Instrumentation engineers work for industries with automated processes such as manufacturing of a chemical plant. The work of instrumentation engineer includes developing, researching and designing new systems and also managing equipment that is used to monitor and control machinery.

During the ‘70s this course came under MSc. Tech Instrumentation. It’s a multidisciplinary field and a specialist branch of electrical and electronics engineering. So basically, it’s that branch of engineering that was introduced to specialise in principles of measuring instruments that are used in the field of design. In some colleges, it is also known as B. Tech Electronics and Instrumentation. 

The job of a control and instrumentation engineer is to ensure the process to monitor and control the engineering system goes efficiently and safely. They work for companies that have a goal for improving the productivity, reliability and safety and companies that either manufacture and supply equipment, or the company that uses them. As an instrumentation engineer, you require a good amount of discipline. Some tasks done by them include integrating the sensors with the recorders, transmitter or a display system. Then you would design and develop new systems and test/modify the existing systems. Your work will be associated with the things people use in their daily lives. 

If interested in electrical, and wiring installations, or calibration then you should try this profession.

To begin with, you must hold a bachelors degree in engineering of any related field. Mostly these engineers graduate in electrical, computers or mechanical branch.

You need to have excellent maths skills and interest in physics. You must possess good problem-solving skills as well. More skills that you need to acquire include:

Interest in electronic devices and mechanical equipment.

Good communication skills. Which includes the ability to understand the project and properly translate it into design development of hardware suitable for the task

Ability to think out of the box

Interest in automation and computing software. 

Leadership qualities.

Ability to solve complicated problems

Skills in handling tools

To be eligible for top colleges, the candidate must have at least 60% in class 12th.

You need to appear for JEE MAIN and JEE ADVANCE to get qualifies in top engineering colleges. State engineering colleges have state-level entrance exams like KCET, WBJEE, etc. Private engineering colleges have their own set of entrance exams like BITSAT, VITEE, etc.

Some of the many career opportunities for Instrumentation engineers include:

Employment in manufacturing firms, biomedical companies as well as government and private engineering companies. 

These engineers design devices like the blood pressure machine, smoke detectors, aircraft sensors. So, they will always be in demand.

Many aeronautical research projects also require instrumentation engineers.

In medical, the electrocardiograph equipment or security systems are also developed by them.

Since instrumentation engineering is a new field in India, so not many students are taking it up right now. Candidates with a degree in instrumentation engineering are offered jobs in computers as well as electrical firms and the multidisciplinary nature of this course allows the candidate to work within or outside the organisation.

Depending on your qualification and knowledge, some of the top job roles open for employability include:

Pharma companies

Design, develop and manage control systems

Collaborate with design engineers during the production process

Ensure the efficiency and safety regulations of the instrument.

Manage and finish the projects in the given time frame.

Work in the oil and gas industries

Work in telecommunications

Instrumentation engineers find jobs in companies that improve the stability and security of the automated process. Some of the industrial sectors include:

Public and private organisations

Research and development department

Steel plant, thermal power plant

Companies manufacturing cement

Apart from these you also get opportunities in companies that utilize these special instruments. Some of the popular companies hiring include:

NTPC

Larsen and Tourbo

TCS

Asea Brown Boveri

EIL

SAIL

ONGC

DRDO

Finally, the salary of the instrumentation engineer depends on your experience and your qualifications. It varies from company to company depending on where you are recruited. Government organisations tend to give higher packages and more job stability.

For a fresher, the salary can be between 4-5LPA which will increase time experience.

For seniors, it can go up to 9LPA as well. 

The median salary for instrumentation engineer was calculated to be INR 80 Lakhs.