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Process Control Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

A Day in the Life Process Control & Automation Support * Serve as the primary Operations and Engineering contact for process control, automation, and regulatory control issues. * Provide technical ...

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Process Control Automation Engineer information

See salary details

$50.5K

$107.9K

$172.5K

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

As of Aug 2, 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:
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 Control Automation Engineer

FutureFuel Chemical Company

Batesville, AR

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Process Control / Automation Engineer

FutureFuel Chemical Company in Batesville, Arkansas, is looking for a new member for our Process Control Automation Team.

About the Position

The Process Controls / Automation Engineer should have and be able to demonstrate skills in requirements gathering, design, configuration, integration, and implementation of automation solutions for the manufacturing industry including PLC / DCS systems, field bus technology, HMI packages and panels, OPC, SCADA systems and historians, Visual Basic / Visual C++, and PC and networking technologies. The ideal candidate would have experience in both continuous and batch automation applications and knowledge of field instrumentation. Responsibilities include:

· Expertise in requirements documentation, detailed design, implementation, system integration, and testing and start-up of automation systems.

· Responsibility for identifying technologies to be used in new applications and developing expansion and long-term support and/or migration strategies for existing system architectures.

· Daily implementing automation solutions, support of project team objectives, normal system support and troubleshooting, and system and process optimization.

· Proven experience in PLC (Allen Bradley, Modicon, Siemens, CTI, AutomationDirect, etc.) and/or DCS Systems (ABB, Honeywell, Emerson, Siemens, etc.). Experience with Siemens SIMATIC 505, CTI 2500, and Allen Bradley PLCs and the ABB MOD300 / 800xA / 800M DCS will be a plus.

· Experience with HMI or SCADA packages such as Wonderware, Intellution, WinCC, PCVue, and FactoryLInk and panel technology such as Allen Bradley PanelView and PanelView Plus.

· A working knowledge of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams, Electrical / Loop Diagrams, PID loop control, and various automation programming languages such as ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, instruction lists, and sequential function charts.

· Serving as the process automation technical lead on a variety of projects and may be responsible for some project management activities.

· Develop and prioritize process improvement needs.

· Develop, implement, and support new processes for the site.

· Providing cost estimates to determine feasibility of business development plans.

· Designing and planning layout of equipment.

· Providing technical assistance, process improvement, and manufacturing support for Manufacturing, Utilities, and Maintenance.

· Troubleshooting and identify root causes of problems.

· Working in teams or independently to increase production capacity, improve product yield, provide safer operations, or reduce energy requirements.

· Applying sound process economics analysis principles to determine and document project values.

· Evaluating and specifying new process control equipment.

· Maintaining awareness and ties to corporate technology and engineering resources to help implement projects.

· Assisting with definition and implementation of capital projects that will result in process improvements or increased capacity.

· Managing several projects simultaneously and regularly communicates progress to stakeholders.

· Following safety and quality procedures.

Who We’re Looking For

· Candidates must have a BS or MS in Electrical, Chemical, or Computer Engineering;

· The preferred candidate would have at least 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing facility;

· The candidate would have expertise in requirements documentation, detailed design, implementation, system integration, and testing and start-up of automation systems.

· Candidate should be self-motivated, willing to learn, and capable of functioning in both a team and solo work environment as conditions warrant.

· The ideal candidate will have demonstrated programming leadership, the ability to develop and implement standard engineering practices, the ability to provide detailed documentation upon project completion.

· Excellent communication skills and the ability to successfully work with people from all levels and areas of the company;

· Creative problem-solving skills;

· Legally allowed to work in the US without restriction

About FutureFuel

FutureFuel Chemical Company (FFCC) is a specialty and fine chemical manufacturing producer with an over forty-year successful plant history. FFCC has three business segments: custom/toll manufacturing, performance chemicals, and biodiesel. FFCC serves a wide variety of markets including pharmaceutical intermediates and products, nylon and polyester fibers, cleaning products, agricultural products, paints and coating, and fuels and energy.

FFCC is a small publicly traded company with approximately 500 employees that has a rich history of complex organic chemistry innovation, excellent environmental stewardship, and excellent health and safety compliance. We are a growing U.S. manufacturer of specialty organic chemicals and premium biofuels. Our company is headquartered in Batesville, Arkansas and publicly listed on the NYSE under "FF". We have a world class integrated biofuels and specialty chemicals manufacturing facility in Batesville. This Electrical Engineering position is located in at the Batesville plant. This is an on-site position. Visit our website at www.Futurefuelchemicalcompany.com

About Working at FutureFuel

· Compensation: We offer competitive compensation packages, including a relocation program and Advancement Ladder.

· Comprehensive Benefits: We offer excellent medical, dental, and vision insurances, 401k matching, an employee work-out center, life insurance, parental leave, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, paid military leave, wellness incentives, and disability insurance.

· Culture: Expect a company culture that is friendly, inviting, helpful, inclusive, supportive, dedicated, and full of brilliant team members.

About the Location

Batesville, Arkansas is a small rural town of about 10,000 on the foothills of the Ozark Mountains with excellent area schools, a University of Arkansas 2-year college and Lyon College, a highly rated Liberal Arts College. We are a strong outdoor community with the White River, nearby lakes, parks, bike trails, dog park, walking trails, excellent soccer and baseball/softball facilities, a thriving community and aquatics center and Historic Main Street, and close access to Blanchard Springs Caverns, The Ozark Folk Center, and the Buffalo River, one of the longest undammed rivers west of the Mississippi and the nation’s first National River designated by Congress in 1972 to preserve its clean water and other outstanding values. Batesville has a regional health care center, Community Theatre and Arts Council, a strong Chamber of Commerce, Mark Martin NASCAR Museum, and a regional historic museum. Visit Batesville at cityofbatesville.com.

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