Control engineers are experts in optimizing processes, equipment, or tools by configuring smart controls to simplify actions and improve productivity. Think about the cruise control driving option in a vehicle or the dishwasher that works with the touch of one or two buttons. A controls engineer was behind those innovations and is responsible for creating many more.
This type of work is referred to as control system engineering. The control engineering discipline actively combines theory, design, and systems development. It requires experience with, and knowledge of, mechanical and electrical engineering, automation, and the latest information technologies. Today, control engineers typically focus on developing or maintaining two types of controls: binary and digital controls.
In this career, controls engineers use their analytical capabilities to troubleshoot issues, examine processes, maintain equipment controls, and find creative solutions to system inefficiencies. Innovative problem-solvers by nature, control engineers must frequently conduct research, experiment, and investigate new systems controls or improvements to achieve smooth operations. They regularly work alongside project control engineers or process control engineers to streamline processes within a project, as planned and on schedule. Control engineers may also be required to teach other engineers and technicians how to use and maintain the system controls.
Popular industries for control engineers include manufacturing, energy, aerospace, automotive, and beyond. As technology continues to evolve, so will control systems engineering. This means, there will be only more opportunities for control engineers!
Apply now for a job as a control engineer!
Senior Instrument and Controls Engineer
Location: Phoenix
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 3 years
This position will be located in Phoenix, Arizona on a hybrid schedule which requires virtual collaboration as well as attending in-person meetings in Phoenix or at one of our site locations. Amenities at the office include a working café, phone booths and meeting rooms with technology tools for virtual and in-person collaboration. In-person attendance may vary based on the position and department requirements. Duties: Review, investigate and develop appropriate recommendations regarding Instrumentation and Control Systems during the various stages of a project such as: Feasibility Study, Basic Engineering and Detailed Engineering Provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams, resolving technical issues/conflicts and ensuring adherence to project timelines and specifications Supports risk assessments, including PHA/HAZOP,LOPA/SIL assessment and SIL verification and review the safety requirement specifications (SRS) Use of technical judgment in making selections and adaption of engineering alternatives during various stages of project implementation Support the company during the development/preparation of company of company discipline (instrumentation and controls) specification standards Develop both conceptual and detailed Instrumentation and Controls requirements including Instrumentation selection and guidelines to meet project requirements Work with the project team, during various optimization efforts during various stages of project implementation Implement and monitor performance indicators, metrics for measurement of Instrumentation and Controls progress/schedule during various stages of project implementation Prepare weekly/monthly reports to communicate project status and outcomes to stakeholders Collaborate with other disciplines, departments, and company installations/sites to provide technical support and recommendations during various stages of project implementation Ensure compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, regulations, and safety guidelines (e.g., ASME, API, ISO, IEC, ISA) various stages of project implementation Proficiency of Smart-Plant Instrumentation Instrument database Generate and review technical reports, specifications, and data sheets to support project implementation Interpreting P&I Drawings, review/checking loop diagrams, schematics, or other field instrumentation drawings
Maintenance Support Instrument & Control Engineers
Location: Doha
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 5 years
Review capital spares status and provides recommendations for preservation and upkeep.Reviews and recommends max / min spare parts level for non-moving, obsolete, surplus, spares and consolidate and updates the files on a continuous basis.Review Recommended Spare Parts lists (RSPL) for all new projects - recommend spare parts for control system, field instruments, analyzer, Fire and Gas system, and skid component for all new projects.To carry out Technical Bid Evaluation (TBE) of the offer provided by Buyer/supply department for the spares of control system, field instruments, analyzer, Fire and Gas system and skid component.Carry out engineering feasibility study (eMOC) in coordination with required disciplines and develop mitigation solution for Obsolescence Management to upgrade following obsolete control systems & review obsolete components:ESD /F&G system TriconexDCS Emerson Delta V & InvensysPackage PLC of Make Modicon, Allen Bradly, Siemens, Schneider electricTurbine Control SystemMachine Monitoring System Bentley NevadaTo carry out Engineering review of obsolete Field instruments & carry out feasibility study to upgradeTo carryout Engineering, review of obsolete all types of instrument valves like Control valve, ESDV, ON/OFF, MOV valve, Analyzer etc. & carryout feasibility study to upgradeTo review obsolescence issues related to Analyzer used in LNG industry like, Gas chromatograph, O2, H2S, SG, CO2, PH, Conductivity, RVP, CEMSExperience in review of instrument datasheet, specification sheet drawing, sizing calculation to finalize InstrumentExperience in review of system drawing, architecture, P&ID, GA drawingsExperience in offshore instrumentationReview of all instrument Master Data Governance (MDG) studies (Material creation, change, deletion and obsolete) through SAP.
