Controls Engineers are responsible for developing, testing and implementing automation control of electronic systems. The responsibilities of the job vary from position to position, but Controls Engineers may be tasked with reviewing blueprints, meeting with contractors and resolving issues to ensure project quality. These engineers spend the majority of their time working indoors in a lab or office environment, but they must also travel to work sites to oversee launches and address problems if they arise. Hours can vary, but most Controls Engineers work a typical workweek, while extra hours may be necessary when facing deadlines.
Required Education and Experience
Most Controls Engineers hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical and/or mechanical engineering. They must study circuit theory and digital processing topics that are common in electrical work and they must also have a strong grasp of the concepts of mechanical engineering like materials, thermodynamics and heat transfer.
Licensure is not always required, but is highly recommended. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying oversees licensing, which typically requires a degree from an accredited program, four years of work experience and successful passing of a state licensing exam. Once licensed, continuing education is required to maintain credentials.
Controls Engineers typically move up the ladder from entry-level positions that focus on CAD design of systems. Throughout the early years of their career, new engineers may also be called upon to evaluate, maintain and update current systems and operations or coordinate end-user support.
Job Outlook
The salary aggregator at Indeed cites the annual figure at $82,000 for Controls Engineers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not list statistical information on Controls Engineers specifically, but they predict job growth for electrical engineers to remain steady in the coming years. They report the median annual national salary of electrical engineers at $95,230 for 2015. Salary and benefits packages will vary from job to job based on the size of the organization, its geographic location and the experience of the engineer.
Current Vacancy
A company in Decatur, Alabama, is currently seeking a Controls Engineer with five or more years of experience working with custom automated and robotic systems. The position is responsible for electrical design using ACAD and PLC programming from scratch using Allen Bradley, Siemens, and Omron. Candidates should have experience robot programming from scratch, should have excellent troubleshooting skills and the ability to travel on startups of equipment. You can learn more about this opportunity and apply online here.
If you are an experienced Controls Engineer looking for exciting new opportunities in the Southeast region of the U.S., we encourage you to reach out to the expert recruiters at Selectek. We are always seeking strong engineering talent to match with some of the most innovative companies in the region. Contact us today to learn more about our process for helping you take the next step in your career.
