Is Fluid Controls A Good Career Path? (15 Jobs In Fluid Controls: Best-Paying + Entry-Level)

Yes, fluid controls is a good career path. If you enjoy working with your hands in fast-paced environments, fluid controls can be an extremely rewarding career. As technology continues to advance, fluid controls will open up even more opportunities for those who are looking for something digital in this exciting field.

Fluid controls is an evolving industry that focuses on control systems for various applications and markets. Individuals working in this field may work in large industrial installations and may have the opportunity to travel. This is a unique field that allows you to build your skills in technology without needing to sit behind a desk all day.

The 8 Best-Paying Jobs in Fluid Controls

Fluid controls require a high level of skill in many areas, making it a relatively lucrative career in comparison to other industries. Although there is typically some secondary education necessary to land these careers, the payoff is well worth the investment. Additionally, fluid controls span a variety of industries, making your opportunities limitless.

1. Client Services Advisor

   Average Annual Salary: $52,000

   A client service advisor in fluid controls is responsible for resolving all customer queries and ensuring customers are satisfied with their services. This may include responding to customer complaints or escalating problems to the technical or product team.

   Client service advisors are responsible for maintaining a healthy relationship between the client and the company, so you must enjoy working with clients face-to-face. You may also be required to explain technical processes and problems to the client in an easily understandable way.

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2. Project Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $96,000

   Project managers in fluid controls are responsible for overseeing client projects and ensuring it reaches their completion in a satisfactory way. This means they are responsible for the planning, procurement, and execution of the fluid controls project and any undertaking in the defined scope.

   Project managers are leaders who should know where all moving parts are at any given time. They are responsible for establishing and enforcing deadlines as well as ensuring all teams communicate with one another for smooth execution of the final project for the client.

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3. Electrical Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $84,000

   In fluid controls, electrical engineers are responsible for monitoring the efficiency and performance of the company’s electrical tools and equipment. This can vary based on the industry in which you work, so it’s important to be familiar with the electrical equipment used in your specific industry.

   Electrical engineers must have excellent analytical and statistical skills in order to properly analyze operational processes and suggest improvements to maximize productivity and reduce any service delays. They may also perform routine maintenance on equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.

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4. Quality Control Inspector

   Average Annual Salary: $35,000

   Quality control inspectors in fluid controls are responsible for examining products, materials, machinery, and processes for defects or deviations from specifications. In fluid controls, machinery and other devices must meet specific accreditations and certifications, for which the quality control inspector would be responsible to maintain.

   Quality control inspectors may be responsible for reading blueprints and specifications, monitoring operations to ensure they meet adequate standards, recommending adjustments to assembly or production processes, and inspecting, testing, or measuring materials that are being used in fluid controls.

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5. Sales Representative

   Average Annual Salary: $56,000

   Sales representatives in fluid controls work typically in a broader team that helps customers get the parts they need while interacting with them to clarify any additional needs they may have. They may be responsible for researching and recommending parts, providing quotes, and taking orders.

   Sales representatives may need to develop relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), industrial companies, engineering firms, and others, depending on the industry you’re in. Sales representatives must have technical backgrounds and a willingness to work one-on-one with customers.

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6. Fluid Dynamics Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Fluid dynamics engineers are responsible for providing designers and design engineers with the ability to validate fluid performance for any internal or external flows. They must also then improve their designs for optimal flow distribution, minimal pressure loss, and any external disruptions.

   Becoming a fluid dynamics engineer requires a very specific set of skills, including knowledge of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology. Fluid dynamics engineers must be problem solvers and unafraid to challenge design structures that may impact the performance of fluid controls.

7. Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   A computational fluid dynamics engineer or CFD engineer is an individual who uses CFD formulas to predict fluid flows and heat transfers. They may use software to help compute the finite element method and the finite volume method, which can then create 2 or 3-D models and simulations.

   They may be responsible for analyzing problems, building models, and discovering, proposing, and implementing solutions. CFD engineers work closely with research and development teams in the mechanical and chemical engineering industries as well as industries like automobile, aerospace, and aeronautical industries.

8. Fluid AI

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   As fluid controls evolve, so does the technology surrounding the industry. Fluid AI is a relatively new field that combines technology like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and analytics to improve the function of fluid power and controls. This means customers and engineers can interact with their project before it even begins.

   AI has the potential to predict outcomes, optimize outcomes, find clusters, and reduce dimensionality when implemented in fluid controls. This can drastically improve the engineering process around developing fluid control systems while minimizing cost investment for the client.

7 Entry-Level Jobs in Fluid Controls

Fluid Controls is a specialized field which means the entry-level jobs can sometimes be limited without secondary education or training. However, there are still opportunities to get your foot in the door in this industry. Here are some entry-level jobs in fluid controls.

1. Skid Assembly Technician

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Skid assembly technicians are responsible for the fabrication of equipment, pipe fitting, structural support, machining and assembly, and ensuring manufacturing accuracy against drawings or blueprints. These individuals must have great attention to detail to find any inaccuracies or problems with drawings.

