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What does a controls design engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Galen Duree

It is the responsibility of a controls design engineer to research and design a company's new systems and products. Controls design engineers oversee the production of complicated equipment and systems. They perform tests and analyze the design use associated with the system's element function. Part of their job is to seek consistent system results and operation within specific tolerances. They also draft blueprints, oversee manufacturing processes, and establish test prototypes.

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Controls design engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real controls design engineer resumes:

  • Establish communication links and prepare machines for bench-testing to attain UL certification.
  • Specialize in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, system integration, lighting and indoor air quality control.
  • Perform control system simulation using MATLAB and Simulink.
  • Upgrade controllers from Lon works to an Ethernet communication scheme.
  • Perform energy modeling, measurement, verification, commissioning, or retro- commissioning of HVAC.
  • Create hardware products using microcontrollers to assist military operations.
  • Experience with micro power design for battery power portable instrumentation.
  • Design a detail instrumentation and control process for an industrial battery plant.
  • Develop HMI/SCADA applications for extrusion coating/laminating machine lines, utilizing InTouch software from Wonderware.
  • Modernize a PLC5 barley transfer system into an automatic batching and production reporting ControlLogix application.
  • Develop Java base machine learning assessment software for the prototype & experiments in deep learning/ distribution system
  • Support maintenance electricians and programme interfaces to plant supervisory network using Allen Bradley RSLogix with Panelview and Factorytalk HMI.
  • Train and mentore junior engineers in telecommunications network architecture, acronyms, and standard engineering job functions and advance upcoming technologies.
  • Design, develop, start up and commissioning of Modicon 984 PLCs and Intellution 'FIX DMACS' operator interface.
  • Organize reliability database for use in fault isolation and trend analysis resulting in improve efficiency in radar system repair efforts.

Controls design engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 10% of Controls Design Engineers are proficient in Autocad, PLC, and CAD. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Initiative, and Interpersonal skills.

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

  • Autocad, 10%

    Design electrical schematics, PLC architecture, panel design, and bills of material for automated machinery using AutoCAD Electrical 2014.

  • PLC, 6%

    Designed PLC programs and Graphical User Interfaces to integrate into existing production systems for various industrial applications.

  • CAD, 6%

    Designed, developed, and debugged embedded controllers for cooling systems on high speed silicon manufacturing equipment using CAD software.

  • C++, 5%

    Developed object-oriented firmware for internally designed hardware using object-oriented C++ (modeled using UML).

  • HMI, 5%

    Designed and released the HMI (audio control panel) systems used for multiple vehicles over North American markets.

  • MATLAB, 5%

    Performed control system simulation using MATLAB and Simulink.

Most controls design engineers use their skills in "autocad," "plc," and "cad" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential controls design engineer responsibilities here:

Concentration. The most essential soft skill for a controls design engineer to carry out their responsibilities is concentration. This skill is important for the role because "electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products." Additionally, a controls design engineer resume shows how their duties depend on concentration: "performed all dcs point configuration and graphics building for the fccu and gas concentration units. "

Initiative. Many controls design engineer duties rely on initiative. "electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake," so a controls design engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways controls design engineer responsibilities rely on initiative: "exercised initiative in formulating a company standard for burner control complying with nfpa 86 standard for ovens and furnaces. "

Interpersonal skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of controls design engineers is interpersonal skills. This skill is critical to many everyday controls design engineer duties, as "electrical and electronics engineers must work with others during the manufacturing process to ensure that their plans are implemented correctly." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "handled engineering design calculations with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. "

Speaking skills. A big part of what controls design engineers do relies on "speaking skills." You can see how essential it is to controls design engineer responsibilities because "electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical controls design engineer tasks: "presented conceptual designs, engineering drawings and cost analysis to cross-functional teams. "

Writing skills. A commonly-found skill in controls design engineer job descriptions, "writing skills" is essential to what controls design engineers do. Controls design engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "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." You can also see how controls design engineer duties rely on writing skills in this resume example: "used protel for drawing pcb layout and cypress psoc designer for writing software. "

