Senior Level Instrument Operator Jobs
Senior level instrument operator jobs put experienced professionals in charge of calibration strategy, measurement system oversight, and the technical direction of field or plant operations. Roles are predominantly on-site across Consulting & Professional Services, Medical Devices, and Construction & Real Estate, with employers like Burns & McDonnell, Audubon Companies, and Waters hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 10+ Senior Level Instrument Operator jobs
Description
The Senior Instrument & Controls (I&C) Engineer will work with either controls-specific or multi-discipline engineering teams to develop Instrument & Controls Engineering design packages, perform calculations and develop engineering solutions in support of maintenance or capital projects in a variety of locations. The I&C department supports Energy’s business markets in Gas and Heavy Industrials, Energy Storage, Solar, Hydro, Nuclear, and Carbon Reduction.
Job Duties:
- Compliance with company and site safety policies.
- Lead both small and large controls projects from both technical and project management perspectives.
- Lead controls design for multi-discipline projects.
- Prepare control systems (DCS and/or PLC), Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and instrumentation contracts.
- Perform control system retrofits and migrations.
- Develop detailed scope documents to identify how the upgrade/migration will be executed.
- Prepare instrumentation design deliverables, including instrument list, instrument data sheets, instrument installation details, 3D modeling, and instrument location plans.
- Prepare controls design deliverables, including input/output (I/O) list, logic diagrams, graphic sketches, alarm management, and control system programming.
- Prepare electrical design deliverables, including cable schedule, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and installation packages.
- Participate in the development of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID's) and equipment subcontract package specifications.
- Manage instrumentation and control system contracts, including specification development, bid evaluation, contract administration, submittal reviews, factory acceptance testing, site supervision, and contract closeout.
- Verify and perform design calculations, project studies and report preparation.
- Perform detailed quality reviews of project submittals.
- Perform on-site logic and graphic configuration.
- Perform I/O checkout and functional testing of devices during commissioning at project site.
- Complete all assigned safety and job-related training materials.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering from an accredited program and seven (7) years of related experience required.
- Completion of a master's degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
- Professionally registered engineer (PE) recommended.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Hands-on familiarity with control systems found in power generation facilities is recommended.
- Ability to clearly communicate both verbal and written technical information.
- Must be proficient with computer software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
- Travel requirements – 30%
Compensation
$170,000.00-240,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. Burns & McDonnell’s PTO program includes the paid sick leave entitlements provided under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Additionally, as part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Instrumentation & Controls Engineering
Primary Location US-CO-Denver
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 263489
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JJ #PWR
Description
The Senior Instrument & Controls (I&C) Engineer will work with either controls-specific or multi-discipline engineering teams to develop Instrument & Controls Engineering design packages, perform calculations and develop engineering solutions in support of maintenance or capital projects in a variety of locations. The I&C department supports Energy’s business markets in Gas and Heavy Industrials, Energy Storage, Solar, Hydro, Nuclear, and Carbon Reduction.
Job Duties:
- Compliance with company and site safety policies.
- Lead both small and large controls projects from both technical and project management perspectives.
- Lead controls design for multi-discipline projects.
- Prepare control systems (DCS and/or PLC), Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and instrumentation contracts.
- Perform control system retrofits and migrations.
- Develop detailed scope documents to identify how the upgrade/migration will be executed.
- Prepare instrumentation design deliverables, including instrument list, instrument data sheets, instrument installation details, 3D modeling, and instrument location plans.
- Prepare controls design deliverables, including input/output (I/O) list, logic diagrams, graphic sketches, alarm management, and control system programming.
- Prepare electrical design deliverables, including cable schedule, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and installation packages.
- Participate in the development of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID's) and equipment subcontract package specifications.
- Manage instrumentation and control system contracts, including specification development, bid evaluation, contract administration, submittal reviews, factory acceptance testing, site supervision, and contract closeout.
- Verify and perform design calculations, project studies and report preparation.
- Perform detailed quality reviews of project submittals.
- Perform on-site logic and graphic configuration.
- Perform I/O checkout and functional testing of devices during commissioning at project site.
- Complete all assigned safety and job-related training materials.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering from an accredited program and seven (7) years of related experience required.
- Completion of a master's degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
- Professionally registered engineer (PE) recommended.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Hands-on familiarity with control systems found in power generation facilities is recommended.
- Ability to clearly communicate both verbal and written technical information.
- Must be proficient with computer software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
- Travel requirements – 30%
Compensation
$170,000.00-240,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. Burns & McDonnell’s PTO program includes the paid sick leave entitlements provided under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Additionally, as part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Instrumentation & Controls Engineering
Primary Location US-CO-Denver
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 263489
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JJ #PWR
See All 10 Senior Level Instrument Operator Jobs
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Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Medical Devices
- Construction & Real Estate
Senior Level Instrument Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level instrument operator job?
Employers hiring at the senior level look for candidates who can own calibration programs end to end, troubleshoot complex instrumentation failures independently, and mentor junior technicians. Demonstrating experience with process control systems, PLC integration, or instrument loop documentation gives you a clear edge. Certifications such as ISA Certified Control Systems Technician or equivalent credentials reinforce technical credibility at this stage.
Which companies hire senior level instrument operators?
Companies hiring senior level instrument operators right now include Burns & McDonnell, Audubon Companies, and Waters, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to concentrate in large industrial operators, energy producers, and specialty contractors that run continuous processes requiring dedicated instrumentation leadership.
Are there remote senior level instrument operator jobs?
Yes, though most roles in this field are site-dependent by nature. About 0% of senior level instrument operator openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve remote monitoring, documentation review, or technical oversight rather than hands-on fieldwork. Fully remote roles are more common with engineering consultancies than with plant operators.
What makes an instrument operator role senior level?
Senior level instrument operator roles are defined by ownership and scope. Where mid-level operators execute tasks under supervision, senior operators set calibration standards, lead root cause analysis on measurement failures, and are accountable for instrument reliability across a system or facility. They are also expected to mentor junior staff, interface with engineering teams, and contribute to procurement or project decisions.
Which industries hire the most senior level instrument operators?
Senior level instrument operator roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Medical Devices, and Construction & Real Estate, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors rely on precise measurement and control systems for safety and regulatory compliance, which drives sustained demand for experienced operators who can own instrumentation programs at scale.