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Senior Instrument Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$170K - $240K/yr

Description The Senior Instrument & Controls (I&C) Engineer will work with either controls-specific or multi-discipline engineering teams to develop Instrument & Controls Engineering design packages ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$103K - $134K/yr

The Senior Electrical Engineer is responsible for leading electrical design efforts, providing ... Instrument Engineer experience is a plus. Key responsibilities * Analyze project scopes and ...

Description The Senior Instrument & Controls (I&C) Specialist will lead multi-disciplinary or controls-specific engineering teams to develop Instrument & Controls design packages, perform ...

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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 Sep 13, 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:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Instrument Engineer jobs?

For Senior Instrument Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,839 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Senior Instrument & Controls Engineer - Power (Denver)

Denver, CO • On-site

Burns & McDonnell
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees

$170K - $240K/yr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

The Senior Instrument & Controls (I&C) Engineer will work with either controls-specific or multi-discipline engineering teams to develop Instrument & Controls Engineering design packages, perform calculations and develop engineering solutions in support of maintenance or capital projects in a variety of locations. The I&C department supports Energy’s business markets in Gas and Heavy Industrials, Energy Storage, Solar, Hydro, Nuclear, and Carbon Reduction.

Job Duties:

  • Compliance with company and site safety policies.

  • Lead both small and large controls projects from both technical and project management perspectives.

  • Lead controls design for multi-discipline projects.

  • Prepare control systems (DCS and/or PLC), Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and instrumentation contracts.

  • Perform control system retrofits and migrations.

  • Develop detailed scope documents to identify how the upgrade/migration will be executed.

  • Prepare instrumentation design deliverables, including instrument list, instrument data sheets, instrument installation details, 3D modeling, and instrument location plans.

  • Prepare controls design deliverables, including input/output (I/O) list, logic diagrams, graphic sketches, alarm management, and control system programming.

  • Prepare electrical design deliverables, including cable schedule, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and installation packages.

  • Participate in the development of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID's) and equipment subcontract package specifications.

  • Manage instrumentation and control system contracts, including specification development, bid evaluation, contract administration, submittal reviews, factory acceptance testing, site supervision, and contract closeout.

  • Verify and perform design calculations, project studies and report preparation.

  • Perform detailed quality reviews of project submittals.

  • Perform on-site logic and graphic configuration.

  • Perform I/O checkout and functional testing of devices during commissioning at project site.

  • Complete all assigned safety and job-related training materials.

  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering from an accredited program and seven (7) years of related experience required.

  • Completion of a master's degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

  • Professionally registered engineer (PE) recommended.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Hands-on familiarity with control systems found in power generation facilities is recommended.

  • Ability to clearly communicate both verbal and written technical information.

  • Must be proficient with computer software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).

  • Travel requirements – 30%

Compensation

$170,000.00-240,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. Burns & McDonnell’s PTO program includes the paid sick leave entitlements provided under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Additionally, as part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page. This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Instrumentation & Controls Engineering

Primary Location US-CO-Denver

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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