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Electrical controls engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Florian Solzbacher,
Florian Solzbacher
Electrical controls engineer example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical electrical controls engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for electrical controls engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.6% of electrical controls engineer resumes contained hmi as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an electrical controls engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 electrical controls engineer skills for your resume and career

1. HMI

A human-machine interface is a dashboard or user interface that connects an operator to a device, system, or machine.

Here's how electrical controls engineers use hmi:
  • Improved roll change operation by automating sequence and modifying PanelView HMI application.
  • Programmed PLC and HMI to include all logic and control requirements to match all mechanical system features and customer specification requirements.

2. PLC

Here's how electrical controls engineers use plc:
  • Designed and maintained electrical control systems using PLC based hardware and ladder logic software
  • Designed electrical power, PLC controls systems/networks for manufacturing equipment and projects.

3. Allen-Bradley

Allen Bradley is a US-owned company that specializes in the production and operation of factory automation equipment. They deal with programmable controllers both for automation and logical applications for various factory operation needs.

Here's how electrical controls engineers use allen-bradley:
  • Manufacture Company, Madison Height, MI * A PC based 6 axes CNC machine * Allen-Bradley Series-9 CNC machine.
  • Designed and installed the Allen-Bradley SCBK Clutch-Brake control systems for customers utilizing trim, forging, and linear mechanical presses.

4. UL

Here's how electrical controls engineers use ul:
  • Documented all changes with new control panel design in compliance with UL 508A and updated the reports accordingly.
  • Introduced and implemented NFPA 79, UL 508A, and Machine Safety standards for industrial controls.

5. Hmi Programming

Here's how electrical 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.

6. Project Management

Here's how electrical controls engineers use project management:
  • Developed competencies and expertise in electrical design, project management and manufacturing processes.
  • Project Management utilizing the latest technology in Electrical Engineering.

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7. Autocad Electrical

Here's how electrical controls engineers use autocad electrical:
  • Design electrical control systems, draw/revise electrical schematics utilizing AutoCAD Electrical software.
  • Develop and maintain electrical schematic packages using AutoCAD Electrical 2015.

8. Servo

Here's how electrical controls engineers use servo:
  • Developed a user interface utilizing excel and visual basic to push servo axis data into a programmable controller automatically using DDE.
  • Designed and implemented servo based control systems to retrofit CNC machinery.

9. Electrical Schematics

Here's how electrical controls engineers use electrical schematics:
  • Developed electrical schematics and control panels assuring compliance with applicable codes and customer requirements using AutoCad software.
  • Created electrical schematics and selected electrical parts and assemblies, to design Electrical Packaging and processing machines.

10. CAD

Here's how electrical controls engineers use cad:
  • Designed control systems for Custom Industrial Automated Equipment, developing the schematics utilizing AutoCad and Mechanical Desktop Cad platforms.
  • Work with CAD and Project Engineers in designing and building electrical packages and cabinets.

11. Wonderware

Here's how electrical controls engineers use wonderware:
  • Provided engineering expertise in the design of Rail Road Signaling Graphics using Wonderware ArchestrA.
  • Radio transmission was used to communicate to/from Wonderware and the ROC's

12. Electrical Design

Electrical design refers to the whole process and includes all the steps which are involved in the development of any electrical equipment. In electrical design, planning and managing the process of designing and development, creating the equipment, and testing it to evaluate the equipment's performance are all integral steps.

Here's how electrical controls engineers use electrical design:
  • Provide expertise in electrical design and engineering in replacement and upgrade of various Process Control Systems and Machine applications.
  • Implemented SolidWorks Electrical design environment including the part number exchange interface connected to our corporate parts system.

13. 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 electrical controls engineers use technical support:
  • Worked closely with customers to ensure system operations, training and technical support materials during post-installation phase.
  • Provided technical support to purchasing department, department heads and supervisors.

14. NEC

The National Executive Council, NEC, is responsible for managing and determining the overall strategic direction of a party, policy development, policymaking, and the overall governance of the society. The members of the National Executive Committee are elected and accountable to all members of the geographical area they represent.

Here's how electrical controls engineers use nec:
  • Designed electrical systems for power and controls for panels using NFPA 70 (NEC) and NFPA 79.
  • Determined plant area hazardous locations as required by NEC, API, ATEX, and other applicable codes.

15. FactoryTalk

Here's how electrical controls engineers use factorytalk:
  • Developed and supported HMI using FactoryTalk VisualStudio, Parker Factory Display Manager, Interact Express, and CTC Machine Shop Studio.
  • Developed HMI programs with FactoryTalk Me.
top-skills

What skills help Electrical 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 electrical 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 electrical 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 hard/technical skills are most important for electrical controls engineers?

Florian Solzbacher

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

First of all, the fundamentals (mostly math, physics, materials/chemistry) and basic EE/CE concepts need to be solid. As stated above: the ability to solve real-world development and system integration problems that require "global optimization" of technical performance as opposed to local optimization of specific sub-systems or components is really critical.


Beyond that, given the accelerating breadth of specializations and sub-areas, it is important that students have sufficient depth and breadth of knowledge in the specific area they are targeting. It is important that schools are offering tracks and guidance as to what skills are needed to allow students to successfully master engineering tasks across a range of sub-areas. We have to recognize that in the context of a 4-year program, it is no longer possible to train a student in all areas of ECE - a combined BS/MS degree or MS/Ph.D. degree obviously provides more runway to add breadth.

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

Robert Saunders P.E.Robert Saunders P.E. LinkedIn profile

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 electrical controls engineers need?

Dr. Ramanarayanan "Vish" Viswanathan Ph.D.Dr. Ramanarayanan "Vish" Viswanathan Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

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.

List of electrical controls engineer skills to add to your resume

Electrical controls engineer skills

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

  • HMI
  • PLC
  • Allen-Bradley
  • UL
  • Hmi Programming
  • Project Management
  • Autocad Electrical
  • Servo
  • Electrical Schematics
  • CAD
  • Wonderware
  • Electrical Design
  • Technical Support
  • NEC
  • FactoryTalk
  • NFPA
  • System Design
  • Ladder Logic
  • Process Control
  • Ethernet
  • VFD
  • ControlLogix
  • RS
  • Allen-Bradley Plc
  • Oil Gas
  • Control Panels
  • Power Electronics
  • Vision Systems
  • Modicon
  • Motion Control
  • Ac
  • Dc
  • OSHA
  • Panel Layouts
  • Logix
  • Frequency Drives
  • Production Equipment
  • IEC
  • Rockwell
  • Electrical Control Systems
  • Motor Control
  • Electrical Components
  • Industrial Control Systems
  • SLC
  • Debugging
  • Debug
  • Electrical Equipment

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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