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Process Control Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ATI

Process Controls and Automation Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

ATI is seeking to hire a Process Control & Automation Engineer to support our Hot Rolling Process Facility (HRPF) in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania (suburb of Pittsburgh). Our HRPF is a $1.2B ...

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Process Control Automation Engineer information

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$50.5K

$107.9K

$172.5K

How much do process control automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for process control automation engineer in the United States is $107,918.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $130,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Process Control Automation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical, chemical, or mechanical engineering, along with expertise in process control principles and automation technologies. Familiarity with PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and relevant certifications such as ISA CAP or Siemens/Allen-Bradley training are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure reliable, efficient, and safe operation of automated processes in complex industrial environments.

What is the difference between Process Control Automation Engineer vs Instrumentation Engineer?

AspectProcess Control Automation EngineerInstrumentation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CCNA, ISABachelor's in Engineering, certifications like ISA, Certified Control Systems Technician
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, chemical facilities, power plantsIndustrial plants, manufacturing sites, testing labs
Industry UsageDesign, programming, and maintaining control systemsInstallation, calibration, and troubleshooting of instrumentation
Common Search/ComparisonProcess Control Automation Engineer vs Instrumentation Engineer

The Process Control Automation Engineer focuses on designing and maintaining control systems that automate industrial processes, while the Instrumentation Engineer specializes in installing and calibrating measurement devices. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions within industrial automation and control systems.

What is a Process Control Automation Engineer?

A Process Control Automation Engineer is a professional who designs, implements, and maintains systems that automate industrial processes. They use technologies such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to increase efficiency, safety, and reliability in manufacturing or processing environments. These engineers work closely with other engineering teams to optimize processes, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Their work is essential in industries such as chemical manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most process control automation engineers earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, highly specialized or senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in large organizations can potentially earn $500,000 or more per year. Such high salaries are rare and typically involve executive responsibilities, profit sharing, or working in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or pharmaceuticals with complex automation systems.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Process Control Automation Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing. Senior engineers with specialized skills in PLCs, SCADA systems, and automation software typically reach this salary level.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior process control automation engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial networks, and often certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) can reach salaries of $300,000 or more annually. These roles typically involve managing complex automation systems in large manufacturing or energy facilities and may include leadership responsibilities or project management duties.

What are some common challenges faced by Process Control Automation Engineers when integrating new automation systems with existing plant infrastructure?

Process Control Automation Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new automation systems with legacy equipment and software. These challenges can include ensuring compatibility between different protocols, minimizing downtime during system upgrades, and maintaining system security. Additionally, engineers must thoroughly test and validate the new controls to ensure seamless operation and compliance with industry standards. Effective collaboration with IT, operations, and maintenance teams is essential to address these challenges successfully.

What is process control and automation engineering?

Process control and automation engineering involves designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that automatically monitor and regulate industrial processes to ensure efficiency, safety, and quality. Professionals in this field often work with control systems such as PLCs and SCADA, applying principles of control theory and programming skills to optimize operations in manufacturing, chemical, or energy industries.
More about Process Control Automation Engineer jobs
What states have the most Process Control Automation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Process Control Automation Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Process Control Automation Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Process Control Automation Engineer jobs are:
Process Control Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Control Automation Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,918 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Process Controls and Automation Engineer

Process Controls and Automation Engineer

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated

Brackenridge, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Proven to Perform.
From the edges of space to the bottoms of ocean, our materials are proven to perform -- and so is our team. We're hiring high performers as proven as our products. Join us.

ATI is seeking to hire a Process Control & Automation Engineer to support our Hot Rolling Process Facility (HRPF) in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania (suburb of Pittsburgh).

Our HRPF is a $1.2B state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that enables us to respond faster, develop new products to match our customers' changing needs, and produce specialty and stainless products in unprecedented geometries.

As a Process Control and Automation Engineer, you're responsible for improving and streamlining our manufacturing processes through the design, configuration, implementation and integration of process control and automation systems. You'lldevelop process control applications utilizing Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Distributed Control Systems, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA).

A successful Process Control and Automation Engineer will have to quickly develop a strong understanding of the HRPF to identify and develop efficient methods and processes to improve effectiveness, efficiency and reliability through technology innovation. A successful Process Control and Automation Engineer will add to the expertise and knowledge in a facility that is a market leader in delivering specialty metal coils, stainless steel sheet and specialty plate to global customers.

Essential Functions

  • Analyze and troubleshoot challenges to appropriately recommend continuous improvement strategies and solutions
  • Apply advanced engineering principles and process control strategies to improve operating efficiency of new and existing automation systems
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to implement process control models, strategies, and other methods for ensuring strong outputs, reliability and efficiency
  • Provide technical expertise in support of capital projects, process evaluation, and project modifications.
  • Assure process documentation is regularly developed and maintained

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electro-mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, ECE or related field

Preferred Qualifications

  • 3 years of electrical process control and automation experience
  • Experience with Siemens Level I PLC systems, Siemens PCS7 HMI, and Siemens TDC
  • Specific knowledge of Siemens Drives S120, G150, and Simotion controls
  • Intelligent motor control centers utilizing Siemens Simocode and AS-i.

Skills

  • Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with technical and non-technical cross-functional teams
  • Strong ability to lead, participate in, or act independently to identify and implement process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives at existing manufacturing facilities
  • Ability to manage daily and project tasks using structured project management methodologies
  • Strong ability to analyze and troubleshoot process problems utilizing data archive and analysis tools such as IBA
  • Competent at collecting pertinent information related to project and diagnostic activities and recording these for posterity
  • Proven understanding of electro-mechanical system modeling
We thrive when the expectations are great, and the barriers are high. We're solving the world's most difficult challenges through materials science. Our advanced, integrated process technologies and proven performers give us a tremendous competitive advantage. When customers systems need to fly higher, dig deeper, stand stronger, and last longer -- anywhere on, above or below the earth -- ATI is proven to perform.


*It is ATI's policy to not provide immigration sponsorship for any of the company's positions.
ATI and its subsidiary companies will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected be federal or state law. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process if so requested.

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