How to Become a Controls Engineer

One of the most fascinating aspects of being a controls engineer is the way this field demands a blend of technical expertise, innovative problem-solving, and collaboration. In addition to possessing those three traits (at a minimum), you should make sure you have a firm grasp on what goes into being a controls engineer, know your options for selecting an industry, and understand the common career path.

Controls Engineer Job Description

Simply, a controls engineer designs, implements, analyzes, maintains, and optimizes mechanical or electronic systems that regulate the output of other devices.

Controls engineers develop detailed plans for control systems and apply the appropriate hardware and software components. They write and test code for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and other interfaces to keep systems functioning as intended. These experts also troubleshoot and problem-solve to keep control systems performing optimally.

Another component of controls engineering is the ability to create detailed documentation and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. And a big part of the job is working closely with other engineering teams, manufacturing staff, and project managers to seamlessly integrate control systems into the broader operation.

Your solid electrical and mechanical engineering background, analytical skills, and eye for detail will be essential to your success as a controls engineer.

Controls Engineer Industries

Another cool thing about controls engineers is that they can choose from a huge variety of industries to work in. In aerospace, you would develop and maintain control systems for aircraft and spacecraft. In the automotive sector, you’d work on systems that enhance vehicle performance and safety, including engine management and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

The manufacturing industry would give you experience in developing efficient production processes across everything from consumer goods to heavy machinery. As an oil and gas controls engineer, you’d design systems to manage extraction, refinement, and distribution processes, while a food and beverage job would allow you to automate processes that maintain high standards of hygiene and efficiency in food production. And these are just a few examples of what’s out there for controls engineers.

The Control Engineer Career Path

As in most careers, controls engineers start with a firm educational foundation. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is usually required. It also doesn’t hurt to have some coursework in control systems, automation, and robotics. They then gain practical experience in an entry-level position like Junior Controls Engineer or Automation Engineer.

As controls engineers move up into specialized (and thus higher-paying) senior roles such as Lead Automation Engineer or Engineering Manager, it becomes more and more important that they continue honing their mastery of PLC programming, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCS). They often supplement their hands-on groundwork with advanced engineering degrees or certificates like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), and they enhance their credentials by attending conferences, keeping pace with technologies and trends via industry publications, joining associations, and performing some good old networking to remain aware of new advancements and opportunities.

You’ve chosen one of the more challenging and rewarding engineering fields! Make the best of your controls engineering prospects by understanding the job, exploring different industries, and following a clear career path.