Instrument Control Engineer
Location: Kwinana
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 4 years
Design and enhance engineering solutions to optimise plant performance, reduce delays, and lower lifecycle costs of process control systems. Develop and improve process control strategies including PID tuning and alarm rationalisation. Maintain and configure PLCs, SCADA systems (AB Studio 5000, FTView SE), and field instrumentation. Commission and support VSDs, DOLs, network switches, and other control assets. Conduct software updates, firmware patches, documentation, and reporting as part of continuous improvement. Predict and analyse maintenance needs and lead failure investigations. Contribute to risk assessments and mitigation planning using enterprise frameworks. Support technician development in control and instrumentation areas.
Control & Protection Engineer for HVDC Studies - proaktiv (w/m/d)
Location: Ingolstadt
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 2 years
Entwicklung und Implementierung von Steuerungssystemen für HVDC-Anlagen zur effizienten und sicheren Energieübertragung Gestaltung und Optimierung von Schutzstrategien, um die Systemstabilität und -sicherheit in verschiedenen Betriebsszenarien zu gewährleisten Durchführung von Simulationen und Leistungsanalysen zur Bewertung der Effizienz, Stabilität und Zuverlässigkeit von HVDC-Systemen Sicherstellung der nahtlosen Kompatibilität von HVDC-Anlagen mit bestehenden AC-Netzen, inklusive Netzintegration und -stabilität Erstellung technischer Dokumentationen, Berichte und Analysen zur Unterstützung von Projektentwicklungen und zur Sicherstellung der Transparenz Enge Zusammenarbeit mit interdisziplinären Ingenieurteams, um technische Lösungen abzustimmen und die Projekte erfolgreich umzusetzen
Project Controls Manager
Location: Toronto
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 5 years
Guide and direct resolution of project difficulties and complex project control issues. Strong analytical skills required to review all project controls information and ensure accuracy as well as identify issues, concerns, and potential mitigations. Interact with the Project Management team and Corporate management team and participate in regular project meetings. Gather information and prepare reports and presentations of information as needed on the project. Identify and communicate design changes, scope changes and schedule slippages and potential impacts and participate in the identification of mitigations. Ensure trends of cost and schedule are identified, manage change management process, communicate and suggest corrective actions. Coordinate with cross functional team in project setting, ensure project controls team members are interfacing with engineering, procurement, contracts and construction on concepts and relationships to the scope of work and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. Oversees project baseline process for cost, schedule and progress and ensure all project systems are implemented according to process and company standards and procedures. Ensure full implementation of company processes and procedures as well as industry best practices with regards to project controls on the project following the company project stage gate process. Establish a risk management protocol which includes identification, documentation, mitigation and tracking of potential risks on the project. In addition, determine potential cost and schedule/progress impacts of potential risks as they are identified. Ensure the accuracy of reported progress percentage based on the rules of credit established within the project. Develop progress measurement process for required scopes of work. Establish and manage project schedule development, review and update processes and ensure accuracy and alignment with the overall master schedule. Manage and ensure all project required reporting is pared and submitted as per approved reporting schedule for the project. Mentor and lead a large staff of project controls team members, ensure the project is staffed appropriately, conduct regular staff performance reviews and manage any staffing issues that may arise.
Common control engineer responsibilities
A control engineer is responsible for performing a range of important engineering tasks. Responsibilities may include:
- Analyzing processes and systems for areas of optimization with controls for continuous improvement;
- Designing, developing, and implementing controls using algorithms and technical tools and approaches;
- Managing and maintaining controls in larger systems and processes to facilitate smooth and safe operations;
Troubleshooting control system issues to fix them to ensure high productivity; - Developing software and hardware for controls, guiding installation as needed;
- Implementing solutions using robotic process automation (RPA) as required;
- Drafting technical documentation and reports on control systems;
- Creating technical drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) software;
- Collaborating with customers, engineers, managers, and specialists to develop and deploy the controls in products;
- Tracking progress and delivering control systems engineering results in line with agreed project timelines and budgets;
- Ensuring compliance with relevant requirements, codes, and certifications, and in line with customer needs and demands;
- Leading trainings on system or process controls and equipment as needed;
- Assuring the safety and security of team members.
Qualifications for control engineers
Control engineers should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or related. In some countries, an engineering license may also be required
Additional supporting skills and experience include:
- 2-4+ years of engineering experience;
- Solid understanding of construction methods; materials, forces;
- Excellent applied physics, math, and design skills;
- Proficiency in using diverse computer software, including the latest design, modeling, and calculation software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Matlab/LabView, or similar;
- Experience in project management;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to be able to work easily with customers, engineers, technicians, and other team members;
- Some work experience gained through an apprenticeship or in a relevant role is an advantage.
