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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is gathering resumes for an Instrument Engineer with willingness to lead projects for the discipline for the Houston, TX Office (this is a mid to senior level ...

POSITION SUMMARY This Senior Instrument Engineer position is for a direct-hire working for HGA in the Baton Rouge, LA office. This position will report to the E&I Dept Manager. Candidate shall have ...

Instrument Engineer

Pasadena, TX ยท On-site

$90 - $130/hr

## Instrument EngineerApplylocations: Pasadena, TXtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob ... Advising the senior engineer concerning design or scope changes, which have been identified.

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Senior Instrument Engineer information

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$79K

$116.8K

$165K

How much do senior instrument engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrument engineer in the United States is $116,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $137,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Senior Instrument Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Instrument Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrument Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Instrument Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Instrument Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Instrument Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Senior Instrument Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,839 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Instrument Engineer

Orbital Engineering, Inc.

Baton Rouge, LA โ€ข On-site

$145 - $165/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Orbital is seeking an Instrument Engineer with 10+ years of experience to support our Instrumentation Department in our Baton Rouge, LA, office. This person would provide technical and project execution oversight for various projects. The position requires project and resource management experience in a consulting environment, and wellโ€‘rounded expertise in heavy industrial retrofit engineering projects in the petrochemical, oil & gas and industrial gas industries.

The position requires the Senior Instrumentation Engineer to perform in varying roles related to personnel management, project management, senior technical support, and customer relationship development.

The ideal candidate will be a high performing, critically thinking, analytical, and experienced selfโ€‘starter with excellent leadership skills, written and oral communication skills, customer service skills, and the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Orbital culture values safety, communication, accountability, professionalism, integrity, and respect.

Essential Functions
  • Responsible for the execution of all activities of the department. Schedule, organize, direct and review all department resources and activities.
  • Hire staff, establish individual goals and expectations, and conduct performance reviews. Direct, develop, supervise and provide technical guidance to all direct reports.
  • Establish and execute operational plans for the department with respect to routine, tools and resources to ensure consistent operations and growth of skill sets.
  • Develop and implement policies, standards and procedures for the engineering and technical work performed in the department.
  • Lead instrumentation project engineering and develop contractor construction packages including instrument datasheets, equipment plans, cable/conduit routing plans, interconnecting wiring diagrams, loop diagrams and scopes of work. For larger projects, coordinate with other engineers and designers as required to execute the scope. Review calculations and deliverables for completeness and accuracy prior to issuance to client.
  • Prepare and guide/supervise the preparation of single or multidiscipline engineering proposals including development of scopes of work, project schedules and cost estimates.
  • Prepare, review and/or check engineering calculations, designs, drawings and other project documents related to this specific discipline on projects as required.
  • Develop, maintain and upgrade technical standards/specifications to be used on specific projects, as well as centralized design basis and historical references.
  • Provide enhanced customer support as a technical liaison and support regional business development initiatives as a technical resource.
  • Support the organization through interaction with managers and staff at other Orbital offices, including recruiting and training efforts.
  • Ensure all department operational and project activities are completed in accordance with Orbitalโ€™s Project Management system through implementation and enforcement of stated policies and requirements.
  • Lead projects with a variety of durations, prioritizing both longโ€‘term planning, as well as provide leadership in a fastโ€‘paced engineering environment requiring expedited turnaround.
Other Duties

Please note that this job posting does not list all duties and responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Systems or Industrial Engineering from an accredited university is required.
  • A minimum of 10 years senior level engineering experience in the heavy industrial environments and marketplaces served is required.
  • Successful experience in leadership roles managing engineering teams and/or engineering departments is also required, preferably in a consulting engineering environment.
  • Superior communication and interpersonal skills with clients and engineering personnel are essential.
  • Project management experience including an understanding/use of project management and project control principles/tools is also preferred.
  • Knowledge and application of standards (ISA) that apply to instrumentation and controls and the current version of the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC).
  • Proficient in reading, understanding and revising engineering deliverables including P&IDโ€™s and PFDโ€™s. specifications and data sheets for instrumentation, analyzers, and actuated valves, Cabinet Fabrication Drawings, Instrument Loop Diagrams, Logic diagrams, Instrument Installation Details, etc.
  • Experience and knowledge to specify equipment required for control systems (PLCโ€™s/DCSโ€™s) and attend FAT/SAT for that equipment.
  • Experience with SmartPlant Instrumentation (INTOOLS) or similar software
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License is preferred
Location Note:

This is an onโ€‘site or hybrid position. Compensation is based on market data and internal equity and may vary depending on the candidateโ€™s location.

Salary Range:

$145,000 - $165,000 annually (based on experience, qualifications, and location)

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and workโ€‘life balance. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; a 401(k)-retirement savings plan; and supplemental insurance options. We also provide companyโ€‘paid life and AD&D insurance, companyโ€‘paid shortโ€‘term disability coverage, and a generous paid time off program to ensure you have the support and flexibility you need both professionally and personally.

About Orbital:

Powered by People, Driven by Solutions

Since 1969, Orbital has been specializing in project development, project execution and asset management for the heavy industrial sectors and utilities. Our regional offices, handsโ€‘on mentality, and worldโ€‘wide integrated teams provide an ability to leverage subject matter experts and industry bestโ€‘practices wherever a project may lie geographically. Our focus steadfastly remains on finding and delivering the best solution, regardless of where that team sits across our organization. At Orbital, our power is our people.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

#LI-Hybrid

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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