How to hire a process & automation engineer

How to hire a process & automation engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step process & automation engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a process & automation engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new process & automation engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a process & automation engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The process & automation engineer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A process & automation engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, process & automation engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of process & automation engineers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Process & Automation Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Process & Automation Engineer	Industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. They devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service.	$33-52
   Industrial Engineering Internship	An industrial engineer intern is a student working in a company to do industrial engineering tasks. Industrial engineering interns assist industrial engineers... Show more	$13-25
   Manufacturing Engineering Internship	A manufacturing engineering intern is responsible for assisting the manufacturing engineers on the plant's daily operations, analyzing the manufacturing process and procedures, and recommending strategic solutions to maximize productivity and minimize costs. Manufacturing engineering interns shadow the production staff, inspect the tools and equipment of the manufacturing, analyze the quality control documentation, and perform related administrative tasks to familiarize themselves with the plant structure... Show more	$19-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • PLC
   • Project Management
   • C++
   • Continuous Improvement
   • Automation Systems
   • Troubleshoot
   • Java
   • Control Systems
   • Business Process
   • GMP
   • Process Improvement
   • MES
   • Technical Support
   • Automation Projects

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead and work with engineers to install, maintain and troubleshoot control systems and various automation processes.
   • Manage RF servers and performing network troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on network elements.
   • Replace the existing oiler I/O panel with corresponding GE I/O panel.
   • Drive communication are done between Allen-Bradley drives and Siemens control system using Anybus gateway modules.
   • Integrate controls with VFD's and PLC's, with various sensors, on older equipment.
   • Experience in building, deploying and integrating java-base web applications in a UNIX, including exposure to J2EE/.NET architecture.

   More process & automation engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your process & automation engineer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A process & automation engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a process & automation engineer in Iowa may be lower than in California, and an entry-level process & automation engineer usually earns less than a senior-level process & automation engineer. Additionally, a process & automation engineer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average process & automation engineer salary

   $87,723yearly

   $42.17 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level process & automation engineer salary

   $69,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average process & automation engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$105,011	$50
   2	New Jersey	$95,739	$46
   3	Minnesota	$95,185	$46
   4	Texas	$93,760	$45
   5	Washington	$93,665	$45
   6	Michigan	$91,847	$44
   7	Colorado	$91,806	$44
   8	Virginia	$89,690	$43
   9	Idaho	$89,360	$43
   10	New York	$87,198	$42
   11	North Carolina	$86,723	$42
   12	Wisconsin	$86,196	$41
   13	Florida	$85,175	$41
   14	Georgia	$84,553	$41
   15	Maryland	$83,900	$40
   16	Ohio	$82,806	$40
   17	Indiana	$77,555	$37
   18	Kansas	$76,376	$37
   19	Oregon	$74,148	$36

   Average process & automation engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Cepheid	$118,273	$56.86	6
   2	FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies	$116,811	$56.16	12
   3	Twist Bioscience	$105,882	$50.90
   4	Hoffmann-LA Roche Inc	$105,087	$50.52	5
   5	General Motors	$104,646	$50.31	33
   6	Koch Industries	$104,543	$50.26	4
   7	Genentech	$104,262	$50.13	18
   8	Moffitt Cancer Center	$103,892	$49.95
   9	Shaw Industries	$101,676	$48.88	7
   10	ADT Security Services	$98,528	$47.37
   11	Stanley Black & Decker	$97,859	$47.05	18
   12	DuPont	$96,843	$46.56	55
   13	Eli Lilly and Company	$96,556	$46.42	25
   14	Freeport-McMoRan	$94,331	$45.35	9
   15	Thermo Fisher Scientific	$94,154	$45.27	59
   16	Eisai	$94,115	$45.25
   17	Avery Dennison	$93,607	$45.00	14
   18	The Dow Chemical Company	$93,535	$44.97	5
   19	International Flavors & Fragrances	$93,412	$44.91	12
   20	Syngenta	$93,204	$44.81	7

4. Writing a process & automation engineer job description

   A process & automation engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a process & automation engineer job description:

   Process & automation engineer job description example

   We are looking for a CIP & Clean Utilities Process DeltaV Automation Engineer who wants to participate in our journey to establish the largest end-to-end cell culture CDMO facility in North America. More importantly, someone who wants to be a part of the largest growth journey that we in FUJIFILM have ever entered.
   
