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Controls Engineer Chemical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, or related) * 4+ years of relevant experience in controls engineering * Ability to travel 30% Preferred experience: * PLC platforms ...

Controls Engineer

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, or related) * 4+ years of relevant experience in controls engineering * Ability to travel 30% Preferred experience: * PLC platforms ...

Controls Engineer

Allentown, PA ยท On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

Controls Engineer Industrial Automation Allentown, Pennsylvania Take Your Controls Career Beyond ... Chemical * Industrial gases * Discrete manufacturing * Process manufacturing * Advanced industrial ...

Controls Engineer

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$70K - $140K/yr

Controls Engineer Industrial Automation Baltimore, Maryland | $70,000 $140,000 Take Your Controls ... Chemical * Industrial gases * Discrete manufacturing * Process manufacturing * Advanced industrial ...

The Manufacturing Engineer - Chemical is responsible for supporting and improving chemical ... Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, operating procedures, and process controls. * Analyze ...

The Manufacturing Engineer - Chemical is responsible for supporting and improving chemical ... Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, operating procedures, and process controls. * Analyze ...

Controls Engineer

Vancouver, WA ยท On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience. * 3+ ...

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience. * 3+ ...

Controls Engineer

Morrisville, PA ยท On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

We are looking for someone with a background in process automation of chemical plants using DCS, PLC, SCADA, as well as local control systems. The Controls Engineer will collaborate with a multi ...

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Controls Engineer

Middlefield, OH ยท On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

The Controls Engineer partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Production, Quality, IT, and ... Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related technical degree

Process Controls Engineer

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

S. degree (or higher) in engineering (chemical, electrical, or mechanical) or related field of ... or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision ...

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA ยท On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Chemical Engineering preferred * 5-15 years of controls engineering experience * Proficiency with PLC programming and SCADA/HMI platforms such as Rockwell Studio ...

Controls Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA ยท On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Chemical Engineering preferred * 5-15 years of controls engineering experience * Proficiency with PLC programming and SCADA/HMI platforms such as Rockwell Studio ...

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Controls Engineer Chemical information

See salary details

$55K

$96.6K

$131K

How much do controls engineer chemical jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer chemical in the United States is $96,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a controls engineer in the chemical industry do?

A Controls Engineer in the chemical industry is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the automated control systems that regulate chemical processes and equipment. They work to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations by programming and troubleshooting systems such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), DCS (Distributed Control Systems), and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). Their role often involves collaborating with process engineers, maintenance teams, and safety personnel to optimize production, minimize downtime, and adhere to industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls engineer in the chemical industry?

To thrive as a Controls Engineer in the chemical industry, you need a solid background in process control, automation, and chemical engineering, typically with a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with PLCs, DCS systems, SCADA, and certifications like ISA CAP or knowledge of safety standards such as IEC 61511 are often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills are essential for optimizing processes and working with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of complex chemical processes, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by controls engineers in the chemical industry, and how can they be addressed?

Controls Engineers in the chemical industry often face challenges such as integrating new automation technologies with legacy systems, ensuring process safety, and maintaining regulatory compliance. These challenges can be addressed by staying updated on the latest control system platforms, collaborating closely with process engineers and safety teams, and participating in ongoing training related to industry standards. Additionally, proactive troubleshooting and regular system audits help identify potential issues before they impact production, making adaptability and strong communication skills essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Controls Engineer Chemical vs Controls Engineer Mechanical?

AspectControls Engineer ChemicalControls Engineer Mechanical
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, controls certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, controls certifications
Work EnvironmentChemical plants, processing facilitiesManufacturing, machinery, industrial equipment
Industry UsageChemical, petrochemical, pharmaceuticalsAutomotive, machinery, manufacturing

Controls Engineer Chemical and Controls Engineer Mechanical both design and maintain automation systems, but Controls Engineer Chemical specializes in chemical processing environments, requiring knowledge of chemical processes and safety standards. Controls Engineer Mechanical focuses on mechanical systems and machinery. While their skills overlap, their industry applications and specific technical expertise differ.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer Chemical jobs?

For Controls Engineer Chemical jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Chemical job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,574 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Instrument and Controls Engineer- Chemical Industry

Cleburne, TX โ€ข On-site

Sachem, Inc
Chemical Manufacturingย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$71K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Provide instrument and electrical technical support to operation associates for plant processes.

  • Design, update, and troubleshoot control systems, SCADA systems, and instrumentation to meet operational, environmental, and safety requirements.

  • Generate detailed drawings, parts lists, and control strategies for new installations and process improvements.


