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Controls Instrumentation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Controls & Instrumentation Engineer The Controls & Instrumentation Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, installing, managing and/or maintaining equipment, in our Kent, OH Dairy ...

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Controls Instrumentation Engineer information

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$28

$54

$81

How much do controls instrumentation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls instrumentation engineer in the United States is $54.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.55 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls instrumentation engineer?

Controls Instrumentation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, install, and maintain systems that control and monitor industrial processes. They work with instruments and control devices such as sensors, transmitters, and automation systems to ensure that processes operate efficiently, safely, and within specified parameters. Their expertise is essential in industries like manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, and chemical processing. These engineers also troubleshoot and optimize control systems to improve performance and reliability.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a controls instrumentation engineer?

To thrive as a Controls Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, instrumentation, process control, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA software, and industry certifications like ISA CAP are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you excel when collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable automation and control of industrial processes.

What does an instrumentation controls engineer do?

An Instrumentation Controls Engineer works with production equipment in a manufacturing environment. Your primary duties and responsibilities will typically include researching, designing, developing devices and controls, and monitoring and managing these systems. This job incorporates two interrelated technology disciplines: control engineering and instrumentation engineering. Control engineers develop the systems. Instrumentation engineers monitor and manage temperature, pressure, humidity, speed, and other process variables while the machines are operating. In light of the expanded focus on automation in U.S. manufacturing, you’ll find the role of Instrumentation Controls Engineer to be a valuable career.

What challenges do controls instrumentation engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Controls Instrumentation Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and project timelines. Effective communication is crucial to ensure that instrumentation specifications meet the overall system needs and comply with industry standards. Balancing the integration of new technologies with existing infrastructure and addressing unexpected technical issues during commissioning are also common challenges. Developing strong teamwork and problem-solving skills helps overcome these hurdles and leads to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Controls Instrumentation Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls Instrumentation EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, electronics, or control engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industries, automation systemsPower generation, electrical systems design, construction sites, consulting firms
Industry UsageHeavy industries, oil & gas, manufacturing, automationPower, construction, consulting, manufacturing

Controls Instrumentation Engineers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining control systems and instrumentation in industrial settings. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuit design. While both roles require electrical knowledge, Controls Instrumentation Engineers specialize in automation and control systems within industrial environments.

What cities are hiring for Controls Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Controls Instrumentation Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Controls Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Controls Instrumentation Engineer jobs include:

Controls & Instrumentation Engineer

Land O'Lakes

Kent, OH • On-site

$81K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, install, manage, and maintain equipment used to monitor and control machinery and process systems.

  • Ensure that control systems and processes operate effectively, efficiently, and safely.

  • Collaborate with colleagues across operations, maintenance, purchasing, design, and Corporate Engineering to support control system functions.


Land O'Lakes rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 444 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Controls & Instrumentation Engineer

The Controls & Instrumentation Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, installing, managing and/or maintaining equipment, in our Kent, OH Dairy Foods manufacturing plant, which is used to monitor and control machinery and processes systems.  This position will ensure that these systems and processes operate effectively, efficiently, and safely. This role requires a thorough understanding of the operational processes of the organization and works closely with colleagues across several functions, including operations, maintenance, purchasing, design and Corporate Engineering.

Experience/Education Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with 2 plus years of manufacturing/processing experience or Associates Degree with 5 plus years of related skills/experience

  • Previous ladder logic and text-based programming and function block concepts experience

  • Must be able to efficiently use computer design/drafting software to develop and detail machine controls designs

  • Must have knowledge of electrical and electronic components and experience troubleshooting/programming

  • Distributed control systems (DCSs)

  • Must have good written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate with various levels of employees and vendors

Experience/Education Preferred:

  • Experience with SCADA, SQL Server, and FactoryTalk

  • Union experience/exposure

  • Experience and career history with “Fortune 500” type companies

  • Prior/current supervising/management experience with proven skills in leading and developing hourly employees

Competencies/Skills Required:

  • Developing new control systems in addition to maintaining and modifying existing systems

  • Working collaboratively with maintenance, operations, purchasing and other internal staff to focus on process equipment efficiencies, changes to existing process parameters/equipment, increase of automation/controls and troubleshooting controls/programming. 

Must have the desire to work in a fast-paced production and manufacturing environment based upon performance the incumbent must have the ability to be mobile as opportunities arise within the organization. Role is based in Kent, OH manufacturing facility.

Hours: 1st shift role. May require off-shift and weekends hours as needed

Travel: Minimum travel of 10%

Salary Range: $81,200 - $121,800. In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges.

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.


We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its affiliates or search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.    

If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT. 


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About Land O'Lakes

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Join our team and be a part of a 100-year-old farmer- and retailer-owned cooperative that is actively shaping the future of the global food and agriculture industry.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Arden Hills, MN, US

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