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Process Control Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Paducah, KY area. Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience Location: Paducah ...

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Cape Girardeau, MO area. Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience Location:

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Iowa City, IA area. Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience Location: Iowa ...

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Cedar Rapids, IA area. Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience Location:

Process Automation Engineer - Cedar Rapids, IA This is a full time, exempt position The Process Automation Engineer will provide support for the industrial control systems across the ADM Cedar Rapids ...

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Memphis, TN area. Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience Location: Memphis ...

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Evansville, IN area. Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience Location:

Process Control Engineer

Yakima, WA · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Weyerhaeuser Company is seeking a Process Control/Automation Engineer for our Columbia Falls MDF facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for mentoring electrical staff, troubleshooting ...

Weyerhaeuser Company is seeking a Process Control/Automation Engineer for our Columbia Falls MDF facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for mentoring electrical staff, troubleshooting ...

Process Control Engineer

Billings, OK · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Weyerhaeuser Company is seeking a Process Control/Automation Engineer for our Columbia Falls MDF facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for mentoring electrical staff, troubleshooting ...

Process Control Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Weyerhaeuser Company is seeking a Process Control/Automation Engineer for our Columbia Falls MDF facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for mentoring electrical staff, troubleshooting ...

Process Control Engineer

Great Falls, MT · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Weyerhaeuser Company is seeking a Process Control/Automation Engineer for our Columbia Falls MDF facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for mentoring electrical staff, troubleshooting ...

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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 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:
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 Engineer

Process Control Engineer

Rinvio

Paducah, KY • On-site

$55 - $80/hr

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Paducah, KY area.


Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience

Location: Paducah, KY

Schedule: Full-time industrial/plant support work; schedule and overtime may vary by site needs

Type: Contract


Responsibilities:

- Support process control systems, PLC/HMI platforms, instrumentation, controls networks, and plant automation projects

- Troubleshoot controls issues, improve reliability, and support production uptime in industrial environments

- Develop or modify PLC/HMI logic, control narratives, documentation, and system standards as needed

- Coordinate with maintenance, engineering, operations, vendors, and project teams on controls improvements

- Support commissioning, upgrades, integrations, preventive maintenance, and root-cause analysis


Requirements:

- Process controls, controls engineering, automation engineering, or senior PLC/controls experience

- Experience with PLC/HMI systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms

- Strong understanding of instrumentation, controls networks, VFDs, I/O, schematics, P&IDs, and industrial systems

- Ability to troubleshoot complex controls problems and communicate clearly with plant stakeholders

- Manufacturing, chemical, paper, food, metals, utilities, or heavy industrial background preferred

- Reliable transportation to the Paducah, KY area

- Dependable, safety-minded, and able to complete any site onboarding requirements


Why this role:

- $55-$80/hour estimated pay range based on experience

- Industrial/manufacturing electrical and automation opportunity

- Professional recruiting support from Rinvio

- Potential access to additional skilled-trades and plant-maintenance opportunities through Rinvio


Learn more about Rinvio: https://www.rinvio.com


Apply today and a Rinvio recruiter will follow up with qualified candidates quickly.

Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

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About Rinvio

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Internet and it

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Huntington Beach, CA, US

Year founded

2018