1

Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Android Developer

Reston, VA

$60.25 - $76.50/hr

Instrument your code to achieve insight on usage and performance. Utilize software development best ... Android developer tools. Experience developing in Unix/Linux environments. Experience in ...

Sr. Field Technician

Salem, VA

$19 - $26.25/hr

... grounding, instrument transformers, and variance of switches both manual and motor operated ... Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering personnel in order to troubleshoot ...

Sr. Field Technician

Salem, VA ยท On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... grounding, instrument transformers, and variance of switches both manual and motor operated.

Sr. Field Technician

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... grounding, instrument transformers, and variance of switches both manual and motor operated.

Sr. Field Technician

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$21.25 - $29/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... grounding, instrument transformers, and variance of switches both manual and motor operated.

Sr. Field Technician

Richmond, VA

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... grounding, instrument transformers, and variance of switches both manual and motor operated.

Sr. Field Technician

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... grounding, instrument transformers, and variance of switches both manual and motor operated.

Sr. Field Technician

Norfolk, VA

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Electric Power Systems (EPS) is a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering ... grounding, instrument transformers, and variance of switches both manual and motor operated.

Sr. Scientist

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $124K/yr

Knowledgeable about engineering and chemistry/physics principles and uses both interchangeably to ... Must be mechanically/electrically inclined to enable hyphenation of unusual instrument sequences ...

... stays compliant. [Senior / P4 and above: you will also set the patterns, standards, and ... Instrument everything you build with logging, monitoring, evaluations, and guardrails, and resolve ...

... stays compliant. [Senior / P4 and above: you will also set the patterns, standards, and ... Instrument everything you build with logging, monitoring, evaluations, and guardrails, and resolve ...

Your knowledge of the client's goals and objectives will be instrument in discussing any changes to ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field from an accredited institution;

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 5, 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Senior Instrument Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% 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 Electrical Designer

Senior Electrical Designer

Progressive Design

Midlothian, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Progressive Design, Inc. is currently seeking an entrepreneurial spirited Senior Electrical Designer. This is a full time/direct hire position located in Midlothian, Virginia- (Richmond, VA area).
Key Requirements & Responsibilities:
  • Knowledge of the heavy industrial field
  • Experience with AutoCAD software
  • Working knowledge and experience validating NEC and related NFPA code requirements into designs.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for performing electrical design duties on assigned projects including power distribution, machine control design, and instrument and control design.
  • Work closely and develop working relationships with Project Managers, Engineers and Clients toward developing and executing safe, compliant, effective and cost-effective solutions.
  • Understanding Company and Client standards, develop electrical power, controls and instrumentation integration concepts through final project documentation requirements.
  • Develop Construction Cost Estimates.
  • Create materials lists and obtain quotations for design components.
  • Assist Engineers and Project Managers in developing schedules, specifications, design concepts
  • Perform fieldwork and technical research.
  • Understanding of field construction phases and supporting constructability reviews.
  • Maintain project design files; including supplemental vendor documentation and calculation sheets.
  • Certify accuracy and completeness of all deliverable products in assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Collaborate with Engineers and Project Managers toward allocating tasks within department resources.
  • Maintain budget and schedule tracking on multiple concurrent assigned design activities.
Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of heavy industrial electrical design experience
  • Experience with AutoCAD software.
  • Associate's degree in relevant field or applicable certifications preferred
  • 3D CAD experience preferred
  • Bentley MicroStation design software experience
  • Experience in an industrial chemical processing environment is a plus.
  • Ability to read power and motor control circuits.
  • Experience in power, controls and/or instrumentation design (Conduit sizing, loop diagrams, signals & communications integrations, etc.).
  • Experience in performing fieldwork for locating and identifying electrical components, instrumentation and/or related equipment.
  • Knowledge of grounding requirements and practical applications for instrumentation and electrical equipment.
  • Working knowledge of hazardous areas; including Class I and Class II locations.
  • Working knowledge and experience validating NEC and related NFPA code requirements into designs.
  • Experience in project construction and design-hours cost estimating

Benefits:
We offer a fast paced, exciting work environment with a competitive compensation package including: Health Care Benefits, Paid Time Off & Holidays, Flexible work schedules, Work life balance, Paid overtime, Performance based bonus, 401K match and Tuition reimbursement. The salary range for this position is $80k-$120k with a 10% bonus target.
Company Overview:
We hire the best in Engineering & Design! Hands-on experience, years of industry knowledge, continuous training, and commitment to excellence are some of the attributes that make Progressive Design's professional staff the best at what we do. The company has experienced consistent growth and on-going success from hiring the right people that focus on client success, embrace an entrepreneurial spirit and demonstrate the highest integrity.
Progressive Design, Inc. (PDI) is a private, family-owned, Heavy Industrial Engineering & Design Consulting firm that provides valued engineering services. Founded in 1986 by Robert Ranson, Progressive Design has grown to become one of the largest privately held multi-discipline engineering firms in central Virginia. In 2021, Robert's daughter and Progressive Design President, Erica Burgess, acquired ownership and established Progressive Design as a Woman-Owned business.
Our team's knowledge and hands-on experience can take projects from concept to startup. As a full service, multi-discipline engineering consulting firm, we support manufacturing facilities and clients in many key areas including: EPC/Turnkey projects, project feasibility studies, process improvement analysis, new process design, process upgrades, air pollution abatement technology and integration, environmental compliance, product design, industrial capital projects, and detailed project/construction estimates.
We serve Fortune 500 companies in industries such as chemical, tobacco, power, films, fibers, plastics, paper, pharmaceuticals, metals, food and beverage, and discrete manufacturing.