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What is a control systems engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Fred Garber Ph.D.
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Control systems engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and managing dynamic control systems in large organizations. They basically ensure that the processes run safely and efficiently. They conduct researches and oversee the installation of ICT equipment. They also define the control algorithms and select tools, earning a median sum of $85,000 annually or $40 per hour. Control systems engineers bring stability to the control dynamic systems to produce the desired outcome.

They determine how to control the system's variables and the production line using mathematical modeling. They also develop software and design the systems based on the company's requirements. Part of their duties may include creating prototypes and testing the created prototypes. They then implement the system and conduct routine maintenance checks.

Control systems engineers mostly hold a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or other related fields. They are expected to have strong mathematical abilities and excellent problem-solving, communication, and software development skills. Some employers prefer candidates with some years of proven experience in a related role.

What general advice would you give to a Control Systems Engineer?

Fred Garber Ph.D.Fred Garber Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Professor, Electrical Engineering, Wright State University

I think the primary question, in the minds of those who are yet to graduate or are still searching, is in regard to the strength of the technical job market, especially the local job market. But you are in a position to definitively answer that question.

In you article, I would ask that you address the following:
Number of employers looking to fill and number of job offerings in the region (by engineering and computer science major) compared to last year and to the previous five years.

Any noticeable differences in job descriptions Zippia is receiving relative to work environment, benefits, starting salaries, etc.

Many of our soon-to-graduate students would be very interested in these quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Additionally, vast numbers of potential students would benefit from such information to guide their career choices.
ScoreControl Systems EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.2

Avg. Salary $92,727

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.7

Growth Rate 3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 15.38%

Black or African American 4.95%

Hispanic or Latino 11.61%

Unknown 4.73%

White 63.14%

Gender

female 9.46%

male 90.54%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress Level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.2

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Control Systems Engineer career paths

Key steps to become a control systems engineer

  1. Explore control systems engineer education requirements

    Most common control systems engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    74.2 %

    Master's

    13.2 %

    Associate

    9.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific control systems engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    PLC8.92%
    HMI7.91%
    C++7.11%
    MATLAB5.73%
    Simulink5.34%
  3. Complete relevant control systems engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New control systems engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a control systems engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real control systems engineer resumes.
  4. Research control systems engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Lead the development of smarter controls utilizing DeviceNet and Profibus architecture.
    • Establish communication links and prepare machines for bench-testing to attain UL certification.
    • Research NFPA, ISA, NEC, OSHA, specs and standards.
    • Install Allen-Bradley PLCS, interface to DCS.
  5. Prepare your control systems engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your control systems engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a control systems engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Control Systems Engineer Resume templates

    Build a professional Control Systems Engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Control Systems Engineer resume.
    Control Systems Engineer Resume
    Control Systems Engineer Resume
    Control Systems Engineer Resume
    Control Systems Engineer Resume
    Control Systems Engineer Resume
    Control Systems Engineer Resume
    Control Systems Engineer Resume
    Control Systems Engineer Resume
    Control Systems Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for control systems engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a control systems engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Control Systems Engineer Job

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Average control systems engineer salary

The average Control Systems Engineer salary in the United States is $92,727 per year or $45 per hour. Control systems engineer salaries range between $72,000 and $118,000 per year.

Average Control Systems Engineer Salary
$92,727 Yearly
$44.58 hourly

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Control Systems Engineer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023
Pros

Great pay and work conditions for this position.


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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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