   In the project phase, your main responsibility as the CIP & Clean Utilities Process DeltaV Automation Engineer will be to provide Engineering input on the design and implementation of an Emerson DeltaV control system in the areas of Clean-in-Place (CIP), WFI (Water-for-Injection) Generation and Distribution, WPU (Process Water) Generation and Distribution, Clean Steam Generation, and Waste Collection. Once in Operations, you will be responsible for and have ownership of the ongoing support of the control system for the defined process areas. You will report to the Automation Lead for DSM.
   External US The work we do at FDB has never been more important-and we are looking for talented candidates to join us. We are growing our locations, our capabilities, and our teams, and looking for passionate, mission-driven people like you who want to make a real difference in people's lives. Join FDB and help manufacture the next vaccine, cure, or gene therapy in partnership with some of the most innovative biopharma companies across the globe. We are proud to cultivate a culture that will fuel your passion, energy and drive - what we call Genki.
   
   We are growing our locations and are investing more than $2 billion into establishing a new large-scale manufacturing site for biopharmaceuticals in the United States to accelerate the growth of our Bio CDMO (Contract and Development Manufacturing Organization) business. This will be the largest end-to-end cell culture CDMO provider in North America.
   
   The new site will offer end-to-end solutions to our customers looking to manufacture biopharmaceuticals in the US. In addition to drug substance manufacture, it will also provide automated fill-finish and assembly, packaging, and labeling services. The new site is to be located in Holly Springs, North Carolina, United States.
   
   As the CIP & Clean Utilities Process DeltaV Automation Engineer, you will have direct impact on the automation of a $2 billion Greenfield CDMO facility. We offer the possibility of being a part of the IT/Automation Team within the area of Drug Substance Manufacturing (DSM). Your existing experience as a technical SME will be leveraged to educate and motivate others on this exciting project. We are looking for a team member with positive energy, entrepreneurship, and courage to empower and inspire others while utilize your extensive knowledge and knowhow. You will join an organization focusing on growth, people, and a steep learning curve as well as a diverse workplace with people driven to make a difference. Job Responsibilities
   
   Support the design and implementation of a DeltaV control system for the automation of a CDMO facility Leverage design and code prepared from similar FUJIFILM project in Denmark Ensure project implementation is well received throughout the organization Coordinate with vendors as it relates to the Emerson DeltaV control system Interface with the IT/OT and I&C teams for coordination and integration of the control system Manage hardware/software design decisions and change control in a regulated environment Opportunities to make periodic International and Domestic travel You should expect the role and responsibilities to develop and evolve as the project group expands Requirements
   
   We are looking for a candidate with the following background and skill sets: Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Biological Science, or equivalent 5+ years' experience designing, configuring, and implementing Emerson DeltaV control systems using ISA-88 standards Excellent oral and written communications skills and fluency in English Collaborative attitude with the willingness to work with global peers and cross-functional teams toward company and department goals Experience in a cGMP facility or working with FDA regulations Knowledge with Drug Substance Manufacturing (DSM) would be beneficial Knowledge with Emerson Syncade, OSIsoft PI, InfoBatch, and Siemens PLCs is a plus FDBN works with technical data, technology and materials that are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations. This position will require access to technical data, technology and source code that is controlled under U.S. export laws and regulations, including but not limited to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations at 22 C.F.R. Parts 120 - 130 and Export Administration Regulations in 15 C.F.R. Part 730 - 774, as may be amended. To conform to these laws and regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., protected individuals as defined by 8 USC 1324(b)(a)(3) (i.e., asylees and refugees) or otherwise eligible for an export authorization from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Offers of employment will be contingent on the Company's ability to secure an export authorization.
   
   FDBN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identify or any other protected class.
   
   To all agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of FUJIFILM about this requisition. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at FUJIFILM via-email, the internet or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of FUJIFILM, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by FUJIFILM for this requisition and a valid agreement with FUJIFILM is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of the FUJIFILM agency engagement process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right process & automation engineer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your process & automation engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit process & automation engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit process & automation engineers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new process & automation engineer

   Once you've decided on a perfect process & automation engineer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new process & automation engineer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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