Math skills. While "math skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to controls design engineer responsibilities. Much of what a controls design engineer does relies on this skill, seeing as "electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of controls design engineers: "developed and simulated framing and multiplexing schemes for both tdm and packet based systems using mathcad, matlab, and python. "

All controls design engineer skills

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Compare different controls design engineers

Controls design engineer vs. Radio frequency engineer

A radio frequency engineer, also known as RF engineer, specializes in designing and developing communication systems using radio waves. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around creating networks and systems and testing equipment. They make sure that equipment is up to high standards by traveling to different areas as needed, troubleshooting issues to identify the root of problems and performing corrective measures required. Furthermore, a radio frequency engineer must continuously optimize equipment quality and ensure efficiency while adhering to the laws and regulations.

The annual salary of radio frequency engineers is $2,549 lower than the average salary of controls design engineers.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between controls design engineers and radio frequency engineers are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like adaptive, prototyping, and technical support.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, controls design engineer responsibilities require skills like "autocad," "plc," "cad," and "c++." Meanwhile a typical radio frequency engineer has skills in areas such as "test equipment," "antenna," "system performance," and "system design." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Radio frequency engineers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $94,522. Comparatively, controls design engineers tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $102,490.The education levels that radio frequency engineers earn slightly differ from controls design engineers. In particular, radio frequency engineers are 8.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a controls design engineer. Additionally, they're 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Controls design 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.

A career as a engineer brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a controls design engineer. In fact, engineers salary is $1,227 higher than the salary of controls design engineers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both controls design engineers and engineers have skills such as "plc," "cad," and "c++. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that controls design engineer responsibilities requires skills like "autocad," "hmi," "simulink," and "electrical drawings." But an engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "python," "cloud," "c #," and "aws."

Engineers may earn a higher salary than controls design engineers, but engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $97,672. On the other hand, controls design engineers receive higher pay in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $102,490.In general, engineers achieve similar levels of education than controls design engineers. They're 1.1% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

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

Dr. Galen Duree

Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and Professor, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

People with knowledge, even introductory experience, in quantum effects, quantum computing, optics in general (communication, measurements, imaging, illumination, detection), material science and engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, will be in high demand.

Controls design engineer vs. Mechanical engineer

Mechanical Engineers oversee the development of various mechanical devices in different industries. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around crafting, improving, or designing technologies by utilizing extensive expertise in the subject; they identify and detect errors, provide in-depth analysis, and resolve issues. They are often in designated offices, but they can also work on-site and travel if necessary. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers usually function in a group or team setting, often supervised by personnel in higher positions.

On average, mechanical engineers earn lower salaries than controls design engineers, with a $15,498 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on controls design engineers and mechanical engineers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "plc," "cad," and "matlab.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from controls design engineer resumes include skills like "autocad," "c++," "hmi," and "simulink," whereas a mechanical engineer is more likely to list skills in "mechanical systems," "mechanical design," "plumbing," and "creo. "

Mechanical engineers earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $84,748. Comparatively, controls design engineers have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $102,490.mechanical engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to controls design engineers. Specifically, they're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Controls design engineer vs. Senior electrical engineer

A senior electrical engineer is an individual who leads other engineers to review electrical design plans and analyze existing electrical systems. Senior electrical engineers must establish relationships with clients, vendors, and suppliers to ensure that projects are completed according to specifications. They create project budgets and produce working schedules and company regulations to make sure that a safe and positive working environment is achieved. Senior electrical engineers must be passionate about engineering development by attending electrical conferences and events.

Senior electrical engineers typically earn higher pay than controls design engineers. On average, senior electrical engineers earn a $18,465 higher salary per year.While their salaries may vary, controls design engineers and senior electrical engineers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "autocad," "plc," and "cad. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between controls design engineers and senior electrical engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a controls design engineer might have more use for skills like "simulink," "electrical drawings," "solidworks," and "panel layouts." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of senior electrical engineers require skills like "control systems," "electrical equipment," "electrical systems," and "analog. "

In general, senior electrical engineers earn the most working in the technology industry, with an average salary of $106,176. The highest-paying industry for a controls design engineer is the automotive industry.The average resume of senior electrical engineers showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to controls design engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 5.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 1.6%.

Types of controls design 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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