Become An Electrical Controls Engineer
Where do you want to work?
Working As An Electrical Controls Engineer
- Interacting With Computers
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Mostly Sitting
$79,310
Average Salary
What Does An Electrical Controls Engineer Do
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.
Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems, from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPSs). Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware.
DutiesElectrical engineers typically do the following:
- Design new ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products
- Perform detailed calculations to develop manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications
- Direct the manufacture, installation, and testing of electrical equipment to ensure that products meet specifications and codes
- Investigate complaints from customers or the public, evaluate problems, and recommend solutions
- Work with project managers on production efforts to ensure that projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget
Electronics engineers typically do the following:
- Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications
- Analyze customer needs and determine the requirements, capacity, and cost for developing an electrical system plan
- Develop maintenance and testing procedures for electronic components and equipment
- Evaluate systems and recommend design modifications or equipment repair
- Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, and systems to make sure that they meet safety standards and applicable regulations
- Plan and develop applications and modifications for electronic properties used in parts and systems in order to improve technical performance
Electronics engineers who work for the federal government research, develop, and evaluate electronic devices used in a variety of areas, such as aviation, computing, transportation, and manufacturing. They work on federal electronic devices and systems, including satellites, flight systems, radar and sonar systems, and communications systems.
The work of electrical engineers and electronics engineers is often similar. Both use engineering and design software and equipment to do engineering tasks. Both types of engineers also must work with other engineers to discuss existing products and possibilities for engineering projects.
Engineers whose work is related exclusively to computer hardware are considered computer hardware engineers.
Show More
Show Less
How To Become An Electrical Controls Engineer
Electrical and electronics engineers must have a bachelor’s degree. Employers also value practical experience, so participation in cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn academic credit for structured work experience. Having a Professional Engineer (PE) license may improve an engineer’s chances of finding employment.
EducationHigh school students interested in studying electrical or electronics engineering benefit from taking courses in physics and mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Courses in drafting are also helpful, because electrical and electronics engineers often are required to prepare technical drawings.
In order to enter the occupation, prospective electrical and electronics engineers need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electrical engineering technology. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Courses include digital systems design, differential equations, and electrical circuit theory. Programs in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electrical engineering technology should be accredited by ABET.
Some colleges and universities offer cooperative programs in which students gain practical experience while completing their education. Cooperative programs combine classroom study with practical work. Internships provide similar experience and are growing in number.
At some universities, students can enroll in a 5-year program that leads to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as an instructor at some universities, or in research and development.
Important QualitiesConcentration. Electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. They must be able to keep track of multiple design elements and technical characteristics when performing these tasks.
Initiative. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake. In addition, they must engage in continuing education to keep up with changes in technology.
Interpersonal skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to work with others during the manufacturing process to ensure that their plans are implemented correctly. This collaboration includes monitoring technicians and devising remedies to problems as they arise.
Math skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment.
Speaking skills. Electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians. They must be able to explain their designs and reasoning clearly and to relay instructions during product development and production. They also may need to explain complex issues to customers who have little or no technical expertise.
Writing skills. 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.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsLicensure is not required for entry-level positions as electrical and electronics engineers. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
- A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
- A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Relevant work experience
- A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam can be taken right after graduation from a college or university. Engineers who pass this exam commonly are called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After getting work experience, EITs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.
Several states require engineers to take continuing education courses to keep their license. Most states recognize licensure from other states if the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements.
AdvancementElectrical and electronic engineers may advance to supervisory positions in which they lead a team of engineers and technicians. Some may move to management positions, working as engineering or program managers. Preparation for managerial positions usually requires working under the guidance of a more experienced engineer. For more information, see the profile on architectural and engineering managers.
For sales work, an engineering background enables engineers to discuss a product's technical aspects and assist in product planning and use. For more information, see the profile on sales engineers.
