1

Control Panel Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Mobile Harbor Crane Operator This position is responsible for safely operating a Mobile Harbor ... Must know instrument and control panels. * Move levers and pedals to rotate crane on chassis to ...

Observe variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings to troubleshoot ... Discern and respond to verbal and auditory signals from control panel. * Work without supervision ...

Observe variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings to troubleshoot ... Discern and respond to verbal and auditory signals from control panel. * Work without supervision ...

Observe variations in operating conditions and interprets meter and gauge readings to troubleshoot ... Discern and respond to verbal and auditory signals from control panel. * Work without supervision ...

Overview This position is responsible for safely operating a Mobile Harbor Crane loading and ... control panels. • Move levers and pedals to rotate crane on chassis to raise and lower crane boom ...

Overview This position is responsible for safely operating a Mobile Harbor Crane loading and ... control panels. • Move levers and pedals to rotate crane on chassis to raise and lower crane boom ...

Operator A - Offshore - US

Galveston, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Can monitor control panels, shutdown devices, liquid levels, flow rates, temperatures, etc. to keep them within the designed operating range. Skills / Qualifications Required: 1-2 years of experience ...

Operator A - Offshore - US

Galveston, TX

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Can monitor control panels, shutdown devices, liquid levels, flow rates, temperatures, etc. to keep them within the designed operating range. Skills / Qualifications Required: 1-2 years of experience ...

... control panels. • Move levers and pedals to rotate crane on chassis to raise and lower crane boom ... experience operating crane equipment. • Must have (1) one year experience operating heavy ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Control Panel Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$11

$23

$36

How much do control panel operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for control panel operator in Houston, TX is $23.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges a Control Panel Operator faces during shift changes, and how are they managed?

Control Panel Operators often encounter challenges during shift changes, such as ensuring accurate handover of system status and ongoing issues. Miscommunication can lead to operational errors or missed alarms. To manage this, operators typically follow structured handover protocols, use detailed logbooks, and participate in briefings with incoming team members. Maintaining clear communication and thorough documentation is essential to ensure continuity and safe operations.

What is the difference between Control Panel Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectControl Panel OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, industrial plants, power stationsFactories, manufacturing floors, production lines
Job FocusMonitoring and controlling equipment via control panelsOperating machinery directly to produce goods

Control Panel Operators primarily monitor and control equipment through control panels in industrial settings, focusing on system stability. Machine Operators directly handle machinery to manufacture products. While both roles require safety training and technical knowledge, Control Panel Operators emphasize system oversight, whereas Machine Operators focus on physical operation of equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Control Panel Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Panel Operator, you need a solid understanding of process control systems, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and industry-specific safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for monitoring operations and responding to issues. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of industrial processes, minimizing downtime and maintaining quality standards.

What are Control Panel Operators?

Control Panel Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and controlling machinery and equipment through control panels in various industries, such as manufacturing, power generation, and processing plants. They ensure that systems run smoothly by observing instrument readings, making necessary adjustments, and responding to alarms or malfunctions. Their role is critical in maintaining operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations. Control Panel Operators often require specialized training and must have a solid understanding of the systems they oversee.
What are popular job titles related to Control Panel Operator jobs in Houston, TX? For Control Panel Operator jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Panel Operator jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Control Panel Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:
Field Applications Specialist - TX

