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

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem entry level instrumentation & controls 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 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, and why are they important?

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.
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Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,425 per year, or $54.5 per hour.
Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)
The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Solar Cell Factory Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for the delivery of critical gases and chemicals in solar cell fabrication. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe handling of hazardous materials in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring reliable control code and safe instrumentation and design of processes like vacuum deposition and etching while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, implement, and maintain automation systems including PLC programming and SCADA development for gas farm operations (e.g., vaporizers, storage, and transfer systems) and wastewater treatment processes (e.g., solids separation, clarification, and chemical dosing) to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant performance
  • Develop and program PLC control logic, PID loops, and interlocks for centralized control of distributed subsystems, optimizing for real-time monitoring of parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, pH, and effluent quality
  • Select, calibrate, and integrate field instrumentation (e.g., transmitters, sensors, analyzers) in hazardous environments, ensuring compatibility with safety standards like SIL, ATEX, and EPA/NPDES regulations
  • Lead commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and troubleshooting of control systems, performing root-cause analysis to minimize downtime and support 24/7 operations with rapid alarm response
  • Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with fluids/systems manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally
  • Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe
  • Hazardous process expertise in an aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industry where high pressure or hazardous systems for fluids or gasses were in use

Experience with at least one of the specific disciplines listed below. The ideal candidate is interested in learning at least the fundamentals of the other areas they are not yet strong in.
Electrical/Industrial Controls:
  • Electrical sizing of motors, valves, pneumatics, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, various other motion systems
  • Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
  • Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
  • Field bus networks, serial communication, Profinet and Ethernet communications
  • Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards

Industrial Software:
  • PLC programming, preferably Siemens TIA Portal structured text + ladder
  • HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), ignition systems with focus on user friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control
  • Field Bus Networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
  • Robotics programming, preferably ABB
  • Industrial software application to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including how to safely checkout these interdisciplinary systems prior to production implementation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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