1

Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$126.60K - $166.90K/yr

This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy working close to the platform, automating everything ... Instrument workloads and platform components with metrics, health checks, and standardized ...

Responsibilities Peraton Labs is seeking a Senior AI/ML Software Engineer to join the Labs Agentic ... Instrument agent pipelines with OpenTelemetry tracing, provenance audit trails, and observability ...

Responsibilities Peraton Labs is seeking a Senior AI/ML Software Engineer to join the Labs Agentic ... Instrument agent pipelines with OpenTelemetry tracing, provenance audit trails, and observability ...

Responsibilities Peraton Labs is seeking a Senior AI/ML Software Engineer to join the Labs Agentic ... Instrument agent pipelines with OpenTelemetry tracing, provenance audit trails, and observability ...

Responsibilities Peraton Labs is seeking a Senior AI/ML Software Engineer to join the Labs Agentic ... Instrument agent pipelines with OpenTelemetry tracing, provenance audit trails, and observability ...

Partner with product, engineering, and domain experts to translate business needs into feasible ... Design online experiments and quasi-experimental analyses; instrument and monitor business KPIs to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Instrument Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$89.5K

$132.3K

$186.9K

How much do senior instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrument engineer in Washington is $132,331.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,500.00 and $155,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Instrument Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Senior Instrument Engineer job openings:
Program Management & Systems Engineer

Program Management & Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Greenbelt, MD

$151.30K - $226.90K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Civil Systems NASA Programs Division (NPD) Space Missions Directorate (SMD) oversees the success of multi-agency operational satellite programs for which NASA leads mission system development and integration. The directorate supports a broad portfolio of missions, including Landsat, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Observations, Space Weather Observations (SWO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) Observations, that rely on seamlessly integrated systems. These systems combine spacecraft buses, instrument suites, ground stations, and command, control, and data processing networks, all managed by a global team of engineers and operations staff. Success in these complex programs depends on a disciplined, systems-engineering approach that carefully coordinates development, procurement, systems integration, operational readiness, and the transition to full operation.

SMD is looking for anotherSenior Project Engineer(Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering)to solve our customers' hard problems that cross organizational and/or technical boundaries. The selected candidate(s) will support one or multiple mission areas that best align with their skills, experience, and ability to make immediate and significant contributions. Potential areas of assignment include geostationary and/or low earth orbit weather satellites, land imaging satellites, cislunar communication and navigation,space science missions,and science data archival.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site inGreenbelt, MDlocatedatGoddard Space FlightCenter

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Collaborate with mission stakeholders toascertaintheir highest risks and hardest problems; team with Aerospace, Contractor, and Government contributors to mitigate these risks and solve these problems.
  • Provide technical leadership to flight and/or ground system concept, architecture, design, development, integration, test, operations, and/or sustainment.
  • Work with Aerospace's Engineering and Technology Group to develop proofs of concept and prototypes todemonstrateinnovative solutions.
  • Support pertinent data collection, analysis, evaluation, anomaly identification, resolution, and risk assessment.
  • Assistcustomers with system performance tracking at the enterprise level.
  • Assist the Government to plan, manage, and execute programs and projects
  • Accomplish regular reporting to SMD customers and Aerospace senior management, with focus on results and their impact on the problem(s)

What You Need to be Successful:Senior Project Engineer- Engineering Program Management and Systems Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or equivalent
  • 12 or more years of progressively responsible professional experience with credible success in one or more of the following areas:
  • Spacecraft, Instrument, and/or Ground Systems Engineering
  • Mission Readiness and/or Flight Operations for Spaceborne Missions
  • Science and/or operational data processing, distribution, and archival
  • Civil or military application of Spaceborne Data (i.e.weather forecasts, crop production,etc)
  • Program and/or Project Management
  • Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically approx.10%
  • Willing to work on-site at NASA GSFC or the Aerospace office in Greenbelt, MD
  • This position may require the ability to obtain andmaintaina security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Advanced degree(s) in engineering, physical science, or equivalent technical discipline
  • Proventrack recordof solving complex, ill-defined problems
  • Outstanding communication skills: listening, writing, and presenting

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.