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Senior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Dar Group

Senior I&C Engineer, Water/Wastewater

Chicago, IL · On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Job Summary TYLin is seeking a Senior Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer to join our MEPIC Team. The Senior I&C Engineer will be responsible for design of instrumentation and control systems ...

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All JobsInstrumentation Engineer JobsSenior Instrumentation Engineer JobsSenior Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Instrumentation Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$81.4K

$120.4K

$170K

How much do senior instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrumentation engineer in Chicago, IL is $120,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,800.00 and $141,100.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Instrumentation Engineer job openings:

Senior Instrumentation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Instrumentation Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,361 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation & Control Engineer

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

Zachry Group
Construction • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Zachry Groupexternal

$148K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Zachry Group rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Zachry Engineering Corporation is seeking a highly experienced Senior Instrumentation & Control Engineer to lead the design, development, and execution of instrumentation and control systems for complex oil and gas projects. This role requires technical leadership, deep domain expertise, and the ability to mentor multidisciplinary teams while ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective project delivery.
The Senior I&C Engineer will serve as a subject matter expert (SME), driving engineering excellence across upstream, midstream, and downstream projects including refineries, petrochemical plants, and power plants.
Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
  • Lead the design and specification of instrumentation and control systems including DCS, PLC, SIS, and SCADA systems.
  • Provide technical oversight for all I&C deliverables, ensuring alignment with client requirements, industry codes, and Zachry standards.
  • Serve as the primary technical authority for complex and critical control systems, including safety instrumented systems (SIS) and process control strategies.
  • Review and approve key engineering documents such as instrument datasheets, control narratives, loop diagrams, cause & effect matrices, and P&IDs.

Project Execution
  • Support all phases of projects (FEED, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup).
  • Collaborate closely with process, mechanical, electrical, and operations teams to ensure integrated system performance.
  • Interface with clients, vendors, and contractors to resolve technical issues and ensure successful project delivery.
  • Lead design reviews (HAZOP, SIL, LOPA) and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Standards & Compliance
  • Ensure designs comply with industry standards and codes including ISA, IEC, API, NFPA, and OSHA regulations.
  • Support cyber security requirements for industrial control systems (ICS).
  • Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and apply best practices in digitalization, automation, and control optimization.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or related field (required)
  • 13+ years of experience in instrumentation and control engineering within the oil & gas or petrochemical industry or power industry.
  • Extensive experience with refinery, LNG, gas processing, or pipeline control systems
  • Proven experience leading large-scale EPC or EPCM projects

Certifications (Preferred)
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license

Technical Skills
  • Strong knowledge of DCS/PLC platforms (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson DeltaV, Yokogawa, Siemens, Rockwell)
  • Expertise in SIS design and SIL determination (IEC 61511 / IEC 61508)
  • Instrument selection and specification (pressure, flow, level, temperature, analyzers)
  • Control valve sizing and performance analysis
  • Industrial networking and communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC)
  • Familiarity with IIoT, advanced process control (APC), and digital transformation initiatives

Key Competencies
  • Strategic thinking and technical problem-solving
  • Strong leadership and decision-making skills
  • Excellent communication and client-facing abilities
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced EPC environment
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Why Zachry Engineering
At Zachry Engineering, we deliver innovative engineering solutions that power the energy industry. Our teams are driven by a commitment to safety, integrity, and excellence. As a Senior I&C Engineer, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of energy infrastructure while working on some of the industry's most complex and impactful projects.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Employee will be required to communicate in person, via telephone, email, use of arm/hand steadiness, manual dexterity, finger dexterity, multi limb coordination, oral expression, and comprehension. May be required to lift, carry, and move objects safely.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Will work in a general office environment. Capable of operating and functioning in a fast-paced work environment. Must possess a vision (corrected or uncorrected) that allows for clear visibility from a distance of 20 inches or less. Hybrid or office based depending on project needs. Occasional travel to client sites, fabrication yards, or operating facilities
Zachry Group is dedicated in providing a Safe and Drug Free work environment; and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the expected salary range for this Illinois position, Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineer is between $148,600 and $202,400 annually. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law.
This position Senior Instrumentation & Control Engineer is eligible for participation in Zachry's Total Employee Rewards Program, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and other ancillary benefits. This position is also eligible for participation in the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.

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About Zachry Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zachry Group is America's pacesetter in turnkey construction, engineering, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services in the power, energy, chemicals, manufacturing and industrial sectors. It works with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Zachry Group operates 35 offices, and averages 20,000 employees working in more than 400 locations nationwide. Please visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Antonio, TX, US

Year founded

1924

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