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Microwave engineer vs controls engineer

The differences between microwave 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 a microwave engineer and a controls engineer. Additionally, a microwave engineer has an average salary of $95,761, which is higher than the $84,532 average annual salary of a controls engineer.

The top three skills for a microwave engineer include RF, google earth and MATLAB. The most important skills for a controls engineer are C++, troubleshoot, and UL.

Microwave engineer vs controls engineer overview

Microwave EngineerControls Engineer
Yearly salary$95,761$84,532
Hourly rate$46.04$40.64
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs18,73050,203
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

Microwave engineer vs controls engineer salary

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

Microwave EngineerControls Engineer
Average salary$95,761$84,532
Salary rangeBetween $64,000 And $142,000Between $64,000 And $111,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CAPalo Alto, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyRenesas ElectronicsApple
Best paying industryInternetAutomotive

Differences between microwave engineer and controls engineer education

There are a few differences between a microwave engineer and a controls engineer in terms of educational background:

Microwave EngineerControls Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityGeorgia Institute of Technology

Microwave engineer vs controls engineer demographics

Here are the differences between microwave engineers' and controls engineers' demographics:

Microwave EngineerControls Engineer
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 94.7% Female, 5.3%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, 64.9% 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 microwave engineer and controls engineer duties and responsibilities

Microwave engineer example responsibilities.

  • Perform detailed analysis to determine antenna size, radio equipment and frequency band to achieve maximum system performance.
  • Design of a 138kV transmission line using PLS CADD and LiDar survey points.
  • Design 5 RF PC boards in 4 months, as well as supporting documents and schematics.
  • Upgrade as well as configured the CDMA sets for new software version using ZTE PST and QPST.
  • Prepare monthly and weekly status reports for execute activities in ZAIN SD network within the assigned node.
  • Assist in design and test of antennas for airborne and groundbase EW systems including broadband, low sidelobe components.
  • 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

Microwave engineer vs controls engineer skills

Common microwave engineer skills
  • RF, 33%
  • Google Earth, 7%
  • MATLAB, 7%
  • Network Design, 7%
  • Antenna, 5%
  • MW, 4%
Common controls engineer skills
  • C++, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • UL, 5%
  • Hmi Programming, 4%
  • MATLAB, 4%
  • Simulink, 4%

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