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Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in St Louis, MO

Electrical Controls Technician

Earth City, MO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Electrical Controls Technicians debug and update control components such as PLCs, safety ... instrumentation and controllers at an intermediate level * Develop and maintain project engineering ...

... instrumentation background • Strong process controls and electrical skills with emphasis on ... Logic and programming, as well as in HMI systems and related hardware/software • Ability to ...

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Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer information

See St Louis, MO salary details

$27

$53

$79

How much do entry level instrumentation & controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation & controls engineer in St. Louis, MO is $53.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.35 and $60.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level instrumentation & controls engineer do?

An Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer assists with the design, installation, and maintenance of systems that measure and control industrial processes. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to develop control systems, select appropriate instruments, and ensure that equipment operates safely and efficiently. Typical responsibilities include preparing technical documentation, troubleshooting control systems, and supporting project execution. This role often serves as a starting point for engineers interested in automation, process control, or industrial systems.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level instrumentation & controls engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you can expect to assist with designing, configuring, and testing control systems for industrial processes, such as those found in power plants, manufacturing, or water treatment facilities. Your responsibilities may include creating wiring diagrams, selecting and specifying instrumentation, supporting field installations, and collaborating with senior engineers or project managers. You'll also likely help troubleshoot control system issues and participate in commissioning activities, providing valuable hands-on experience. This role offers a blend of office-based design work and on-site support, giving you exposure to both technical and practical aspects of engineering projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level instrumentation & controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you need a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering and a solid understanding of process control fundamentals. Familiarity with PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and industry-standard software like AutoCAD or MATLAB is typically required, and certifications such as EIT/FE can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies ensure accurate system design, smooth project execution, and effective troubleshooting in complex industrial settings.

What is the difference between Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer vs Entry Level Electrical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Instrumentation & Controls EngineerEntry Level Electrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like CAP or ISA are a plusBachelor's in Electrical Engineering; PE license optional for entry level
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation systemsPower plants, electronics manufacturing, construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageProcess industries, automation companies, oil & gas, manufacturingUtilities, electronics, consulting firms, construction
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes, while Entry Level Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but serve different technical functions within the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in St. Louis, MO?

For Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in St. Louis, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in St. Louis, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in St. Louis, MO are:

Automation Engineer (Field Support)

Gray Architects & Engineers, LLC

Chesterfield, MO • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview

Gray AES is looking add a traveling Automation Engineer to support the field. This role can be remote or in a Gray AES Office. 

Responsibilities

Why Gray AES?

Gray is a family-owned, fully integrated global service provider specializing in engineering, design, construction, digital, equipment manufacturing, and real estate services. Deeply rooted in EAC services, Gray serves both domestic and international customers across our core markets:Food & Beverage,Manufacturing,Automotive,Distribution,Mission Critical, andCommercial. At Gray, our purpose is to make a positive difference in people's lives and build a better future. 

Gray AES, the professional services arm of Gray, is a top-ranked firm offering architecture, engineering, and automation services across the globe. Made up of multidisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, and project managers, these collaborative teams work every day to provide unique, customized solutions for our customers. It's the spirit of our people - the passion, commitment, and a great team environment - that makes our company a great place to work. 

Visa Sponsorship: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Who we want...

Someone who can:

  • Lead commissioning readiness activities throughout construction, installation, turnover, pre-commissioning, startup, and owner acceptance for industrial facilities.
  • Perform structured installation, mechanical completion, and pre-energization walkdowns to verify systems are safe, complete, and ready for commissioning.
  • Coordinate pre-functional inspections, I/O checkout, loop checks, functional testing, and startup support across multiple disciplines.
  • Verify electrical, mechanical, controls, instrumentation, and process systems against project specifications, customer standards, and applicable codes.
  • Identify installation deficiencies, commissioning risks, and quality issues early; coordinate corrective actions before they impact schedule or startup.
  • Lead substantial completion and turnover verification activities, ensuring systems, documentation, and punch lists are complete prior to owner acceptance.
  • Coordinate commissioning readiness activities across construction teams, subcontractors, OEMs, controls engineers, commissioning teams, and owners.
  • Serve as the primary technical field resource to verify commissioning readiness, troubleshooting, and startup execution.
  • Lead readiness meetings, field coordination meetings, and commissioning planning sessions.
  • Align to commissioning readiness schedules aligned with construction milestones.
  • Proactively identify sequencing conflicts, resource constraints, and technical risks; develop recovery plans to maintain project schedules.
  • Assist with commissioning documentation including turnover packages, inspection reports, test records, deficiency logs, and startup procedures.
  • Provide information for routine status updates, and commissioning progress reports to project leadership.
  • Support owner training, operational readiness, and final system turnover.
  • Promote a culture of safety, quality, and technical excellence while mentoring field personnel and reinforcing commissioning best practices.
Qualifications

What we expect...

  • 2+ years of experience in commissioning, startup, industrial automation, construction management, controls engineering, or systems integration.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting industrial construction projects through installation, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and startup.
  • Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, instrumentation, controls, process equipment, and mechanical systems.
  • Experience performing installation verification, pre-energization inspections, I/O checkout, loop checks, and startup support.
  • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, loop drawings, one-lines, control narratives, and equipment documentation.
  • Proven ability to coordinate multiple contractors, OEMs, engineering disciplines, and owner representatives in fast-paced field environments.
  • Strong troubleshooting, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to identify project risks early and develop practical solutions that protect safety, quality, and schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in Food & Beverage, Life Sciences, Consumer Products, Manufacturing, Data Centers, or other industrial process facilities.
  • Experience with PLC/DCS systems, industrial networking, and modern commissioning software.
  • OSHA 30, NFPA 70E, or other industrial safety certifications preferred.
  • Experience with Safety Instrumented Systems, Process Instrumentation, Utilities and low voltage electrical wiring.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the team member is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands or arms and talk or hear.  They may occasionally be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch.  Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision.

Generally, normal office environment where noise level is moderate and temperature/humidity is controlled. Overtime may be required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

EEO Disclaimer

Our Company will be proactive in employing and advancing qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected status.

#GRAYAES

#LI-DJ1

Employment Type: OTHER