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What does an automation & controls engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Andrea Welker Ph.D.

An automation & controls engineer is responsible for designing technology systems to support business operations and maximize productivity, minimizing costing effects, and develop efficient and fast deliverables. Automation & controls engineers analyze client specifications and business requirements, running multiple diagnostic and troubleshooting tests to ensure the accuracy of outputs according to budget limitations and project management procedures. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, especially on writing system codes and a strong command of programming languages.

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Automation & controls engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real automation & controls engineer resumes:

  • Manage all aspects of Marketo campaign strategy and implementation.
  • Establish communication links and prepare machines for bench-testing to attain UL certification.
  • Create HTML emails for use within Salesforce.
  • Implement capitol project to include data capturing software for machine efficiency (SCADA) using PLC logic and Ethernet communications.
  • Perform QA on automation processes.
  • Integrate Wonderware (SCADA) in most areas of the facility.
  • Execute and develop APC qualification protocols as per Abbott QA policies.
  • Work with multiple levels of team members to effectively roll-out new CRM system.
  • Used Salesforce reporting to keep data clean and to create segmentation lists for email sends
  • Help facilitate the creation and implementation of the API for data transfer into Eloqua.
  • Experience in SCADA system programming, configuration, data logging with Wonderware Intouch 2014 R2.
  • Experience with wire pulling and termination methods according to the NEC, engineer and customer specifications.
  • Redesign and management of internal and external web pages using HTML, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL.
  • Maintain IBM, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, Macintosh and DEC mainframes, micro/minis, PC's and peripherals.
  • Develop custom landing pages and create forms, email layout, and HTML for customer and prospect lead generation campaigns.

Automation & controls engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Automation & Controls Engineers are proficient in PLC, HMI, and Troubleshoot. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Initiative, and Math skills.

We break down the percentage of Automation & Controls Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • PLC, 11%

    Generated new PLC programs using TIA (Total Integrated Automation) SIMATIC's Manager, WinCC, C/C++ software.

  • HMI, 11%

    Red Lion and Siemens HMI customization for various automotive and industrial components.

  • Troubleshoot, 7%

    Upgrade and troubleshoot existing pipeline station and substations electrical and control systems, including Safety Systems.

  • Allen-Bradley, 6%

    Redesigned a high pressure hydraulic hydro forming machine with Delta Computer Hydraulic servo control on an Allen-Bradley CompactLogix controlled system.

  • Autocad, 5%

    Created project drawings using AutoCad including Electrical schematics and panel layouts.

  • Hmi Programming, 5%

    Project Management, Estimating, Purchasing, Panel Design, PLC & HMI Programming & Networking, Commissioning & Start Up.

Common skills that an automation & controls engineer uses to do their job include "plc," "hmi," and "troubleshoot." You can find details on the most important automation & controls engineer responsibilities below.

Concentration. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an automation & controls engineer to have is concentration. Their role and responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products." Automation & controls engineers often use concentration in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed all dcs point configuration and graphics building for the fccu and gas concentration units. "

Initiative. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling automation & controls engineer duties is initiative. The role rewards competence in this skill because "electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake." According to an automation & controls engineer resume, here's how automation & controls engineers can utilize initiative in their job responsibilities: "provide extensive support for continuous improvements initiatives targeting to improve oee, increase throughput and/or reduce costs. "

Math skills. This is an important skill for automation & controls engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how automation & controls engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an automation & controls engineer: "design and implement the control panel for a complete robotic system by apply- ing advanced mathematic algorithms and electrical engineering theories. ".