   Skid assembly technicians build fluid control systems out of piping by following a design, then must complete functional testing of the completed systems. This may also include maintaining quality control records and test forms, as well as maintaining inventory and proper maintenance of tools.

2. Order Entry Clerk

   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   An order entry clerk, sometimes referred to as an inventory clerk, is responsible for filling orders by pulling parts from inventory shelves, utilizing pick lists, and staging materials for specific projects. This job requires great attention to detail as well as the ability to move heavier objects.

   Order entry clerks are also responsible for tracking inventory transactions, typically using a digital system that records the process. They may also be responsible for identifying and returning materials to their proper locations and performing cycle counts on a regular basis.

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3. Systems Wirer

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   A systems wirer is an individual responsible for the electrical installation of cabling and associated devices like switches, distribution boards, sockets, and light fittings in a structure. This is an important role for fluid controls, which rely on these components for smooth operation.

   As a systems wirer, you must have experience and knowledge of safety standards for design and installation. The good news is systems wirers are needed in virtually all industries for a variety of projects for this career. However, you must have knowledge of local regulations, as they vary by location.

4. Machine Operator/Assembler

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Machine operators and assemblers are responsible for the mechanical assembly or sub-assembly of units. This may require adjusting, fitting, and aligning parts on equipment to ensure they work as intended. For this job, you’ll want to make sure you have math skills and the ability to use common hand tools.

   Machine operators and assemblers must inspect and test completed units as well as follow work instructions, establish quality standards, and follow safety protocols. They must also package and label products, load and unload products, and perform within the job’s physical demands.

5. Power Plant Technician

   Average Annual Salary: $49,000

   Powerplant technicians are responsible for controlling and monitoring all equipment found in power plants, such as boilers, turbines, and generators. Technicians have the ability to control the amount of power within equipment by maintaining electricity and voltage throughout the plant.

   Technicians may be required to work with computer systems in order to maintain power levels and may need to connect and disconnect from their circuits. This job is available in many industries, including nuclear, coal, geothermal, or hydroelectric power plants.

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6. Visual Inspector

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Visual inspectors are individuals responsible for visually inspecting an asset made using only the naked eye. This type of inspection requires no specialized equipment, but it does require specialized training so that you know what to look for when conducting the inspection.

   Visual inspectors may be responsible for traveling to a location to conduct their inspection. However, as technology advances, remote visual inspection (RVI) tools are now enabling inspectors to collect visual data without needing to be physically present, transforming how inspections are conducted.

7. Support Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Support engineers are responsible for providing troubleshooting and technical support services to internal and external clients across fluid controls. These engineers typically work within the IT department and, depending on the size of the company, may be tasked with focusing on either internal departments or clients.

   Support engineers must monitor fluid controls systems, troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve any issues, including escalation to the appropriate teams. They may also be responsible for interacting with customers and having a wide range of technical knowledge that they can easily relay to those who may not be as technical.

Why Choose a Career in Fluid Controls?

While fluid controls is an exciting career path, it may not be for everyone. There is a specific level of knowledge needed as well as an existing skill set in order to compete with the competition. You must be willing to read and interpret data and be able to troubleshoot on your feet and, sometimes, under pressure. Here are some reasons to work in fluid controls:

• High demand. Fluid controls exist in virtually every industry, including everything from medical to manufacturing. This means there will be a steady demand for professionals who are able to maintain, install, and repair these systems.

• Room for growth. If you’re looking for a career where you can grow, fluid controls are a great option. Some jobs require associate’s degrees, while others may ask for advanced training. This allows for plenty of room for advancement.

• Wide variety of opportunities. As mentioned above, fluid control jobs exist in virtually every industry, so you have a wide selection of what might fit you best.

• Competitive salaries. Although there are jobs that are entry-level and lower-paying, there are still a good variety of high-paying jobs that can help you reach your financial dreams, comparable with other competitive industries.

• Location flexibility. As another benefit to the need for fluid controls in most industries, you can pick and choose where you want to work. Not just that, but you can also choose between part-time and full-time employment.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Fluid Controls

Fluid control jobs will vary based on the industry you work in, with each having its own terminology, protocols, and nuances. It’s important to understand what time of education or training you need to be successful in this field.

• It’s common to need an associate’s degree or certificate in order to succeed in this field. Entry-level jobs may require this at the minimum, meaning sometimes, not even on-the-job training will help you land an entry-level job.

• Experience may be required depending on the role. You may need several years of experience to land some jobs in fluid controls, although there are opportunities that do not and will train you on-site.

• Finding an apprenticeship program can help get your foot in the door. Look at local community colleges or technical schools. Many offer programs that are free to students with on-the-job training while earning credits.

What Do People Working In Fluid Controls Do?

Working in fluid controls means you work with fluid power systems that convert mechanical energy into fluid energy. How this works is by taking pressurized fluid, controlling it, and directing it by valves into an actuator device like a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder to provide linear motion, rotary motion, or torque.

Fluid power technology generates, controls, and transmits the power in applications you may see every single day. This technology spans aerospace, agriculture, automation, construction, energy, entertainment, forestry, food processing, marine, material handling, medical devices, mining, oil and gas, packaging, transportation, and more.

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.