This highly specialized area of work provides many openings for instrumentation engineers, who are concerned with the diagnosis and correction of problems connected with instrumentation systems. Routine maintenance in accordance with current health and safety regulations is also an important part of an engineer’s work.
Owing to the widespread use of instruments, engineers may find themselves working alongside a diverse range of professionals, including pipefitters, electricians and power engineers and are often employed by the companies who manufacture the instrumentational equipment. As well as maintaining and modifying existing instrumentational systems, engineers are also involved in designing new control systems, writing computer software and liaising with clients, contractors and suppliers.
A degree in engineering or a related subject is usually required by employers, who also often ask for at least five to seven years’ experience in the industry. Salaries for entry-level positions are around C
$60,000 and rise to C
$84,000 over time. Senior engineers can expect to start on C
$87,000 with the potential to earn over C
$120,000.