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Electronic system engineer vs controls engineer

The differences between electronic system engineers and controls engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an electronic system engineer and a controls engineer. Additionally, an electronic system engineer has an average salary of $92,086, which is higher than the $84,532 average annual salary of a controls engineer.

The top three skills for an electronic system engineer include RF, C++ and EW. The most important skills for a controls engineer are C++, troubleshoot, and UL.

Electronic system engineer vs controls engineer overview

Electronic System EngineerControls Engineer
Yearly salary$92,086$84,532
Hourly rate$44.27$40.64
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs65,20850,203
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does an electronic system engineer do?

An electronic system engineer works best when it comes to designing electronic components for the upgrading of gadgets and machines. They use their expertise in various industries such as commercial, medical, and military groups. They can also create a power-saving application to ensure prolonged use of gadgets. System engineers first test products for quality control and assurance before distributing them to the masses, ensuring the safety and comfortability of those who will use them.

What does a controls engineer do?

A Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising electrical control systems, machinery, and equipment. They oversee projects from initial concept to installation and commissioning.

Electronic system engineer vs controls engineer salary

Electronic system engineers and controls engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Electronic System EngineerControls Engineer
Average salary$92,086$84,532
Salary rangeBetween $68,000 And $123,000Between $64,000 And $111,000
Highest paying CityMountain View, CAPalo Alto, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyRandstad North America, Inc.Apple
Best paying industryTechnologyAutomotive

Differences between electronic system engineer and controls engineer education

There are a few differences between an electronic system engineer and a controls engineer in terms of educational background:

Electronic System EngineerControls Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityGeorgia Institute of Technology

Electronic system engineer vs controls engineer demographics

Here are the differences between electronic system engineers' and controls engineers' demographics:

Electronic System EngineerControls Engineer
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 89.9% Female, 10.1%Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between electronic system engineer and controls engineer duties and responsibilities

Electronic system engineer example responsibilities.

  • Apply technical knowledge in electromagnetic theory and microwave technology to plan and manage projects concern with ground-base radar systems.
  • Perform EMC tests for new products and prototypes.
  • Support vehicle level durability, EMC and impact tests.
  • Develop functional- test systems for module burn-in and PCB testing.
  • Evaluate PCB layout and perform new board analysis, and analog development.
  • Support design and development of a financial and health care system for DOD.
  • Show more

Controls engineer example responsibilities.

  • Lead team to upgrade new syringe lines to current OSHA and NFPA safety standards.
  • Lead a team of 12 programmers to validate a common library of 70 DeltaV modules.
  • Promote to manage the advanced process control (APC) program, responsible for the generation of $30MM per year.
  • Establish communication links and prepare machines for bench-testing to attain UL certification.
  • Design electrical controls using Allen-Bradley PLC for automatic filling of emergency breathing air bottles.
  • Complete system design, installation, troubleshooting and technical support of PC and PLC control automated and robotic manufacturing equipment.
  • Show more

Electronic system engineer vs controls engineer skills

Common electronic system engineer skills
  • RF, 16%
  • C++, 7%
  • EW, 7%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • DOD, 6%
  • System Design, 5%
Common controls engineer skills
  • C++, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • UL, 5%
  • Hmi Programming, 4%
  • MATLAB, 4%
  • Simulink, 4%

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