What Is an Instrument Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As an instrument engineer, your job is to design and build mechanical and electronic instruments for your employer. Most instruments are purpose-built to accomplish specific objectives, such as measuring the presence of particular chemicals or the pressure within pipes. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of an instrument engineer often requires creativity, flexibility, and the ability to coordinate with other engineers. You may also need to manage supplies, test instruments, or work overtime as needed to develop better instruments. This job title refers exclusively to designing and building instruments that measure or control processes and should not be confused with jobs that design and create musical instruments.

A career as an instrument engineer is best suited for those with a background in manufacturing or mechanical engineering. Unfortunately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a below average rate of growth for instrument engineers in certain industries over the next decade. This makes the outlook for the field seem poor. However, with the continued rise of automation in manufacturing, electrical, computer, and control systems design skills ensure that instrument engineers continue to have a place in the labor field.