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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Quantum Space

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 ...

Entarian

Senior Scientist/ Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... Senior Scientist/Engineer to support NOAA operational calibration of sensors on Low Earth Orbiting ... instrument anomalies such as due to space weather events, radio frequency interference, and propose ...

Entarian

Senior Scientist/ Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Entarian is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist/Engineer to support NOAA ... instrument anomalies such as due to space weather events, radio frequency interference, and propose ...

Entarian

Senior Scientist/ Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... Senior Scientist/Engineer to support NOAA operational calibration of sensors on Low Earth Orbiting ... instrument anomalies such as due to space weather events, radio frequency interference, and propose ...

IonQ

Senior Systems and Network Engineer

College Park, MD · Hybrid

$126K - $166K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Systems and Network Engineer to own the classical infrastructure layer ... scientific instrument, a specialist peripheral, or a device with a custom driver * Working ...

IonQ

Senior Systems and Network Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Systems and Network Engineer to own the classical infrastructure layer ... scientific instrument, a specialist peripheral, or a device with a custom driver * Working ...

Remitly

Senior AI Native Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

As a Senior AI Native Software Engineer, you direct AI agents to build products and solutions ... Instrument solutions to track usage and outcomes, iterating based on what you learn * Evaluate AI ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsInstrument Engineer JobsSenior Instrument Engineer JobsSenior Instrument Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Senior Instrument Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$89.5K

$132.3K

$186.8K

How much do senior instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrument engineer in Washington, DC is $132,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,400.00 and $155,100.00 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.

Senior Instrument Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Instrument Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,306 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Sr. AI Operations Engineer

Centurion Consulting Group

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Description Senior Cyber Artificial Intelligence Operations Engineer We are seeking a Cyber Artificial Intelligence Operations Engineer with experience implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for cybersecurity purposes. The ideal candidate will have experience working with a variety of AI technologies and models and will have exceptional working knowledge on the architecture and design requirements to implement AI solutions that support cybersecurity operations (e.g., intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, incident response, vulnerability analysis, security tests and evaluations, etc.). This position will require the successful candidate to work as part of a fusion team that includes cybersecurity practitioners to develop and deliver AI-enabled cybersecurity tools and capabilities

Key Responsibilities Participate in the delivery of cyber-AI solutions as part of an integrated team that includes traditional AI engineers, AI operators, and cybersecurity subject matter experts all working together to deliver AI-enhanced cybersecurity capabilities. Design, implement, deploy, maintain, and evolve AI-enhanced cybersecurity solutions that support a broad range of functions including intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, incident response, insider risk, vulnerability analysis, threat hunting, cyber threat intelligence, and security test and evaluation activities. Instrument AI systems for cybersecurity activities with observability and controllability.

Monitor the performance of AI systems designed for cybersecurity purposes and ensure effectiveness. Analyze, fine-tune and optimize the performance of the AI systems that are designed to support cybersecurity purposes and mission needs Develop analytic products and reports that demonstrate the effectiveness of AI-enabled cybersecurity capabilities to include metrics and technical reports. Required Qualifications 5+ years of experience in AI, data science, software engineering, with knowledge of data structures that support AI and cybersecurity practices 2+ years of experience in a security, information security, or cybersecurity field that involves the defense of technical systems Proficiency with AI infrastructure components, automation tools, and scripting languages such as Python, Bash Familiarity with one or more of the AI frameworks and tools such as AWS Bedrock and Sagemaker, Transformer, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Langchain/Llamaindex Familiarity with open source LLM models, such Llama, Mistral Experience in fine-tuning LLM models Knowledge of AI design patterns Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or other related field is required or related work experience Preferred Qualifications Hands-on experience with DevSecOps and CI/CD practices Experience in AWS cloud architecture design and operation Experience in Terraform, Dockers Kubernetes, and/or Gitlab Demonstrated effective change champion and ability to work effectively with others (including remote employees) to deliver complex, critical strategic IT initiatives Experience operating in government environments that follow NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP, and OMB guidance.

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills Excellent communication and documentation skills Contract Details Period of Performance: July-December 2026 (with possible extension) Location: On-site at Federal Reserve Board, Washington DC Metro Campus Schedule: Monday-Friday during standard business hours

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