Speaking skills. For certain automation & controls engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "speaking skills." The day-to-day duties of an automation & controls engineer rely on this skill, as "electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what automation & controls engineers do: "researched and presented evidence and documentation to ul engineering for acceptance of una-dyn designs to be in compliance. "

Writing skills. Another crucial skill for an automation & controls engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "writing skills." A big part of what automation & controls engineers relies on this skill, since "electrical and electronics engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents." How this skill relates to automation & controls engineer duties can be seen in an example from an automation & controls engineer resume snippet: "project management, automation integration, electrical controls build and design, technical writing, manufacturing process and application engineering. "

Most common automation & controls engineer skills

The three companies that hire the most automation & controls engineers are:

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Compare different automation & controls engineers

Automation & controls engineer vs. Engineering trainee

An engineering trainee is responsible for shadowing engineers in their duties and performing administrative tasks as needed. Engineering trainees assist the engineers in inspecting construction sites and conducting field research. They also identify cost-efficient materials and resources that meet quality standards and client specifications. An engineering trainee must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing reports, attending meetings, and ensuring that all reports are submitted for management's reviews, such as contracts from suppliers and vendors.

If we compare the average automation & controls engineer annual salary with that of an engineering trainee, we find that engineering trainees typically earn a $29,307 lower salary than automation & controls engineers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both automation & controls engineer and engineering trainee positions are skilled in plc, process control, and industrial automation.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, automation & controls engineer responsibilities require skills like "hmi," "troubleshoot," "allen-bradley," and "autocad." Meanwhile a typical engineering trainee has skills in areas such as "excellent interpersonal," "boilers," "geotechnical," and "python." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Engineering trainees tend to make the most money working in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $63,253. In contrast, automation & controls engineers make the biggest average salary, $105,465, in the automotive industry.On average, engineering trainees reach similar levels of education than automation & controls engineers. Engineering trainees are 4.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Automation & controls engineer vs. Engineer

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

On average, engineers earn a $2,535 higher salary than automation & controls engineers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both automation & controls engineers and engineers have skills such as "plc," "troubleshoot," and "hmi programming. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that automation & controls engineer responsibilities requires skills like "hmi," "allen-bradley," "autocad," and "process control." But an engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "python," "cloud," "aws," and "java."

On average, engineers earn a higher salary than automation & controls engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $97,672. Whereas automation & controls engineers have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $105,465.engineers earn similar levels of education than automation & controls engineers in general. They're 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for automation & controls engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Andrea Welker Ph.D.Andrea Welker Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University

Virtual/augmented reality will play an increasingly important role in visualizing designs and interacting with them.

Automation & controls engineer vs. Electrical design engineer

An electrical design engineer develops electrical systems for different applications. Electrical design engineers create system layouts and specifications. They test the systems and make some adjustments whenever necessary. The solutions they create range from component designs to large systems. The set of skills imperative for this job include good technical abilities, teamwork, motivation for extra work hours, ability to execute job under pressure, and enthusiasm. They should also be savvy in technology and innovation.

On average scale, electrical design engineers bring in lower salaries than automation & controls engineers. In fact, they earn a $5,598 lower salary per year.By looking over several automation & controls engineers and electrical design engineers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "plc," "hmi," and "hmi programming." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, automation & controls engineers are more likely to have skills like "troubleshoot," "allen-bradley," "autocad," and "process control." But a electrical design engineer is more likely to have skills like "electrical design," "revit," "analog," and "engineering design."

Electrical design engineers earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $93,022. Comparatively, automation & controls engineers have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $105,465.electrical design engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to automation & controls engineers. Specifically, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Automation & controls engineer vs. Project engineer

A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.

Project engineers average a lower salary than the annual salary of automation & controls engineers. The difference is about $14,492 per year.According to resumes from automation & controls engineers and project engineers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "plc," "hmi," and "autocad. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. An automation & controls engineer uses "troubleshoot," "allen-bradley," "process control," and "continuous improvement." Project engineers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "construction management," "ul," "cost estimates," and "engineering design. "The energy industry tends to pay the highest salaries for project engineers, with average annual pay of $85,761. Comparatively, the highest automation & controls engineer annual salary comes from the automotive industry.In general, project engineers hold similar degree levels compared to automation & controls engineers. Project engineers are 0.9% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of automation & controls engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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