Our Controls Engineer job description includes the responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
About the Controls Engineer role
Controls Engineer designs, develops, tests, installs, and maintains automated control systems, such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), to monitor and control production processes. They analyze data to detect faults and malfunctions, and develop strategies to improve system performance, reliability, and safety. Controls Engineers must have strong technical and problem-solving skills and be able to work independently and collaboratively.
Role Purpose
The purpose of a Controls Engineer is to design, develop, implement, and maintain control systems and processes to ensure the safe and reliable operation of industrial machinery and equipment. This may include developing and testing control algorithms, designing and programming logic controllers, designing and debugging human-machine interfaces, implementing safety systems, and troubleshooting operational problems. The Controls Engineer is also responsible for providing technical support and advice to other personnel in order to ensure the efficient operation of the control systems.
Controls Engineer Summary
A Controls Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing control systems that manage the production process in industrial and manufacturing settings. They work with mechanical, electrical, and computer systems to create, test, and install controls that ensure machinery operates safely, efficiently, and effectively. The Controls Engineer must have strong knowledge of engineering principles and be able to troubleshoot any issues that arise. They must also be able to read and interpret blueprints and schematics to ensure the control system is designed and installed correctly. A successful Controls Engineer must possess excellent problem-solving and communication skills, be organized and detail-oriented, and have a good understanding of computer and automation systems.
Controls Engineer Duties
- Develop and maintain control systems, instrumentation and automation systems
- Design control systems and program PLCs and VFDs
- Develop, troubleshoot and maintain automated processes and equipment
- Design, program, install and troubleshoot HMIs and SCADA systems
- Integrate control systems and networked devices
- Perform system testing and commissioning
- Develop, document and maintain engineering standards, procedures and practices
- Provide technical support and customer service relating to control systems
Controls Engineer Skills
- Ability to design and develop control systems
- Knowledge of software engineering principles
- Familiarity with engineering standards and design practices
- Experience with MATLAB and Simulink
- Proficiency in C/C++ programming language
- Ability to troubleshoot and debug control systems
Controls Engineer Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
- Experience with control systems and automation
- Experience with programming languages such as C/C++, C#, Java, or Python
- Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems
- Ability to troubleshoot and identify problems
Personal Traits
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and within a team