Introduction to Career in Instrumentation Engineering
Instrumentation engineering is a branch of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The scope of instrumentation engineering lies in industries with automated processes. Here we discuss about career in Instrumentation Engineering.
What is Instrumentation Engineering?
Instrumentation Engineering is the study of the principles and operation of measuring instruments used to design and configure automated systems.
One who studied instrumentation engineering are called Instrumentation Engineers.
Roles and Responsibilities of an Instrumentation Engineer
The role of instrumentation engineers is mainly to improve system productivity, reliability and stability in automated processes. They help in designing, construction and maintenance of instruments and decides the type of instruments to improve quality and efficiency of end product.
The role of senior positions include involvement in management decisions and all other departments includes purchasing, financing, IT, operations, etc.
Educational Qualification Required
Minimum qualification to become an instrumentation engineer is a graduate degree (B.E. / B. Tech) or a diploma in engineering. It is a profession that can be acquired by engineers of different fields like instrumentation engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, etc.
Skills and Knowledge Required for Career in Instrumentation Engineering
A good instrumentation engineer must have different skills like analytical skills, problem solving skills, adaptability to new and changing concepts, communication skills, presentation skills, ability to work under pressure and stress, etc.
Along with the skills, instrumentation engineer must have good knowledge about other engineering fields as general.
How to become an Instrumentation Engineer?
To become an instrumentation engineer one has to opt for science stream with PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) in 10 + 2 or equivalent examination. After that he / she has to get bachelor’s degree (B.E. / B.Tech) and further go for a post graduate degree and Ph. D in engineering. The entrance to B. E / B. Tech or M. E / M. Tech are through different entrance exams (like JEE and GATE) conducted by different organizations or engineering colleges.
There is another option to go for diploma program in engineering after their 10th. They can further improve their qualification as PG Diploma or can get B. Tech from engineering colleges with lateral entry schemes.
Where do I get the Job?
The job opportunities are available in industries with automated processes, such as chemical or manufacturing plants. The scope of instrumentation engineering are available in research and development units, manufacturing instrument section, research fields in universities and teaching positions.
Many companies in public and private sector are offering good opportunities to instrumentation engineers. Some other sectors which offer job opportunities are manufacturing companies, chemical plants, thermal plants, etc.