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Freelance Dcs Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provides engineering support for plant automation, process control, instrumentation, and industrial ... Responsible for supporting, troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving DCS, PLC, HMI, historian ...

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Responsible for the implementation of control systems and DCS/PLC/SCADA programming on Oil & Gas ... Automation System training/certification a plus. * Working knowledge of instrument and electrical ...

Principal Automation Engineer Status: Exempt (salaried) Department: Engineering - Electrical ... Perform diagnostic and failure analysis on PLC/DCS-based systems * Assist in developing Functional ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Canonsburg, PA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

The Senior Automation Engineer at Audubon shall have shown the ability to specify, design, program ... Read, understand, and translate P&ID's and electrical drawings into a DCS/PLC/HMI application.

Senior Automation Engineer

Canonsburg, PA · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

The Senior Automation Engineer at Audubon shall have shown the ability to specify, design, program ... Read, understand, and translate P&ID's and electrical drawings into a DCS/PLC/HMI application.

Responsible for the implementation of control systems and DCS/PLC/SCADA programming on Oil & Gas ... Automation System training/certification a plus. * Working knowledge of instrument and electrical ...

Overview: As a part of the Engineering Department, the Automation Engineer will support and maintain the plant wide Distributed Controls System (DCS), standalone PLC's and plant alarm system.

Responsible for supporting, troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving DCS, PLC, HMI, historian ... day engineering support for plant automation and process control systems • Troubleshoot and ...

Responsible for the implementation of control systems and DCS/PLC/SCADA programming on Oil & Gas ... Automation System training/certification a plus. * Working knowledge of instrument and electrical ...

Automation Engineer

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Automation Engineer POSITION DESCRIPTION NUMBER: HR-023-33 DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO ... Depending on assignment, this may be DCS, PLC, SCADA, BAS, Validation, Manufacturing and Utilities ...

Lead Automation Engineer

Denver, CO

$105K - $139K/yr

Lead Automation Engineer Education & Experience : Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field ... You'll play a key role in DCS/PLC programming and SCADA/HMI development, while also mentoring ...

Lead the programming, development, set up and commission of automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA or DCS) including training and maintenance * Supports the local organization on troubleshooting or ...

Automation Engineer

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Automation Engineer POSITION DESCRIPTION NUMBER: HR-023-33 DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO ... Depending on assignment, this may be DCS, PLC, SCADA, BAS, Validation, Manufacturing and Utilities ...

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Automation Engineer POSITION DESCRIPTION NUMBER: HR-023-33 DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO ... Depending on assignment, this may be DCS, PLC, SCADA, BAS, Validation, Manufacturing and Utilities ...

Apply Early

Automation Engineer

Canonsburg, PA · On-site

$42 - $60/hr

Field experience troubleshooting PLC, HMI, DCS programming. Education & Experience: Bachelor's Degree in a technical field Proficiency in design software 5+ years of experience in an automation ...

Automation Engineer

Nashwauk, MN · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Position Summary The Automation Engineer designs, develops, implements, and maintains automated ... Develop and maintain PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA applications * Support commissioning, startup, and ...

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Lead Automation Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Lead Automation Engineer Education & Experience : Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field ... You'll play a key role in DCS/PLC programming and SCADA/HMI development, while also mentoring ...

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Freelance Dcs Automation Engineer information

See salary details

$37K

$107.1K

$163K

How much do freelance dcs automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance dcs automation engineer in the United States is $107,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance DCS Automation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance DCS Automation Engineer, you need expertise in distributed control systems (DCS), process automation, and strong engineering fundamentals, usually supported by a degree in engineering and experience with industrial automation. Familiarity with major DCS platforms (such as Siemens, Emerson, or ABB), programming languages (like PLC and SCADA), and relevant certifications (e.g., ISA Certified Automation Professional) is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the ability to work independently are essential soft skills in this freelance role. These skills ensure successful project delivery, client satisfaction, and adaptability to varied automation environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Freelance DCS Automation Engineers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Freelance DCS Automation Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating with existing client teams, adapting to various Distributed Control System (DCS) platforms, and managing project deadlines independently. To address these, it's important to develop strong communication skills, stay current with multiple DCS technologies, and use project management tools to track progress and deliverables. Building a reliable professional network can also help with troubleshooting and knowledge sharing, making it easier to deliver high-quality solutions to clients.

What is the difference between Freelance Dcs Automation Engineer vs DCS Control Technician?

AspectFreelance Dcs Automation EngineerDCS Control Technician
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degrees and certifications in automation and control systemsUsually holds technical diplomas or certifications in control systems and maintenance
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often remote or on-site at client facilities, working on system design and programmingPrimarily on-site, focusing on system troubleshooting, maintenance, and operation
Employer & IndustryFreelance consultants or contractors serving industries like oil & gas, manufacturing, power plantsIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, and power stations

In summary, Freelance Dcs Automation Engineers focus on designing and programming control systems on a project basis, often working remotely or at client sites. DCS Control Technicians primarily handle system maintenance and troubleshooting on-site. Both roles require knowledge of control systems but differ in scope, credentials, and work environment.

