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What is a senior process control engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

A senior process control engineer oversees the configuration and optimization of all control systems. You will be required to define the system requirements, set guidelines, and oversee the configuration of the systems.

You must ensure that all projects are completed within stipulated timelines, within the budget, and according to client goals and needs. You are expected to direct the team, assign tasks and supervise the project implementation and prioritization. You might be required to liaise with technology experts to build system solutions, carry out updates and maintain quality and standard. Your job also includes training and ensuring safety compliance.

The average process control engineer earns about $46.06 per hour and $95,000 annually. Skills that must be present on every resume include PLC, DCS, project management, and control strategies. Most senior process control engineers have bachelor's degrees in engineering, chemical engineering, and other related disciplines. The position might require a Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE) certification as well.

ScoreSenior Process Control EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $103,292

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 15.04%

Black or African American 4.23%

Hispanic or Latino 10.36%

Unknown 3.88%

White 66.33%

Gender

female 6.74%

male 93.26%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Senior process control engineer career paths

Key steps to become a senior process control engineer

  1. Explore senior process control engineer education requirements

    Most common senior process control engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    76.9 %

    Master's

    15.0 %

    Associate

    4.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior process control engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    PLC12.35%
    DCS6.89%
    Control Strategies4.52%
    Project Management4.14%
    SR4.02%
  3. Complete relevant senior process control engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior process control engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior process control engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior process control engineer resumes.
  4. Research senior process control engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Lead the development of smarter controls utilizing DeviceNet and Profibus architecture.
    • Implement and maintain SPC charts and analyze data using JMP, Klarity-ACE and YMS.
    • Train defect engineers on new SPC software system
    • Major efforts centered on SCADA and DCS implementation application design.
  5. Get senior process control engineer experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a senior process control engineer. The most common roles before becoming a senior process control engineer include process control engineer, process engineer team lead and control systems engineer.
  6. Prepare your senior process control engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior process control engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior process control engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable senior process control engineer resume templates

    Build a professional senior process control engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior process control engineer resume.
    Senior Process Control Engineer Resume
    Senior Process Control Engineer Resume
    Senior Process Control Engineer Resume
    Senior Process Control Engineer Resume
    Senior Process Control Engineer Resume
    Senior Process Control Engineer Resume
    Senior Process Control Engineer Resume
    Senior Process Control Engineer Resume
    Senior Process Control Engineer Resume
  7. Apply for senior process control engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior process control engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior process control engineer job

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Average senior process control engineer salary

The average senior process control engineer salary in the United States is $103,292 per year or $50 per hour. Senior process control engineer salaries range between $78,000 and $135,000 per year.

Average senior process control engineer salary
$103,292 Yearly
$49.66 hourly

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Senior process control engineer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023
Pros

Great pay and work conditions for this position.

Cons

Some travel is typically required at every job.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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