Show More
Show Less
Electrical Controls Engineer jobs
Electrical Controls Engineer Career Paths
-
Senior Control Systems Engineer 5.3 years
-
Senior Electrical Engineer 5.1 years
-
Senior Electrical Design Engineer 4.8 years
-
Electrical Project Engineer 4.3 years
-
Electrical Controls Engineer 4.0 years
-
Lead Controls Engineer 4.0 years
-
Electrical Controls Technician 4.0 years
-
Control Systems Engineer 3.9 years
-
Senior Controls Engineer 3.8 years
-
Process Control Engineer 3.8 years
-
Electrical Engineer 3.8 years
-
Automation Specialist 3.8 years
-
Electrical Design Engineer 3.7 years
-
Electrical Engineering Technician 3.7 years
-
Chief Electrical Engineer 3.6 years
-
Electrical Test Engineer 3.5 years
-
Electrical Systems Engineer 3.5 years
-
Controls Engineer 3.4 years
-
Automation & Controls Engineer 3.3 years
-
Controls Design Engineer 3.3 years
-
Instrumentation Engineer 3.3 years
-
Controls Technician 3.3 years
-
Electrical Engineer Lead 3.0 years
-
Controls Designer 2.7 years
-
Contracting Engineer 2.5 years
-
Contract Electrical Engineer 1.6 years
-
Electrical Engineer Internship 0.6 years
-
Electrical Engineer 19.5%
-
Controls Engineer 10.3%
-
Project Engineer 6.8%
-
-
-
-
-
-
Application Engineer 3.7%
-
Design Engineer 3.7%
-
-
-
Electrician 3.3%
-
-
-
Systems Engineer 3.1%
-
-
Field Engineer 2.9%
-
Project Manager 2.8%
-
-
Electrical Engineer 16.2%
-
Controls Engineer 9.6%
-
-
-
Maintenance Manager 5.4%
-
-
Engineering Manager 5.2%
-
Project Engineer 4.6%
-
Automation Engineer 4.4%
-
-
-
Lead Engineer 3.5%
-
Application Engineer 3.1%
-
Project Manager 2.9%
-
-
-
-
Electrical Designer 2.5%
-
-
Systems Engineer 2.5%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Electrical Controls Engineer
Top Careers After Electrical Controls Engineer
Electrical Controls Engineer Demographics
Gender
-
Male
88.9% -
Female
7.1% -
Unknown
4.0%
Ethnicity
-
White
73.2% -
Asian
13.2% -
Hispanic or Latino
8.6% -
Unknown
3.9% -
Black or African American
1.1%
Languages Spoken
-
French
28.6% -
Spanish
23.8% -
Arabic
9.5% -
Comanche
4.8% -
Hungarian
4.8% -
German
4.8% -
Romanian
4.8% -
Japanese
4.8% -
Hindi
4.8% -
Russian
4.8% -
Polish
4.8%
Electrical Controls Engineer
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Electrical Controls Engineer Education
-
Purdue University
8.6% -
Cleveland State University
8.6% -
Michigan Technological University
7.5% -
Wayne State University
6.5% -
State University of New York Buffalo
6.5% -
University of Cincinnati
6.5% -
Louisiana Tech University
5.4% -
Oregon State University
4.3% -
New York University
4.3% -
ITT Technical Institute-Fort Wayne
4.3% -
University of Louisville
4.3% -
Rochester Institute of Technology
4.3% -
University of Toledo
4.3% -
Ohio State University
4.3% -
Milwaukee School of Engineering
4.3% -
University of Alabama
3.2% -
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
3.2% -
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
3.2% -
University of Colorado at Boulder
3.2% -
Northern Kentucky University
3.2% -
Electrical Engineering 56.6%
-
-
Computer Engineering 4.1%
-
Business 3.8%
-
-
-
Engineering 2.6%
-
-
Computer Science 1.7%
-
-
-
-
-
-
Systems Engineering 0.9%
-
Management 0.9%
-
Chemistry 0.9%
-
Physics 0.9%
-
Communication 0.9%
-
-
Bachelors
49.0% -
Masters
20.9% -
Other
15.1% -
Associate
11.2% -
Doctorate
1.5% -
Certificate
1.3% -
Diploma
0.7% -
License
0.2%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Electrical Controls Engineer
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Electrical Controls Engineer Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Control Engineer | Park Plus Inc. | Fairview, NJ | Aug 31, 2016 | $130,333 |
| Electrical Controls Engineer | Waldrich Coburg Na, Inc. | Lafayette, IN | Sep 13, 2013 | $116,052 |
| Electrical Controls Engineer | Waldrich Coburg Na, Inc. | Lafayette, IN | Oct 09, 2015 | $116,052 |
