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Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$78.3K

$115.8K

$163.6K

How much do senior instrumentation and controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrumentation and controls engineer in Virginia is $115,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $135,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or control systems engineering, experience with instrumentation design, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency in PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and industry-specific standards (such as ISA or IEC), as well as relevant certifications like PE or ISA CAP, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and coordinate with multidisciplinary stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable automation solutions in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineers in large-scale industrial projects?

Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy systems, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—like process, electrical, and mechanical engineering—is crucial for successful system design and implementation. Balancing technical leadership with hands-on troubleshooting and mentoring junior engineers is also a key aspect of the role, especially when overseeing commissioning and startup phases.

What does a Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer do?

A Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems that monitor and control engineering processes. They work with instruments and control systems to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of manufacturing or industrial facilities. Their work often involves selecting appropriate instrumentation, programming control systems, troubleshooting issues, and leading project teams. In addition, they may be involved in ensuring compliance with safety and industry regulations.

What is the difference between Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer vs Instrumentation And Controls Technician?

AspectSenior Instrumentation And Controls EngineerInstrumentation And Controls Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, professional engineering license often preferredTechnical diploma or associate degree in instrumentation or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, system integration in industrial or manufacturing settingsInstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting of instrumentation systems on-site
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing plants, oil & gas, power generationIndustrial facilities, maintenance companies, plant operations

The Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer typically focuses on system design, project oversight, and engineering analysis, requiring higher education and certifications. In contrast, the Instrumentation And Controls Technician handles hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in responsibilities, qualifications, and work scope.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Progressive Design

Midlothian, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Progressive Design, Inc. is currently seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer. This is a full time/onsite position located in Midlothian, Virginia (Richmond, VA area).
Key Requirements & Responsibilities:
  • Primarily engaged in the design, modeling, and analysis of I & C engineering requirements on small to mid-sized heavy industrial projects.
  • Planning and executing Instrumentation engineering design for field instrumentation, Distributed Control System (DCS), Supervisory control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Integrated Control System (ICS), Fire and Gas, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Telecommunications systems. This entails the preparation of basic design, detailed design of the instrumentation and controls part of the project.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Contribute to the development of P&ID's with respect to measurement and control.
  • Develop control narratives.
  • Specify process instrumentation and develop installation details.
  • Size control valves using appropriate software.
  • Develop specifications and data sheets for instrumentation, analyzers, control systems and actuated valves.
  • Route conduit and cable tray.
  • Calculate tray and conduit fill.
  • Accurately estimate completion of assigned tasks.
  • Develop a construction cost estimate, a detailed engineering schedule and a man-hour budget for a small project or an area for a larger project.
  • Act as discipline engineer of record for projects that require professional engineering certification.
  • Utilize department design and drafting standards.
  • Project scope, specifications and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.
  • Recognize and communicate scope and design changes promptly.
  • Coordinate work activities with other staff members and the discipline lead.
  • Produce detail design calculations and sketches for materials of construction associated with the project. Calculations produced will be neatly prepared and organized for efficient checking by others and efficient use by drafters/designers for preparing drawings and as a deliverable when required.
  • Produce installation specifications.
  • Develop conceptual layouts and cost studies as necessary to determine the simplest, most efficient approach to solving engineering tasks at hand.
  • Check calculations made by other engineers to ensure accuracy, conformance to codes, specifications, design criteria and conformance to good engineering practice.
  • Assist the drafting group in resolving routine layout and detailing problems. It is your responsibility to furnish sufficient sketches and details necessary for completion of engineering drawings.
  • Consult with design leaders from other disciplines to ensure the smooth flow of vital information necessary for the scheduled completion of the project.
  • Assist other engineers in developing and assembling scopes, drawings and specifications into a "package", enabling electrical/instrumentation purchase inquiries to be issued for procurement of materials or subcontract pricing.
  • Estimating and scheduling professional service hours and assessing the progress and quality of electrical/instrumentation work.
  • Preparing data sheets, cause and effect diagrams, logic verifications, input to interdepartmental interfaces.
Job Requirements:
  • Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university is required.
  • Professional Engineering registration is highly preferred.
  • 5+ years of relevant industrial experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering.
  • Knowledge and application of the current version of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
  • Ability to identify and develop work sharing packages for interoffice execution support. Provide leadership to ensure communication and execution of work within scope, schedule and budget.
  • Knowledge of the standards that apply to instrumentation and controls (ISA).
  • Programming experience with Programmable Logic controller (PLC), Human Machine Interface (HMI), and/or Distributed Control System (DCS) equipment.
  • Familiarity with specifications and installation details of construction bulk materials and equipment.
  • Knowledge and understanding of schedule constraints and information requirements for the production of all instrumentation deliverables.
  • Experience is in Index, I/O List, Data sheets and Loop drawings.
  • Working knowledge of CAD software, either AutoCAD, Microstation or both.
Benefits:
We offer a fast paced, exciting work environment with a competitive compensation package including: Health Care Benefits, Paid Time Off & Holidays, Flexible work schedules, Work life balance, 401K match, paid overtime, performance based bonus, and tuition reimbursement.
Company Overview:
We hire the best in Engineering & Design! Hands-on experience, years of industry knowledge, continuous training, and commitment to excellence are some of the attributes that make Progressive Design's professional staff the best at what we do. The company has experienced consistent growth and on-going success from hiring the right people that focus on client success, embrace an entrepreneurial spirit and demonstrate the highest integrity.
Progressive Design, Inc. (PDI) is a private, family-owned, Heavy Industrial Engineering & Design Consulting firm that provides valued engineering services. Founded in 1986 by Robert Ranson, Progressive Design has grown to become one of the largest privately held multi-discipline engineering firms in central Virginia. In 2021, Robert's daughter and Progressive Design President, Erica Burgess, acquired ownership and established Progressive Design as a Woman-Owned business.
Our team's knowledge and hands-on experience can take projects from concept to startup. As a full service, multi-discipline engineering consulting firm, we support manufacturing facilities and clients in many key areas including: EPC/Turnkey projects, project feasibility studies, process improvement analysis, new process design, process upgrades, air pollution abatement technology and integration, environmental compliance, product design, industrial capital projects, and detailed project/construction estimates.
We serve Fortune 500 companies in industries such as chemical, tobacco, power, films, fibers, plastics, paper, pharmaceuticals, metals, food and beverage, and discrete manufacturing.