Automatically apply for jobs with Zippia

Upload your resume to get started.

Controls engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Florian Solzbacher,

Florian Solzbacher

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical controls engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for controls engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 7.6% of controls engineer resumes contained c++ as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a controls engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 controls engineer skills for your resume and career

1. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how controls engineers use c++:

Developed AutoPilot device firmware in C and C++ to precisely guide industrial agriculture equipment.
Maintained and developed new features in C++ for communications to laser machines utilizing Microsoft MFC, COM and OLE Automation technologies.

2. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how controls engineers use troubleshoot:

Commissioned and troubleshoot whole automation system at customers and provide remote assistance for field service personals.
Complete field work to install and troubleshoot machining equipment, both domestically and internationally.

3. UL

Here's how controls engineers use ul:

Established communication links and prepared machines for bench-testing to attain UL certification.
Provide customer support that includes meeting with engineering and providing technical data based off of UL standards to build product specifications.

4. Hmi Programming

Here's how controls engineers use hmi programming:

Project Management, Estimating, Purchasing, Panel Design, PLC & HMI Programming & Networking, Commissioning & Start Up.
Produce PLC and HMI programming policies and code for design, service, support, installation and commissioning.

5. MATLAB

Here's how controls engineers use matlab:

Used code generation tools in MATLAB to generate C code to develop communication on Electronic Throttle Control (ETC).
Conducted testing and validation of ECU software with HIL, SIL, and Vehicle testing; using INCA and MATLAB.

6. Simulink

Simulink is a MATLAB-based block diagram environment for modeling and simulation of systems. It supports system-level design, continuous test, verification of the embedded system, and automatic code generation. Simulink provides customizable block libraries, graphical editors, and solvers for modeling and simulating the dynamic system. Simulink has one of the main advantages, the ability to model a nonlinear system, which a transfer function cannot do. Simulink enables quick construction of virtual prototypes to be used on design concepts with minimal effort.

Here's how controls engineers use simulink:

Conducted experiments for controls design validation on laboratory system using either rapid prototyping environment (SIMULINK) or actual PTMS controller.
Created a simulation in SIMULINK to model the baseline system.

Choose from 10+ customizable controls engineer resume templates

Build a professional controls engineer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your controls engineer resume.

7. Project Management

Here's how controls engineers use project management:

Have experience communicating and collaborating with other disciplines such as Mechanical, Installation technicians, Project management, Sales and Customers.
Performed all aspects of the controls design including the project management for primarily automotive automation of machining and assembly lines.

8. PLC/HMI

Here's how controls engineers use plc/hmi:

Organized and managed PLC/HMI programs to be accessible by the Field Technicians, Engineers and U.S. Water Services management.
Design PLC/HMI based controls for airfield runway lighting systems at municipal airports and military bases.

9. Ladder Logic

Ladder Logic is often used when programming industrial controls, electrical relays, and programmable logic controllers. Though it started as a written language, ladder logic has now become a programming language for sequential control logic, which produces an output dependent on all past and current inputs.

Here's how controls engineers use ladder logic:

Prepared instrument specifications, control systems design drawings, development of ladder logic for Programmable Controllers.
Interpret mechanical sequence and controls drawing and writes ladder logic to customer specifications.

10. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how controls engineers use technical support:

Provided technical support to production, providing problem solutions, determining problem root cause and implementing corrective actions.
Perform technical support optimizing system and network performance developing innovative automated methods for system updates and security tasks.

11. Electrical Controls

Electrical control is a physical connection of electrical devices that are controlled by switches, relays, or rheostats and that influence the dynamic behavior of other devices or systems through control loops.

Here's how controls engineers use electrical controls:

Analyzed customer business and operational practices to determine the appropriate design and production of engineered electrical control systems.
Initiated and coordinated department refurbishment program to replace electrical controls on old Grinders and Lathes.

12. Servo

Here's how controls engineers use servo:

Spearheaded installation of first Servo motors and controllers to provide enhanced velocity and position accuracy.
Organized the programming of servo applications through the utilization of Bosch-Rexroth servo equipment.

13. Process Control

Process control is a method pertaining to continuous production processes that uses the aid of ICS (Industrial Control Systems) for production. This method enables production to be done with a level of consistency and safety in an economically friendly manner that is impossible to achieve solely through manual control.