Field Applications Specialist - TX

Inframark

Tomball, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Inframark rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Join Inframark: Pioneering Automation and Intelligence
Step into the future with Inframark's award-winning Automation and Intelligence team. We deliver cutting-edge solutions in instrumentation and controls, industrial cybersecurity, data analysis, and remote network operations center services for water and wastewater plants. Elevate your career and join us at Inframark. Apply today!
Why Work for Inframark?
Our dedication to sustainability and community impact drives us to ensure clean, safe water for future generations. Whether you're at the start of your career or looking for advancement, Inframark offers purpose-driven work and opportunities for growth. We offer an attractive salary package, including a generous benefits package with health, dental, and life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and wellness plan.
SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS
Field Applications Specialists are primarily responsible for the implementation of Instrumentation & Control Systems projects. This work may include system design, build, installation, startup, and follow-up service.
FAS Engineers may use HMI expertise to set up the Customer computer system hardware and network, configure the SCADA application software, perform startup and testing, and provide training. FAS Engineers may use PLC expertise to develop PLC application monitoring and control software, perform startup and testing, and provide training.
FAS Technicians work on all aspects of I&C projects including instrument installation, calibrating, and commissioning; panel terminations, as-built markups, and testing; network terminations and testing; and instrumentation and panel training.
All FASs perform high-level systems troubleshooting and repair, installation and modification of integrated systems, and provide internal and external technical support. This often includes basic PLC and HMI program modification, up/downloading, and function validation with remote support from Applications Engineers as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Receives project requirements and direction through meetings with the Project Manager and review of the contract documents.
  • Keeps PMs informed of the status of tasks and projects milestones. Maintains awareness of project budgets and keeps the PM aware of issues that would adversely affect the budget.
  • Produces timely, accurate project documentation such as timesheets, trip reports, etc.
  • Follows established Best Practices and Development Standards and Procedures.
  • FAS Engineers set up the project system servers, workstations, operating system, networks, and peripheral equipment at the job site. They may produce the System Control Narrative, develop the HMI application per contract documents and customer needs, and program PLCs according to the Control Narrative.
  • Participates in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), when required.
  • Commissions control panels on the jobsite, which includes field signal wiring, panel wire terminations, input/output signal checkout, and field equipment interfacing.
  • Conducts system startups inclusive of PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and networking equipment/applications.
  • Demonstrates overall system functionality to the Owner/Engineer/Contractor including hardware and network operation, SCADA monitoring and control, displaying data, alarming, and historical data collection for report generation. Provides technical assistance and training to operators, supervisors, and administrative personnel.
  • Generates and gathers all required final project documentation. Marks up control panel drawings with modifications to reflect actual field equipment interfaces.
  • Provides on-call service for customers as directed by the Service Manager. Performs instrument installation and calibration services including physical installation/connection, wire terminations, commissioning, calibration, and documentation.
  • Performs or assigns any other duties necessary related to customer service or to achieve customer satisfaction.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
  • Reports to the Regional Manager or Project Manager
  • Receives direction from the applicable Regional Manager or Project Manager
  • Works closely with other Project Team members

QUALIFICATIONS
A technical degree in an engineering related field; and/or 3 years field service experience in instrumentation and control systems, preferably in the Water/Wastewater Industry. An understanding and working knowledge of control systems and process instruments is desired. Basic electrical and networking knowledge is required. Comprehension of contract Electrical & P&ID drawings is essential. Excellent communication skills to communicate with customers, management, and co-workers is crucial. Must be a positive, contributing member of a project team and have the ability to mentor and train others.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to communicate orally with management and other co-workers is crucial. Regular use of the telephone and e-mail for communication is essential. Sitting for extended periods in front of a computer monitor is common. Hearing within normal ranges is necessary for communication with the Project Team and customers. Adequate vision is needed for using a computer monitor. Lifting of computer servers, workstations, and peripherals is expected. Good manual dexterity for setting up computer equipment and attaching associated cables.
Moving and carrying instruments and equipment is expected, as is some panel lifting. Good manual dexterity is needed for working with instruments and equipment, as well as the use of common office equipment such as computer terminals, and copiers.
Kneeling and sitting within panels for extended periods is common. Hearing and vision within normal ranges is essential for conversations with customers, and vision is necessary for reading panel and contract drawings. Regular use of the telephone and e-mail for communication is essential.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The job is performed at various locations and environments; which may include office, panel shop, customer jobsites (indoors and outdoors), and in varying weather conditions. Activities include extended periods of sitting or standing. The construction environment typically requires climbing stairs, standing, bending, lifting, and working on ladders. This job includes the potential of working irregular hours with on-call availability to troubleshoot project startup and warranty problems.
TRAVEL
Substantial daily travel is required on a regular basis to start-up, test, and demonstrate control systems and perform service calls.
To support a safe and secure workplace, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of background screening, drug testing, and driving record review where applicable.
Inframark is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.
Learn more about us at Automation and Intelligence - Inframark

What Inframark employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom