Automation and Controls Engineering Tech

Job Description
California, United States of America Job Family Group: Discipline Engineering Worker Type: Regular Posting Start Date: September 16, 2026 Business Unit: Trading and Supply Experience Level: Experienced Professionals
What’s the role Shell is seeking an Automation Engineer to join its team at the Carson Terminal in Carson, California. The Automation Engineer provides technical expertise in Process Automation, Control & Optimization (PACO), instrumentation, control systems, automation, and low-voltage and high-voltage electrical systems across the Americas Distribution & Midstream business. As a member of the Americas Automation, Controls, & Electrical (ACE) organization, the role supports safe, reliable, and efficient operation of assets by providing local, on‑site troubleshooting, engineering support, technical assurance, threat mitigation, and project support. The Automation Engineer serves as a key technical resource for all Instrumentation, Control, & Electrical (IC&E) related activities, with a specialization in process control systems and automation technologies while contributing to reliability improvements, causal investigations, assurance activities, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will be based in Carson, CA, with a primary focus on West Coast U.S. assets. However, it may also support opportunities, threats, or project‑related work across the Americas region (U.S. and Canada) based on business priorities. The position requires working on‑site at the Carson Terminal in Carson, California, at least four days per week and the ability to travel to other regional assets up to 40% of the time. Relocation assistance will be provided to successful candidates who are not currently based in the area.
Accountabilities

Safe, reliable, and compliant operation of automation, control, and instrumentation systems
Effective troubleshooting and resolution of PACO and electrical system issues
Delivery of technical support for threat mitigation, operational improvement, and business opportunity projects
Consistent application of ACE standards, engineering practices, and process control principles
Support for automation, digitalization, and reliability improvement initiatives across the Americas region
Provide discipline support and subject matter expertise within the PACO and Electrical disciplines
Support process control systems, PLCs, RTUs, SCADA, tank gauging, communications, instrumentation, and automation architectures
Identify process requirements and develop practical automation and control solutions to support operational and business objectives
Support optimization of control strategies and automation performance
Provide electrical support, including arc flash studies and maintenance of critical documentation (e.g. area classification and one‑line diagrams)
Act as a technical resource for troubleshooting automation, instrumentation, controls, and electrical issues
Support diagnosis and resolution of: Rack control system issues Pump tuning and optimization VFD performance issues PLC and control logic issues Instrumentation and communications failures Electrical distribution and motor control issues
Provide technical support during operational upsets and significant equipment failures
Provide automation, controls, instrumentation, and electrical engineering support for capital and expense projects
Participate in design reviews, technical evaluations, commissioning, startup, FAT, and SAT activities
Support implementation of automation improvements and business opportunity projects
Provide electrical engineering support for project work that does not involve high‑voltage system engineering
Participate in assurance reviews, risk assessments, and technical evaluations
Support causal investigations, incident reviews, and root cause analysis activities
Lead or support mitigation of high‑risk technical threats involving automation, controls, instrumentation, and electrical systems
Provide technical expertise to support risk management and continuous improvement initiatives
Work collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance, Asset Engineering, AITS, and Project Delivery teams
Provide technical guidance and coaching to technicians and operations personnel
Support implementation of ACE standards, preferred practices, and lessons learned
Contribute to regional initiatives involving automation, remote operations, controls modernization, and digitalization
What you bring
Must have legal authorization to work in the US on a full‑time basis for anyone other than current employer

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related discipline
At least 10 years of experience in automation, controls, instrumentation, electrical engineering, or facility engineering roles
Strong practical experience with any of the following: PLC systems (Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix preferred) SCADA and RTU systems Industrial communication networks Instrumentation and control systems VFDs, motor controls, MCCs, and electrical distribution systems Tank gauging and measurement systems
Experience troubleshooting automation and control systems in operational environments
Working knowledge of applicable industry standards, process safety principles, and risk management practices
Strong communication, problem‑solving, and stakeholder engagement skills
Salary & Benefits
The base salary range for this position is $124,000 - $ 186,000 per year. Individual pay will be based on various factors such as relevant work experience, education, certifications, skill level, seniority, and internal equity. For regular full‑time or regular part‑time employees of the Company (participating companies as listed in the Summary Plan Description), insurance coverage options include medical, dental, vision coverage, life Insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs. Employees also participate in a company pension plan and a 401(k) plan. Paid leave includes up to 6 weeks of paid vacation time, up to 11 paid holidays, and parental leave offering 16 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents, and 8 weeks of paid leave for non‑birthing parents. Additionally, employees are eligible for short‑term disability leave for up to 26 weeks at 100% or 50% of base pay as well as Long‑Term Disability insurance. Shell also offers other compensation such as financial reimbursement for adoption, wellness, education, and personal learning expenses, and some roles are eligible for discretionary long‑term incentives. For interns, eligible benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs; participation in a 401(k) plan; and paid leave for up to 11 paid holidays. Additional information on Shell’s US benefit programs can be found at
Company Culture
You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet. You’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. You’ll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself. Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise Achieve your balance in a values‑led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase – our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world. Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non‑birthing parents Join an organization working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams Gain access to a wide range of training and development programs
Shell in the United States
Shell has been in the US for more than 100 years, leading the sector in energy, petrochemicals and refined products. Today, we provide millions of Americans with the energy needed to heat and cool their homes and power the economy. We operate in all 50 states, from our Deepwater platforms in the Gulf of America to the Pennsylvania Chemicals complex and our miles of pipelines throughout the US. We reach our customers through our 13,000 branded retail stations, and we are number 1 in gasoline sales. We also own the #1 brand of motor oil in the U.S. – Pennzoil® – made from natural gas. We are excited to play a key role in the move to net carbon emissions while providing the oil and gas needed by society for many decades to come.
Future of Energy
You can be a part of the future of energy. Together at Shell, we are transitioning to become a net‑zero emissions business while providing the energy that people around the world need today.
Equal Opportunity and Compliance
Shell participates in E-Verify.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.
Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability.
As a US Federal Contractor, hiring selections are subject to periodic audit review and documentation of your selections should be maintained for a period of three calendar years. It is the policy of Shell in the U.S. (“Shell”) to provide equal opportunity to all individuals, employees and all qualified applicants for employment consistent with employment requirements and qualifications. Shell prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status under federal, state or local laws. All employees are expected to support this policy and contribute to an environment of equal opportunity. If you need an accommodation for a disability during the resourcing process, please speak with an HR representative.
#J-18808-Ljbffr