Here's how controls engineers use process control:

Utilized Statistical Process Controls and Data Analysis Programs to track equipment performance, identify failure mechanisms and implement solutions.
Designed, developed and integrated electrical/electronic process control, and machine vision systems for manufacturers throughout the world.

14. Control System Design

Here's how controls engineers use control system design:

Control system design and implementation of industrial manufacturing equipment for the automotive and industrial manufacturing industries.
Perform robustness analysis of systems and incorporate findings into control system design or subsystem interfaces.

15. FANUC

Here's how controls engineers use fanuc:

Support and adjust robot paths as required on assigned projects (FANUC & ABB Robots).
Implemented Fanuc Robotics Preferred Integrator company status.

5 Controls Engineer resume examples

Build a professional controls engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 5+ resume templates to create your controls engineer resume.

Create my resume

Build a professional resume in minutes using this template.

What skills help Controls Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on controls engineer resumes?

Florian Solzbacher

Department Chair, Professor, Elect & Computer Engineering, University of Utah

Examples of having applied the knowledge gained in their studies to practical examples of solving engineering problems that require the combination of skills and at least some understanding of system engineering aspects are important signals that graduating engineers are ready to be productive in a real-world setting are always important. Obviously, participating in projects that address current "hot topic" problems, e.g., in robotics, AI/machine learning, power systems, biomedical applications, or that resonate with specific problems an employer is currently working on, will raise a student's profile.

Supplemental skills, such as Entrepreneurial or business training, can enhance and differentiate a student's resume. This shows that an engineer is not solely focused on the core technical engineering skills but does have an understanding of the driving forces and their interaction in a real-world business setting, that are not only part of the design requirements for a product (e.g., design to cost), but also often drive the selection of technical solution paths, after all, every development and product has to make business sense. Imagine two young engineers proposing a solution to their manager for a new product: one maybe even over-exceeds the technical requirements, but the development and/or manufacturing and servicing effort and cost is significantly higher than a colleagues solution that may only just about reach the requirements, or maybe even compromise on some specifications, but that is far cheaper to develop, make and service and that may allow entering a far larger market- chances are very high that the business may decide to go for the "inferior" solution from a technical point of view, that is, however, the better product. This supplemental skill set is a significant competitive advantage to have as an engineer.

What soft skills should all controls engineers possess?

Florian Solzbacher

Department Chair, Professor, Elect & Computer Engineering, University of Utah

Engineering is about teamwork. All major quantum leaps and most products require extensive system engineering and diverse skills. Engineers need to be able to understand the languages and workflows not only across engineering disciplines but also ranging into business, legal and ethical aspects of their work. This includes communication and project management skills.

What controls engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Robert Saunders P.E.

Assistant Department Head, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Project management and/or leadership training, either at the university they graduated from, or a good online source. Either or both of these would demonstrate the proactive attitude of the student. And get involved in something; community service groups, design a project, anything that shows you are pushing forward professionally and personally, not just sitting at home.

What type of skills will young controls engineers need?

Dr. Ramanarayanan "Vish" Viswanathan Ph.D.

Chair and Professor, University of Mississippi

All graduates need to 1) have a broad understanding of electrical engineering and have programming skills, 2) be able to work collaboratively, and 3) effectively communicate with co-workers, both orally and through writing. Additionally, depending upon the nature of the job, some would need effective communication skills to interface with external stakeholders, and some would need strong foundations on theory and applications of electrical engineering, including networking of computers and devices.

Do you want to know more?

List of controls engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a controls engineer resume and required skills for a controls engineer to have include:

C++
Troubleshoot
UL
Hmi Programming
MATLAB
Simulink
Project Management
PLC/HMI
Ladder Logic
Technical Support
Electrical Controls
Servo
Process Control
Control System Design
FANUC
Ethernet

CAD
AC
Electrical Schematics
Automation Systems
Autocad Electrical
NEC
Wonderware
Electrical Design
ControlLogix
Vision Systems
HVAC
Java
Allen-Bradley Plc
FactoryTalk
SQL
Windows

NFPA
I/O
PID
Motion Control
DeviceNet
Modbus
Industrial Control Systems
Machine Interface
Control Panels
Electrical Systems
Software Design
Adaptive
Electrical Drawings
VFD
Lean Manufacturing
CNC

Updated January 8, 2025

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse architecture and engineering jobs