What is a Freelance DCS Automation Engineer?

A Freelance DCS Automation Engineer is an independent professional who specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining Distributed Control Systems (DCS) for industrial processes. They work on a contract basis for various clients, providing expertise in configuring control systems to automate and monitor manufacturing or production environments. Their role often includes programming controllers, troubleshooting system issues, integrating hardware and software, and ensuring optimal system performance. Freelance DCS Automation Engineers may work remotely or on-site, depending on project requirements and client needs.
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Senior Automation Engineer - DeltaV DCS / Rockwell PLC & SCADA (GMP Biopharma Capital Projects) (JP1

Senior Automation Engineer - DeltaV DCS / Rockwell PLC & SCADA (GMP Biopharma Capital Projects) (JP1

3 Key Consulting

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site

$80 - $88/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Job Title:   Senior Automation Engineer – DeltaV DCS / Rockwell PLC & SCADA (GMP Biopharma Capital Projects) (JP15356)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: Advanced Technology & Automation
Duration: 3 years (with potential for conversion to permanent)
Posting Date: 05/08/26
Pay Rate: $80 - $88/hour W2
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply.  Standard 8 - 5 Working Hours
3 Key Consulting is hiring an Senior Automation Engineer DeltaV DCS / Rockwell PLC & SCADA for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.
Job Description:
Ideal candidate: Must have background in within Life sciences specifically Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering. Emerson Delta-V DCS Programming Experience, Rockwell Automation SCADA and PLC Experience, Compliance with regulatory requirements such as 21 CFR Part 11Minimum of Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotech Engineering, or related life science engineering.
Our client’s Manufacturing and Clinical Supply (MCS) – Facilities & Engineering (F&E) Automation team, is looking for Engineers to support Clinical & Commercial Plant Automation programs and Capital projects, including complex and challenging automation initiatives that require a solid understanding of various automation platforms, integration between different platforms, analytical problem-solving techniques, project management, product lifecycle management, and operational excellence. They will require an extensive understanding and background in capital construction projects, design, programming, implementation, and lifecycle management of manufacturing process controls, automation, and field instrumentation technologies.
Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team
Top Must Have Skills:
  • Must have direct programming experience in Rockwell and/or Emerson and/or HMI and/or Allen Bradley
  • Life Sciences GMP experience
  • Experience with supporting automation capital projects (qualification, testing)

Day to Day Responsibilities:
  • Support automation capital project software development testing, commissioning activities etc.
  • Support day to day operations of the plant for automation related issues including on call rotation every 7-8 weeks.
  • Support Plant Automation team and participate in the preparation and implementation of detailed design, scope, schedule in partnership with cross functional teams.
  • Support Plant Automation team during the project implementation of new automation solutions including DeltaV Distributed Control System (DCS), Rockwell Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA) related hardware, software, network infrastructure, and electronic Rt-reporting scope across various projects.
  • Support Plant Automation team during the post-implementation activities including operationalization of the new assets by extending hyper-care support, training the System Owners, and Manufacturing team, revising the SOPs, and training documents, delivering spare parts list, updating Maximo assets and cleint CMDB systems.
  • Ensure compliance to client’s Engineering and Operational standards, specifications, and procedures as applicable during the project design and implementation.
  • As applicable to the capital project scope, represent Plant Automation team and support new continuous improvements by performing automation engineering assessments, implementing automation system configuration changes, and supporting engineering and process qualification runs.
  • Support a safe working environment by complying with all pertinent environmental health/safety practice, rules, and regulations.

Basic Qualifications:
Doctorate degree and 3 years of experience OR Masters degree and 5 years of experience OR Bachelors degree and 7 years of experience OR Associates degree and 12 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 14 years of experience
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotech Engineering, or related life science engineering.
  • Knowledge and experience in capital project lifecycle management including conceptual design, scope, resource estimate & cost estimate development, business case development, detailed design, engineering, commissioning, validation, and project execution, as it relates to Plant Automation and process control systems with GMP biopharmaceutical production facility equipment/systems in support of Drug Substance, Drug Product plant operations.
  • Has five or more years combined experience with the following automation systems:
o Emerson Delta-V DCS system.
o Rockwell Automation SCADA and PLC Platform.
o ABB Robot and Mitsubishi roller bottle machine
o Emerson Delta-V DCS system.
o Electronic Batch Reporting Systems Design and implementation experience.
o Process Control Network design including network segregation.
o Process Control Systems: Virtual Infrastructure design and implementation.
o System Integration using OPC, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, and DeviceNet technologies.
o Compliance to regulatory requirements such as 21 CFR Part 11, ASTM 2500, S88, S95 and GAMP.
Interview process:
One Phone screen with Hiring Manager and One Panel Interview with team. Both Virtual.
We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to resumes@3keyconsulting.com.  If you decide that you’re not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.