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Senior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 ...

Senior Geotechnical Engineer Department: Geotechnical Employment Type: Full Time Location: Virginia ... instrumentation, drilling activities and utility-clearance coordination. * Complete and review ...

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 Sep 5, 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.

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 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.

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 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 Electronics and Instrumentation Technician

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Senior Electronics and Instrumentation Technician

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537529
Work type: Staff
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Aerospace and Ocean Engineering
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Information Systems / Technology, Other

Job Description

The Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering seeks a talented, creative and experienced Senior Electronics and Instrumentation Technician to join our team. The successful candidate will work closely with our students and faculty in developing custom electronics hardware, providing instrumentation support, and assisting with hardware and software integration to support world class research efforts within our department. This may include designing, building, testing and overall integration of complex electronics and electrical components as well as embedded microprocessor and computer programming to support the department's research and education missions. The candidate will be responsible for providing technical and instructional support for electronics, instrumentation, and embedded computing components of AOE undergraduate lab courses and the AOE electronics laboratories. The candidate must be flexible and be willing to provide after hour technical troubleshooting for teaching laboratory equipment and projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

-Experience maintaining and servicing electronics, power equipment, and battery systems.
-Knowledge of the principles of analog and digital electronics sufficient to support power, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, automatic control systems, and embedded computer systems.
-Skills and experience in repairing and building electronic circuits and devices, in particular sensor electronics including printed circuit boards (PCBs).
-Ability to actively participate in development and testing new instruments for laboratory experiments.
-Ability to program and debug computer and microcontroller codes using LabView, Python, Matlab, C/C++, or similar software platforms.
-Training in basic electronics and in the service and repair of electronic equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

-Certification in electronics and/or other related education
-Experience in higher education
-Teaching or instruction experience

Pay Band

5

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

75,000 to Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

10/09/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Erin Wilson at erinwilson@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 2, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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