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Control Room Operator Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Applies good housekeeping techniques around pumping equipment as well as inside the pumping control room. * Perform a pass down to the relief pump operator with the current operational status of the ...

The Coil Operator function tests the assigned equipment, provide feedback on its serviceability ... control room. * Mentors junior crew members with jobsite coiled tubing services such as rig-up ...

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Control Room Operator information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$12

$22

$41

How much do control room operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for control room operator in Pittsburgh, PA is $22.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a control room operator do?

A Control Room Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling complex systems and equipment from a central location, often in industries such as power generation, manufacturing, or transportation. They oversee operations, respond to alarms or abnormalities, and ensure that processes run safely and efficiently. Their duties include tracking data, adjusting controls, communicating with field staff, and following safety protocols to prevent accidents or downtime. Control Room Operators play a critical role in maintaining the smooth operation of vital infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by control room operators and how can they be managed?

Control Room Operators often face challenges such as monitoring multiple systems simultaneously, responding quickly to alarms, and managing stressful situations during emergencies. Staying organized, maintaining clear communication with team members, and following established protocols are key to managing these challenges effectively. Regular training and familiarization with control systems also help operators remain confident and prepared for unexpected incidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control room operator?

To thrive as a Control Room Operator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and typically a background in engineering, technology, or a related technical field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and relevant safety certifications is often required. Quick decision-making, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of industrial processes and emergency response.

What is the difference between Control Room Operator vs Plant Operator?

AspectControl Room OperatorPlant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma, technical training, and sometimes certifications in control systemsRequires a high school diploma, technical training, and certifications related to plant equipment
Work EnvironmentOperates within a control room monitoring systems and equipmentWorks on-site at the plant, operating and maintaining machinery
Industry UsageCommon in energy, manufacturing, and utilities sectorsFound in power plants, manufacturing facilities, and processing plants

Control Room Operators primarily monitor and control systems from a centralized location, focusing on system stability and safety. Plant Operators work directly on equipment, performing maintenance and operational tasks. Both roles require technical knowledge and safety awareness, but their daily activities and work environments differ.

What is a control room operator?

A control room operator works in the control room at an industrial facility, usually a power plant. The primary job responsibilities are monitoring the operation of equipment, machines, and other systems in the plant. Additional duties include managing alarms or alerts, monitoring production rates, and logging system statuses. The job requires keen attention to detail. The job is often performed in a setting where constant vigilance is critical to prevent falls, shocks, and other workplace injuries. Qualifications include an understanding of mechanics and strong organizational skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Control Room Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? The most popular types of Control Room Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Control Room Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Control Room Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Control Room Operator jobs? Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Control Room Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Control Room Operator job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,749 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Projects Engineer - High Performance Control Room Solutions

Emerson Group

Cranberry Township, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description


Powering the world. Protecting its most vital resources.
What if your work helped keep the lights on and ensured communities have access to clean, reliable water?
Emerson Power & Water Solutions is a global leader in power and water automation, trusted across 60+ countries to support over 1.4 million MW of generating capacity worldwide. In the U.S., our solutions help manage more than 12 billion gallons of water every day through advanced control and monitoring technologies.
If you are passionate about improving how people interact with technology and complex industrial systems, Emerson has an exciting opportunity for you in Cranberry Township, PA.
In this role, you'll help transform the way operators manage power generation and water treatment facilities across North America. Working with Emerson's industry-leading Ovationโ„ข Distributed Control System, you'll develop high-performance operator displays, optimize alarm systems, and deliver Human-Machine Optimization (HMO) solutions that improve safety, reliability, and operational effectiveness.
Whether your background is in process operations, controls engineering, industrial systems, automation, power generation, manufacturing, or HMI design, this role provides the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in High Performance Control Rooms and become a trusted advisor to some of the industry's most critical infrastructure operators.
In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:
  • Design, develop, test, and implement Human-Machine Optimization (HMO) and High Performance Control Room solutions for power and water utility customers.
  • Create intuitive operator graphics and visualization solutions that align with industry standards and improve operator decision-making.
  • Configure and deliver alarm management solutions that help customers improve situational awareness and operational performance.
  • Analyze alarm and operational data to identify trends, opportunities, and recommendations for process improvement.
  • Facilitate collaborative workshops with plant operators, engineers, and customer stakeholders to understand operational challenges and develop practical solutions.
  • Support system integration, factory testing, site commissioning, and customer acceptance activities.
  • Manage project priorities, schedules, and customer expectations to ensure successful project delivery.
  • Build trusted customer relationships through technical expertise, communication, and consultative problem-solving.
  • Continuously develop expertise in control room design, operator effectiveness, alarm management, and Emerson Ovation technologies.

Who You Are:
You anticipate customer needs and provide services that are beyond customer expectations. You adjust communication to fit the audience and the message. You identify and seize new opportunities.
For This Role, You Will Need:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent
  • 2+ years of experience in industrial operations, manufacturing, process control, automation, power generation, water treatment, engineering, or a related technical field
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex information into practical solutions
  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with customers, operators, engineers, and project teams
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% throughout North America
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:
  • Knowledge of controls and/or alarm systems
  • Proven experience in optimizing human-machine interface (HMI), or alarm management systems.
  • Knowledge of industry graphic standards for operator displays, such as ANSI/ISA 18.2, ANSI/ISA 101.01, IEC 63303, a plus
  • Analytical skills to evaluate alarm system performance and recommend improvements
  • Ability to confidently present to groups varying in size, from small teams to large audiences

Our Culture & Commitment to You:
At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives-because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.
We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family's physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.
#LI-SD1
About Us
WHY EMERSON
Our Commitment to Our People
At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.
We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world's most complex problems - for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You'll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.
At Emerson, you'll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let's go. Let's think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let's go, together.
Work Authorization
Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation
If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: idisability.administrator@emerson.com.
ABOUT EMERSON
Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.
With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.
We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you're an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you'll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team - let's go!
No calls or agencies please.