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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Program Manager

Rockville, MD · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

This role is for a senior technologist-turned-program-manager: someone with deep roots in systems engineering, spacecraft I&T, or instrument development who has grown into full technical, cost, and ...

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 ...

Python programming experience including instrument control, interfacing with SQL databases, and source management best practices * Experience in hardware design an asset * Demonstrated ability to ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Instrument Engineer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$80.8K

$119.5K

$168.7K

How much do senior instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrument engineer in Ashburn, VA is $119,480.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,100.00 and $140,100.00 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.

Infographic showing various Senior Instrument Engineer job openings in Ashburn, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,480 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Senior Control Systems Engineer, Poland AP1000

Bechtel

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

$106K - $154K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Bechtel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Requisition ID:  297939

  • Relocation Authorized:  National - Family
  • Telework Type: Part-Time Telework 
  • Work Location: Reston, VA
  • Salary Range: $106,900 - $154,700 annually (salary range is based on market data; final salary offered is determined by education, experience, and qualifications of the applicant.)
Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. 

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report. 

Project Overview:

Bechtel and Westinghouse Electric Company have partnered to deliver the first AP1000 nuclear power reactors in Poland for our customer, the Polish Entity Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe (PEJ). Bechtel will be the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the project. As the EPC, our responsibilities will include providing the design for the Turbine Island and Balance of Plant as well as the construction of the entire facility.  This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and we are looking for the talent that will help expand Poland’s nuclear base and build a strong and long-lasting energy future for generations to come.  Upon initial hire and onboarding, the position will require full-time presence in the Reston, Virginia project office. Part-Time telework flexibility may be an option as the project progresses.

Job Summary:

As a Senior Control Systems Engineer, you will plan and conduct independent work, requiring judgement in the evaluation, selection, application and adaption of engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria. You will have technical responsibility for interpreting, organizing, and coordinating assignments. You must have a strong working knowledge of the principles and practices related to Control Systems Engineering and understand standard engineering work planning, scheduling, and cost estimating. In this role, you will report to an Engineering Supervisor and will interface and coordinate with other Control Systems work groups, other engineering disciplines, other functional departments, business partners and the client in the development of the design. The ideal candidate will have solid experience in control system design and will be capable of developing design documents that incorporate the applicable design. In addition, it will be required that the candidate have excellent communication skills (both verbal and written), and can be the “face” of Bechtel, promoting our leadership, quality, and safety values, to external partners including vendors, construction companies, and other subcontractors. This role will be based in Reston, VA, with the potential for periodic business travel to Poland offices, business partner offices, supplier facilities and jobsites, as required. #LI-EH1

Major Responsibilities:
  • Designs Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for various plant systems
  • Prepares conceptual studies, designs, reports or proposals​
  • Prepares system design descriptions
  • Specifies and applies instrumentation and control valves
  • Generates instrument data sheets and material requisitions
  • Originates and reviews Control Systems discipline calculations
  • Designs and reviews binary and analog control logic
  • Allocates facility control system I/O
  • Designs and applies instrument installation details
  • Enters data into instrumentation, valve and I/O databases
  • Reviews supplier-provided data and documentation
  • Coordinates Control Systems engineering efforts in assigned areas with specialty groups, other engineering disciplines, suppliers, business partners, the client, Construction and other functional groups​ 
  • Coaches more junior Control Systems team members​
Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Electro-Mechanical Engineering (or other related engineering field) from an accredited university or college and 5-8 years of relevant experience, or 9-12 years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree

Required Knowledge and Skills:
  • Experience in nuclear plant design (commercial power plant or DOE facility)
  • Experience in working with procedures meeting quality assurance programs such as ASME-NQA-1
  • Knowledge of industry and regulatory guides, codes, and standards (e.g., ISA, ASME, ANSI/IEEE, and/or European standards)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 application suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, Visio, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Extensive knowledge of Control Systems Engineering work processes and specifications
  • Willingness to travel on business trips in support of the project
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, planning, and organizational skills
Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.

At Bechtel, our employees enjoy a competitive total rewards package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with optional disability and supplemental insurance options, generous paid time off (160 hours annually, accrued 6.16 hours per pay period), nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, discretionary bonuses, and a well-designed 401K plan with matching and profit-sharing components

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com


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