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Senior control systems engineer vs systems engineer

The differences between senior control systems engineers and systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a senior control systems engineer, becoming a systems engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior control systems engineer has an average salary of $109,721, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.

The top three skills for a senior control systems engineer include MATLAB, C++ and project management. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.

Senior control systems engineer vs systems engineer overview

Senior Control Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Yearly salary$109,721$82,834
Hourly rate$52.75$39.82
Growth rate3%21%
Number of jobs154,439145,936
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4539
Years of experience62

What does a senior control systems engineer do?

As senior control systems engineer's main task is to provide automatic solutions to their company through technologies such as DCS, PLC, and custom-built panels. They are responsible for designing and analyzing control systems for their company and identifying any potential issues. They troubleshoot the malfunctions within the control systems of the company. In addition to that, they provide the company with system designs and engineering tasks.

What does a systems engineer do?

Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.

Senior control systems engineer vs systems engineer salary

Senior control systems engineers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Control Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Average salary$109,721$82,834
Salary rangeBetween $84,000 And $142,000Between $62,000 And $109,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyAppleThe Citadel
Best paying industryEnergyAutomotive

Differences between senior control systems engineer and systems engineer education

There are a few differences between a senior control systems engineer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:

Senior Control Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Senior control systems engineer vs systems engineer demographics

Here are the differences between senior control systems engineers' and systems engineers' demographics:

Senior Control Systems EngineerSystems Engineer
Average age4539
Gender ratioMale, 93.1% Female, 6.9%Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.9% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage6%8%

Differences between senior control systems engineer and systems engineer duties and responsibilities

Senior control systems engineer example responsibilities.

  • Lead the development of smarter controls utilizing DeviceNet and Profibus architecture.
  • Define control system philosophies, I/O lists, site network diagrams, approve SWD, create logic and HMI code.
  • Analyze and resolve Ethernet network issues.
  • Review compressor controls, hazop and cause & effect analyses.
  • Well-Verse with Allen-Bradley PLCs including ControlLogix, PLC5, and SLC.
  • Design vehicle controls system software using MATLAB Simulink to meet the government standards.
  • Show more

Systems engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage compute clusters and all RHEL base workstations.
  • Manage and provide all PC & printer support and repair and audio visual /video conferencing equipment setup.
  • Manage and communicate requirements throughout the project life cycle, handle change management, and review QA test plans
  • Install and manage wireless Cisco/Hewlett Packard routers.
  • Manage and support installation of IIS servers hosting internal and external applications.
  • Manage enterprise level projects as a project manager using ITIL project management methodology.
  • Show more

Senior control systems engineer vs systems engineer skills

Common senior control systems engineer skills
  • MATLAB, 11%
  • C++, 9%
  • Project Management, 8%
  • HMI, 8%
  • Process Control, 4%
  • Control System Design, 4%
Common systems engineer skills
  • Python, 7%
  • Linux, 5%
  • C++, 5%
  • C #, 5%
  • DOD, 4%
  • Java, 4%

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