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Senior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Virginia

*Senior Engineer*

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

SUMMARY: The Sr. Engineer will work directly with the Government personnel in meeting the ... Attends instrumentation, data collection and processing meetings where test program requirements ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Mechanical Engineer Charlottesville, VA | Full-Time | Exempt Compensation Hiring Range: $110 ... If you enjoy building precision scientific instrumentation, working across disciplines, and taking ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Mechanical Engineer Charlottesville, VA | Full-Time | Exempt Compensation Hiring Range: $110 ... If you enjoy building precision scientific instrumentation, working across disciplines, and taking ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$110 - $155/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Mechanical Engineer Charlottesville, VA | Full-Time | Exempt Compensation Hiring Range: $110 ... If you enjoy building precision scientific instrumentation, working across disciplines, and taking ...

Electrical Engineer - Senior

Fort Eustis, VA · On-site

$65 - $80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ASR International Corporation Senior Electrical Engineer - Ft. Eustis, Newport News Area Summary ... Senior electrical analysis, instrumentation design, EMC/EMI, and airworthiness support for Army ...

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$106K - $139K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated ... With high-level goals provided, creating basic to highly complex instrumentation, controls and ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Instrumentation Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$78.3K

$115.8K

$163.6K

How much do senior instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrumentation 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 is a senior instrumentation engineer?

Senior Instrumentation Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, developing, installing, managing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery, and processes. They play a key role in ensuring that instruments and control systems operate efficiently, reliably, and safely. Their work spans various industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, chemical processing, and energy production. Senior Instrumentation Engineers often lead teams, oversee project implementation, and troubleshoot complex issues related to instrumentation and automation systems.

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

AspectSenior Instrumentation EngineerInstrumentation Technician
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, certifications in instrumentationTechnical diploma or associate degree, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, troubleshooting in industrial plantsInstallation, maintenance, calibration in manufacturing or processing facilities
ResponsibilitiesDesigning systems, overseeing projects, troubleshooting complex issuesPerforming routine maintenance, calibrations, and repairs

While both roles involve instrumentation, Senior Instrumentation Engineers focus on design, planning, and complex troubleshooting, whereas Instrumentation Technicians handle hands-on maintenance and calibration tasks. The senior engineer typically requires higher education and oversees projects, while technicians support daily operations through technical skills.

How does a senior instrumentation engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines on large-scale projects?

A Senior Instrumentation Engineer often works closely with process, electrical, and mechanical engineers to ensure that instrumentation systems align with overall plant design and operational requirements. Collaboration involves participating in multidisciplinary meetings, reviewing P&IDs, coordinating interface points, and integrating control systems. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as instrumentation decisions can impact safety, efficiency, and maintenance across the project. This collaborative environment supports seamless project execution and fosters professional growth through knowledge sharing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior instrumentation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in instrumentation engineering, process control, and project management, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and significant field experience. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as PLC/DCS systems, AutoCAD, and certifications like ISA CAP or PE are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you lead teams and collaborate across disciplines. These competencies are essential for ensuring reliable system design, efficient project execution, and adherence to safety and industry standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Instrumentation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Instrumentation Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,837 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Glen Allen, VA

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Description

Our electric power generation clients are updating and replacing the power plant control systems with new digital control systems. This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group.  

You will work on major process controls engineering projects for upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:

  • Digital Systems -- PLC, DCS, Touchscreen displays, network switches and control systems
  • Functional Requirement and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants
  • Process instrumentation replacement evaluation reports and nuclear modification packages
  • Mechatronics, Control Systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors to improve the functionality of the client's plant
  • Attend client meetings and perform site walkdowns to ensure the client is satisfied with our work product
  • Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced nuclear instrumentation and controls design engineers
Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position. 

Essential skills and experience:

  • BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems; Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control system is preferred
  • Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays.
  • Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR of PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display.
  • Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
  • Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$84,762 - $129,498Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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