: Bonus structure designed to reward results 

  • Travel Perks: Travel incentives + per-diem packages for field assignments 

  • Full Benefits Package: Medical, dental, and vision coverage 

  • Retirement Ready: 401(k) with company match 

  • Time Off: Generous PTO which includes vacation, holidays, and unlimited personal time 

  • Grow With Us: Ongoing training, certifications, and professional development support 

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