| Electrical and Control Engineers 3 | Ovivo USA, LLC | Malta, NY | Sep 01, 2015 | $110,090 |
| Electric Motor Control Calibration Engineer | General Motors Company | Pontiac, MI | Dec 04, 2016 | $105,000 |
| Electrical Protection-Control Engineer | Falconbridge Services, LLC | Jacksonville, FL | Sep 17, 2016 | $105,000 |
| Electrical & Control Engineer | Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc. | Houston, TX | Jan 04, 2013 | $103,958 - $149,968 |
| Electrical Control & Instrumentation Engineer | Neuman & Esser USA, Inc. | Katy, TX | Aug 28, 2014 | $103,000 |
| Electrical Control and Instrumentation Engineer | Neuman & Esser USA, Inc. | Katy, TX | Oct 06, 2016 | $103,000 |
| Electrical Controls Engineer | Epitec, Inc. | Warren, MI | Sep 24, 2016 | $99,840 |
| Senior Electrical Controls Engineer | Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. | Houston, TX | Feb 08, 2016 | $99,750 |
| Electrical Protection and Control Specialist/Engineer | Mott MacDonald, Inc. | The Woodlands, TX | Jul 26, 2016 | $97,490 |
| Senior Electrical Controls Engineer | Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc. | Lynchburg, VA | Feb 09, 2016 | $95,079 |
| Electrical Controls Engineer | Dematic Corporation | Grand Rapids, MI | Sep 15, 2015 | $86,275 |
| Site Electrical Controls Engineer II | Res Americas Construction, Inc. | Ulysses, KS | Mar 21, 2013 | $86,000 |
| Electrical Controls Engineer | Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. | MN | Oct 01, 2013 | $85,899 |
| Electrical Controls Engineer III | Munters Corporation | Amesbury Town, MA | Sep 05, 2014 | $85,704 |
| Electrical Controls and Industrialization Engineer | Tesla Motors, Inc. | Sparks, NV | Aug 24, 2015 | $85,000 - $95,000 |
| Senior Electrical Control Engineer | Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc. | Lynchburg, VA | Sep 02, 2013 | $85,000 |
| Electrical Controls Engineer | Parijat Controlware, Inc. | Houston, TX | Jan 08, 2016 | $85,000 |
| Electric Motor Control Calibration Engineer | General Motors Company | Pontiac, MI | Jul 24, 2015 | $84,000 |
| Electrical Controls Engineer | Sanyo MacHine America Corporation | Rochester Hills, MI | Nov 22, 2016 | $73,882 |
| Electrical and Controls Engineer | St. Equipment & Technology LLC | Needham, MA | Sep 01, 2015 | $72,987 - $97,400 |
| Electrical Controls Engineer | Greenlight Professional Services, Inc. | Erie, PA | Sep 12, 2013 | $72,634 |
| Electrical Controls Engineer 1 | GEA Mechanical Equipment Us Inc. | Elgin, IL | Sep 02, 2015 | $72,514 |
| Electrical Power Control Engineer | Alencon Acquisition Co., LLC | Hatboro, PA | Aug 31, 2016 | $72,500 |
| International Electrical Controls Engineer | Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. | Hamilton, OH | Aug 31, 2014 | $71,500 - $85,000 |
| International Electrical Controls Engineer | Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. | Hamilton, OH | Aug 26, 2013 | $70,650 - $85,000 |
| Engineer II-Electrical Controls Engineer | IAC Fremont, LLC | Fremont, OH | Mar 02, 2016 | $70,248 |
No Results
To get more results, try adjusting your search by changing your filters.
Top Skills for An Electrical Controls Engineer
Show More
Top Electrical Controls Engineer Skills
- PLC
- Control System Design
- HMI
- Develop and edit AB 1799 Embedded I/O card PLC programming code using RS Networx software.
- Specialize in control system design for the industrial division.
- Designed and installed Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
- Create electrical schematics and panel designs using AutoCad Electrical.
- Support Case Machining Area: Flow Pro and Ladder logic controlled with Taylor based editing system.
Top Electrical Controls Engineer Employers
Show More
Electrical Controls Engineer Videos
Engineering Energy Savings | A day in the life at Johnson Controls
Become an Electrical or Electronic Engineering Technician
Electrical Engineering Technology (Power and Controls)