Job description

SACHEM is a privately held chemical manufacturer recognized for innovation, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to safety and the environment. We are world leaders with a strong focus on the development of high purity, specialty, and performance products and services. The organization enables worldwide delivery of innovative and customized chemical solutions backed by superior customer service. The multimarket approach provide associates opportunities to collaborate and innovate, while offering visibility, professional growth, and opportunities to directly contribute to the company's success.
Position Description:
Provide instrument and electrical technical support to operation Associates for the safe and efficient operation of plant processes. Provide technical skills and detailed drawings to the maintenance department and contractors for the continuous maintenance and improvement of existing processes. Perform instrument and electrical aspects of design, from conceptual to final, detailed design of new control systems to meet higher production requirements, more stringent environmental regulations and ever-increasing product quality specifications. Provide supervision to electrical contractors.
Key Responsibilities
A. Safety
  • HSSEE - Actively support the implementation and maintenance of SACHEM's HSSEE and Quality Management Systems - SACHEM Integrated Management Systems (SIMS).
  • Design any new process controls or process control changes with safe operation and maintenance in mind.
  • Submit work orders to the maintenance department with detailed drawings and parts list, for new installations or needed changes.
  • Occasionally lead safety meetings on various safety topics.
  • Provide safe operating and maintenance procedures to associates working with new or changed instruments and controls.
  • Encourage others to work safely and provide a good example that others may follow.

B. Health
  • Assist in the selection of PPE
  • Provide engineering safeguards to minimize PPE where possible.

C. Environmental
  • Design new equipment controls or process controls to meet more stringent environmental requirements.
  • Design any new controls installation with the environmental impact in mind.
  • Configure the SCADA system to generate data and emissions estimates for environmental reports.

D. Maintenance of Plant
  • Perform calculations for the sizing of process instruments such as modulating control valves, orifice plates, etc.
  • Provide expertise in the selection of replacement instruments, PLC equipment, and SCADA computers.
  • Assist maintenance department in troubleshooting electrical equipment and instrumentation problems.
  • Provide detailed Autocad drawings with parts list and descriptions of changes necessary for the improvement of the plant operability.
  • Provide technical support to the maintenance department when requested.

E. Operational Technical Support
  • Troubleshoot anomalous operations of processes or instruments and controls.
  • Answer operation Associate questions about process instruments and controls, concepts and procedures.
  • Write operating procedures for the use of new SCADA control installations.

F. Instrument and Controls Engineering
  • Maintain and update the SCADA and control systems in all Sachem Americas facilities.
  • Generate conceptual control strategies to achieve objectives of new installations.
  • Perform all necessary valve sizing, orifice sizing, electrical loading and design calculations related to instrument installations.
  • Design control schemes and interlocks. Program control systems and components as needed. Develop all required SCADA operator control screens.
  • Generate and submit expenditure proposals for all instrumentation and electrical controls.
  • Specify and purchase all PLC control equipment and electrical materials of construction.
  • Design, in detail using Autocad drawings and parts list, special pieces of equipment to be built, for each project.
  • Generate detailed isometric piping, instrument, and electrical drawings. Drawings should be in AutoCAD format and archived in the engineering database.
  • Provide construction suggestions.
  • Complete ISA instrument specification sheets for each project.
  • Provide input for the writing of operating procedures and assist in the training of operators.
  • Follow requirements of the Process Safety Manual and specifications listed in the Engineering manual as applicable.
  • Track electrical hardware and instrumentation expenses and compare with estimate.
  • Maintain and enhance Microsoft Access databases used for operations, OEE, and Status reporting.
  • Collaborate with operations and IT to ensure database integrity, usability, and alignment with plant systems.

G. Continuous Improvement of Quality
  • Provide continued support of HSE and HSE audits.
  • Identify, test and implement process instrumentation improvements through instrument engineering.
  • Utilize Sachem's current ISO program as well as the other framework support systems as required.

H. Engineering Support of Other Departments
  • Lend engineering expertise in the design and selection of instruments for all Sachem Americas facilities.
  • Aid in the design of experiments to develop knowledge of our own products.

I. Current Knowledge of Process Solutions
  • Read equipment and control publications and attend lectures and seminars on applicable topics.
  • Apply this knowledge when designing or selecting instrumentation and control equipment.
  • Identify needs and deficiencies within the company with regard to instrument skills. Identify resources and acquire appropriate skills as needed.

Requirements
Education and Experience:
Associate degree in Electronic Technology or B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering or Chemical Engineering with Instrument and Controls Experience
Familiarity with Microsoft Access or willingness to complete company-provided training within the first 90 days of employment.
5 years of industrial experience.
Competencies:
  • The SACHEM Way: Work together in the spirit and intent of the SACHEM Way with integrity, respect and trust.
  • Innovation: Use creativity and critical thinking to create value for SACHEM and the customer.
  • Business and Market Insight: Learn our business, and partner well with customers and all stakeholders.
  • Complex Decision Making: Make complex decisions of good quality on a timely basis.
  • Results Focus: Set high-level outcomes and get the job done with a sense of urgency.
  • Communication: Communicate for understanding and results.
  • Career Mastery: Improve skills and pursue continuous learning.

Travel - Limited
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice
We support our Associates in a number of ways to foster a healthy working environment, meaningful work, diversity and inclusion, mobility, networking and work-life balance.
We offer:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Generous 401K
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Vacation
  • Life, Disability and Accidental Death Insurance "