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Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA

Field Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

We offer designated per diem in addition to an excellent base salary to support and help you cover ... Create and closely monitor project controls such as productivity tracking including Average labor ...

Certified Surgical Tech

Spokane, WA · On-site

$32.21 - $49.03/hr

Per Diem, Schedule: Per Diem, rotating schedule, mostly day shift Position Summary The Certified ... use of surgical instrumentation and equipment during surgical procedures. Work situations are ...

Nuclear Engineer

Blanchard, ID

$96K - $115K/yr

... instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

Nuclear Engineer

Millwood, WA

$98K - $118K/yr

... instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

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Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer information

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$55

$82

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem entry level instrumentation & controls engineer in Spokane, WA is $55.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.03 and $62.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to handle as a per diem entry level instrumentation & controls engineer?

As a Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you'll typically be assigned to support senior engineers on specific projects, such as troubleshooting instrumentation issues, assisting with system calibrations, and helping prepare technical documentation. You can expect to work on a variety of tasks, including field data collection, reviewing control schematics, and participating in site inspections. Because the role is per diem, your assignments may vary significantly in duration and scope, providing exposure to different industries or project types and allowing you to build practical experience while working alongside multidisciplinary teams.

What is a per diem entry level instrumentation & controls engineer?

A Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer is an early-career engineer who works on an as-needed basis, typically for short-term assignments, to assist with designing, developing, and maintaining instrumentation and control systems in industrial settings. These engineers help ensure that equipment and processes operate safely, efficiently, and within regulatory guidelines. The 'per diem' status means they are paid a daily rate and may not have a regular full-time schedule, allowing flexibility for both the employer and the engineer. Their responsibilities often include assisting in system design, troubleshooting, testing, and documentation under the supervision of senior engineers.

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

AspectPer Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

The Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer focuses on designing, installing, and maintaining control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes. They typically require knowledge of control systems, sensors, and PLC programming. In contrast, a Per Diem Entry Level Electrical Engineer primarily works on electrical system design, wiring, and power distribution. Both roles often share similar work environments, certifications, and industry usage, but their technical focus differs. The Instrumentation & Controls Engineer emphasizes process automation, while the Electrical Engineer concentrates on electrical infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem entry level instrumentation & controls engineer?

To thrive as a Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering and a solid understanding of instrumentation, automation, and basic engineering principles. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, PLC programming environments, and SCADA systems is typically required, and certifications like EIT (Engineer-in-Training) can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring project accuracy. These competencies enable engineers to design, troubleshoot, and optimize control systems safely and efficiently, directly impacting system reliability and project success.
What are popular job titles related to Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA? For Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA are:
What cities near Spokane, WA are hiring for Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Spokane, WA with the most Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings in Spokane, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,687 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Automation & Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Support

Kaiser Aluminum

Spokane, WA

$70K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Kaiser Aluminum rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

294th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

REPORTS TO: Process Improvement Engineering Manager

FLSA STATUS: Salaried -Exempt

SUPERVISES: None

Benefits

  • Salary range $70,000 to $125,000 commensurate with experience
  • High deductible medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, including spouse and children (modest payroll deductions)
  • 10 paid holidays per year
  • Vacation (3 weeks starting out)
  • Supplemental leave (used in conjunction with Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave)
  • 401K with matching company funds
  • Quarterly bonus structure
  • Tuition reimbursement

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Manufacturing Support Automation & Controls Engineer reports to the Process Improvement Engineering Manager This position supports/leads flow team directed Manufacturing Excellence activities being conducted at the Trentwood facilities. This position works with facilitators, engineers, manufacturing leaders, craft personnel and operators, as needed with the goal of improving process capability, lowering manufacturing cost, increasing reliability and reducing waste in the operation.

The successful Manufacturing Support Engineer will:

  • Validate and maintain control system design/architecture for new and existing equipment.
  • Provide support and coordination for equipment start-ups and maintenance outages.
  • Assist in trouble-shooting equipment control and electrical systems.
  • Provide engineering support for the maintenance and operations resources during troubleshooting and RCA activities.
  • Perform controlled process improvement changes in PLC systems, HMI systems, and in level 2 server and coordination systems.
  • Coordinate with vendors, process engineers, and production personnel for continuous improvement.
  • Develop project scope, feasibility, cost estimates, and schedule, for assigned projects.
  • Prepare, organize, and update project documentation (Manuals, PM's spare parts, correspondence, drawings, drawing lists, material listings, etc.)
  • Help support and develop a culture at Kaiser Trentwood that promotes lean thinking and right first time for all work performed.
  • Collaborates with the operational team to develop and report performance metrics against targets to determine gaps in performance and recommends/executes improvement initiatives.
  • Advise the team on improvement opportunities through requirements gathering, data extraction/transformation, organized analysis and effective visualization of information.
  • Drive process consistency through standard work, process control, right first time, and management of change.
  • Comply with all safety, quality and environmental regulations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Approximately 50% of the job function is performed in an office setting requiring normal safety precautions. 50% of the job function is in the plant. There is exposure to operating machinery and a manufacturing environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • This position requires performing tasks on a computer.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and climb or balance. There will be periods of walking and standing. The employee must talk and hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to reach with arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION

  • An undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering.
  • A degree in Computer Engineering combined with industrial experience may substitute for the Electrical Engineering degree.
  • An undergraduate degree in ME Automation with sufficient coursework in automation/robotics may also substitute.

EXPERIENCE

This individual will possess:

  • 0-5 years previous electrical engineering experience.
  • Experience with industrial PLC systems, HMI systems or distributed control systems, or relevant laboratory education
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong PC skills, including Windows, Word, and Excel.
  • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
  • Proven ability to work in teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

The preferred candidate will have knowledge and experience with:

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in the maintenance department of a heavy industrial facility.
  • Familiarity with database tools and techniques.
  • Programming experience. (Python preferred)
  • Familiarity with CMMS software (MAXIMO preferred).
  • Knowledge of National Electrical Code, AC & DC motors

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

This individual will:

  • Be energetic, disciplined and focused on a team building operational organization.
  • Have well developed interpersonal and business partnering skills, with the ability to quickly adapt to, be accepted by, and interrelate with the organization at all levels.
  • Be willing to work flexible hours.
  • Be self-motivated, self-learning, and willing to educate themselves and others in a changing environment.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

  • Refer to training matrix on file with Quality Department.

PERFORMANCE FACTORS

  • Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended upon to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
  • Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Company.
  • Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Company. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.

No third party candidate submissions are being accepted at this time for this opening.

This position has been determined to be a safety-sensitive position and requires a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen that includesmarijuana.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing an inclusive culture.


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