What does a lead controls engineer do?
A Control Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and management of control dynamic systems in an aircraft or machinery company. They inspect and monitor all types of equipment and ensure all processes are running correctly and safely. Their role is to design a control panel and involves other engineers who operate and implement the said system. They also teach them how the procedure goes and how to deal with the possible problem that can encounter. Other duties include supervising the procurement of ICT equipment, installation, and meeting deadlines for the needed repair.
Lead controls engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead controls engineer resumes:
- Develop graphical user interface computer programs to automate Simulink transient analysis of FADEC controls for helicopter gas turbine engines.
- Design STATCOM RTDS system using MATLAB to test control algorithms in MarkVIcontroller.
- Develop 3D assembly parts for new CTV, DVD and VCD with the use of SolidWorks & AutoCAD.
- Conduct SQL queries and table updates.
- Review and approve logic program and HMI screen structures.
- Improve reporting and monitoring processes by writing SQL and Unix scripts.
- Design and implement Allen Bradley's DeviceNet, ControlNet and EthernetIP.
- Manipulate loops on Emerson/Ovation DCS and Wonderware HMI to RTU (SCADAPACK )
- Develop MATLAB tools for rapid design and analysis of controller performance and robustness.
- Configure RSBatch / FTBatch for multiple process batch selections within Wonderware touch panel.
- Conduct training classes in robot programming (Fanuc & ABB) to maintenance.
- Design cabinet layout electrical drawings, design conduit schedule, and tune PID loops.
- Start up control system for new assembly line, configure ControlNet and Ethernet communications networks.
- Contract engineer involve in the design and programming of close loop servo systems used to replace pneumatic hoists and lifts.
- Advance control algorithm that includes PID control loops, advance propulsion, storage and cylinder control, several patents apply for.
Lead controls engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Lead Controls Engineers are proficient in C++, PLC, and Technical Support. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Initiative, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Lead Controls Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- C++, 13%
Developed algorithms in C++ and Python to interface with SF-30C LIDAR.
- PLC, 10%
Conducted analysis study to select the best option to migrate from company's proprietary PLC to an industry standard PLC platform.
- Technical Support, 8%
Trained and provided technical support to other locations in the US and overseas.
- HMI, 8%
Demonstrated Control System and HMI screen test functionality during customer Factory Acceptance Testing.
- Project Management, 6%
Maintained direct contact with client project management and maintaining agency project management.
- Allen-Bradley, 3%
Redesigned a high pressure hydraulic hydro forming machine with Delta Computer Hydraulic servo control on an Allen-Bradley CompactLogix controlled system.
Most lead controls engineers use their skills in "c++," "plc," and "technical support" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential lead controls engineer responsibilities here:
Concentration. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a lead controls engineer to have is concentration. Their role and responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products." Lead controls engineers often use concentration in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed all dcs point configuration and graphics building for the fccu and gas concentration units. "
Initiative. Another essential skill to perform lead controls engineer duties is initiative. Lead controls engineers responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake." Lead controls engineers also use initiative in their role according to a real resume snippet: "provided leadership and direction to project management initiatives for million-dollar projects. "
Math skills. lead controls engineers are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to lead controls engineer responsibilities, because "electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment." A lead controls engineer resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "extracted geometry and load path from cad models. "
Speaking skills. For certain lead controls engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "speaking skills." The day-to-day duties of a lead controls engineer rely on this skill, as "electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what lead controls engineers do: "researched and presented evidence and documentation to ul engineering for acceptance of una-dyn designs to be in compliance. "
Writing skills. A commonly-found skill in lead controls engineer job descriptions, "writing skills" is essential to what lead controls engineers do. Lead controls 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 lead controls engineer duties rely on writing skills in this resume example: "improved reporting and monitoring processes by writing sql and unix scripts. "
The three companies that hire the most lead controls engineers are:
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Lead controls engineer vs. Engineering trainee
An engineering trainee is responsible for shadowing engineers in their duties and performing administrative tasks as needed. Engineering trainees assist the engineers in inspecting construction sites and conducting field research. They also identify cost-efficient materials and resources that meet quality standards and client specifications. An engineering trainee must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing reports, attending meetings, and ensuring that all reports are submitted for management's reviews, such as contracts from suppliers and vendors.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a lead controls engineer are more likely to require skills like "ac dc," "hmi," "project management," and "allen-bradley." On the other hand, a job as an engineering trainee requires skills like "excellent interpersonal," "fire protection," "boilers," and "geotechnical." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Engineering trainees really shine in the energy industry with an average salary of $63,253. Comparatively, lead controls engineers tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $97,661.On average, engineering trainees reach similar levels of education than lead controls engineers. Engineering trainees are 0.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Lead controls engineer vs. Staff design engineer
Staff design engineers are tasked to assess the efficiency of instruments, technologies, and equipment by collaborating with the engineering team to plan, design, and develop technologies efficiently. Their responsibilities include building and setting up, as wells as improving systems and procedures. They should possess strong attention to detail, good visual and spatial awareness, creativity, problem-solving, excellent verbal, written, and project management skills, and strong mathematical and IT skills to become efficient and effective staff design engineers.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that lead controls engineer responsibilities requires skills like "plc," "technical support," "hmi," and "allen-bradley." But a staff design engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "architecture," "rf," "synthesis," and "analog."
Staff design engineers earn a higher average salary than lead controls engineers. But staff design engineers earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $127,511. Additionally, lead controls engineers earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $97,661 annually.staff design engineers earn similar levels of education than lead controls engineers in general. They're 3.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead controls 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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, lead controls engineers are more likely to have skills like "ac dc," "hmi," "allen-bradley," and "simulink." But a engineer is more likely to have skills like "python," "cloud," "c #," and "aws."
Engineers earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $97,672. Lead controls engineers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $97,661.When it comes to education, engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to lead controls engineers. In fact, they're 2.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Lead controls engineer vs. Telecommunication engineer
A telecommunication engineer is responsible for installing, testing, and repairing telecommunication systems including mobile telephone networks and fiber optic and digital satellite systems. Your day-to-day duties include diagnosing and troubleshooting systems faults, installing static and mobile antennae on masts and buildings, and designing, developing, and testing telecommunications equipment and components. As a telecommunication engineer, you are also required to provide guidance and support to telecommunication installers to ensure quality. You are also responsible for providing recommendations to upgrade outdated equipment.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between lead controls engineers and telecommunication engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a lead controls engineer might have more use for skills like "ac dc," "c++," "plc," and "hmi." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of telecommunication engineers require skills like "telecommunication," "voip," "rf," and "fiber optic. "
Telecommunication engineers enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $102,087. For comparison, lead controls engineers earn the highest salary in the finance industry.The average resume of telecommunication engineers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to lead controls engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 3.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.2%.Types of lead controls engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











