We live in a world that is completely automated and it is instrumentation engineers that handle the process of manufacturing and controlling instruments that are used in various sectors. They make automated instruments with the aim of improving reliability, productivity, safety and stability.
An instrumentation engineer works in designing, developing, installing and managing equipment used to monitor and control industrial processes and operations. Instrumentation Engineers have a bright future ahead of them as they are needed by almost all industries.
Future Scope for a Career in Instrumentation Engineering
- Instrumentation engineers can work for any industry, as there are no industries without automation, sensor control and calibration, which means graduates can find jobs in absolutely any kind of industry.
- Process and manufacturing industries such as steel, oil, petrochemical, power and defence productions will have a separate instrument department.
- Instrumentation engineers can have jobs associated with the electrical field in the public sector. Instrumentation engineers can also work as junior engineers or senior section engineers in the railways.
- Public sector bodies like BPCL, ONGC, GAIL, BHEL also hire instrumentation engineers. They are responsible for making security systems and working on their maintenance.
- The growth in avionics, aeronautical and space science sectors has also increased the scope for instrumentation engineers.
- Manufacturing firms, defence contractors and biomedical companies also provide job opportunities for instrumentation engineers.
- Power generation and renewable energy are growing sectors where an instrumentation engineer can work in various positions.
- The oil and gas industry, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries also hire instrumentation engineers.
Skills Required to Study Instrumentation Engineering
- Technical skills
- Ability to teamwork
- Good communication skills
- Planning and organisational skills
- Analytical skills
- Patience
- Multi-tasking attitude
- Problem-solving skills
- Creative & critical thinking
- Flexibility
Careers in Instrumentation Engineering
- Instrument Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Control Engineer
- Instrumentation Technologists or Technicians
- Instrument Mechanic
- Control Systems Technologist
- Process Analyzer
- Junior Engineer (Railway)
- Senior Section Engineer (Railway)
Eligibility to Pursue a Degree in Instrumentation Engineering
Students who passed 10+2 from recognized institutions under the science stream can apply for a bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering.
Entrance Examinations
- JEE Main & Advanced – held for admission to the top IITs, CFTIs and NITs of India.
- WBJEE – State-level entrance exam conducted for admission to the various top engineering colleges in West Bengal.
- MHT CET – State-level entrance exam conducted for admission to the various top engineering colleges in Maharashtra
- KCET – State-level entrance exam conducted for admission to the various courses in Karnataka.
Top Colleges/Universities in India and Abroad to Study Instrumentation Engineering
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
- Madras Institute of Technology, India
- Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, India
- National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India
- Andhra University College of Engineering, India
- Dr Ambedkar Institute of Technology, India
- Dr DY Patil Institute of Technology, India
- DY Patil College of Engineering, India
Famous People Connected With Instrumentation Engineering
Jack Kilby
American electrical engineer. He was the co-inventor of the handheld calculator and thermal printer.
Nikolaus Otto
German inventor. Nikolaus Otto is credited with the development of the four-stroke engine, also referred to as the Otto-cycle engine, which helped initiate the development of motor cars.
Top Institutions that Employ People in this Field
- HCL
- Tata consultancy service
- Bosch
- Invensys
- BPCL
- GAIL
- BHEL
- GE
- Suzlon
- Apna Technologies
- Whirlybird
- ESSAR
- Larsen & Toubro
- ABB
- Siemens
- Texas Instruments
- Bechtel
- NTPC
- Eil
- Fluor Daniel
- Foster Wheeler
- SAIL
- ONGC
