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.
Senior control systems engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior control systems engineer resumes:
- 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.
- Specify open loop model requirement and interface to the rest of the HIL model.
- Apply an augment, nonlinear, PID controller to the speed loop to improve performance.
- Develop pump control logic, protection logic, and PID control loops for flow control valves.
- Participate in the process hazard analysis (HAZOP) and level of protection analysis (LOPA).
- Perform RSView32 to FactoryTalk SE upgrade for concrete pipe plant VBA script transfer for report generation Ethernet enable PLC-5
- Design and provide manufacturing support from initial concept for control rooms, operator stations, operator desks and remote I/O.
- Implement newly-developed GOM wonderware standards, including standardscreen layouts, tag name database conventions and operator training both onshore and offshore.
- Create and revise electrical drawings using AutoCAD.
- Develop after-treatment control algorithms using Matlab and Simulink.
Senior control systems engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Senior Control Systems Engineers are proficient in MATLAB, C++, and Project Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Initiative, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Control Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- MATLAB, 11%
Developed various tools in Matlab to assist Calibration development.
- C++, 9%
Developed object-oriented firmware for internally designed hardware using object-oriented C++ (modeled using UML).
- Project Management, 8%
Project management and development of electrical and automation large capital improvement systems.
- HMI, 8%
Defined control system philosophies, I/O lists, site network diagrams, approved SWD, created logic and HMI code.
- Process Control, 4%
Thin film coating process control (evaporation, sputtering).
- Control System Design, 4%
Led control system design for flow battery prototype system and SOFC auxiliary power units.
"matlab," "c++," and "project management" are among the most common skills that senior control systems engineers use at work. You can find even more senior control systems engineer responsibilities below, including:
Concentration. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior control systems 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." Senior control systems 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 senior control systems engineer duties is initiative. Senior control systems engineers responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake." Senior control systems engineers also use initiative in their role according to a real resume snippet: "provided technical support for safety initiatives, quality improvement programs, and supplier total value teams. "
Math skills. This is an important skill for senior control systems engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how senior control systems engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a senior control systems engineer: "developed math models, programmed and documented 6-dof fortran and c++ simulation for sdi(star wars) program. ".
Speaking skills. For certain senior control systems engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "speaking skills." The day-to-day duties of a senior control systems 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 senior control systems engineers do: "developed and presented swiss and conventional cnc machinist training programs for existing employees and new hires. "
Writing skills. Another crucial skill for a senior control systems engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "writing skills." A big part of what senior control systems engineers relies on this skill, since "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." How this skill relates to senior control systems engineer duties can be seen in an example from a senior control systems engineer resume snippet: "tested and evaluated range safety automation systems and instrumental in writing technical operations manuals. "
The three companies that hire the most senior control systems engineers are:
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory51 senior control systems engineers jobs
- Bechtel Corporation18 senior control systems engineers jobs
- HDR14 senior control systems engineers jobs
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Senior control systems 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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior control systems engineers and engineering trainee. For instance, senior control systems engineer responsibilities require skills such as "project management," "hmi," "control system design," and "autocad." Whereas a engineering trainee is skilled in "excellent interpersonal," "fire protection," "r," and "boilers." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Engineering trainees earn the highest salaries when working in the energy industry, with an average yearly salary of $63,253. On the other hand, senior control systems engineers are paid more in the energy industry with an average salary of $111,399.engineering trainees tend to reach similar levels of education than senior control systems engineers. In fact, engineering trainees are 2.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.4% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Senior control systems 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.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior control systems engineer resumes. While senior control systems engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "hmi," "process control," "control system design," and "autocad," engineers use skills like "python," "cloud," "c #," and "aws."
On average, engineers earn a lower salary than senior control systems engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $97,672. Whereas senior control systems engineers have higher pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $111,399.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Engineers tend to reach lower levels of education than senior control systems engineers. In fact, they're 5.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior control systems engineer vs. Radio frequency engineer
A radio frequency engineer, also known as RF engineer, specializes in designing and developing communication systems using radio waves. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around creating networks and systems and testing equipment. They make sure that equipment is up to high standards by traveling to different areas as needed, troubleshooting issues to identify the root of problems and performing corrective measures required. Furthermore, a radio frequency engineer must continuously optimize equipment quality and ensure efficiency while adhering to the laws and regulations.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior control systems engineer resumes include skills like "matlab," "c++," "project management," and "hmi," whereas a radio frequency engineer is more likely to list skills in "test equipment," "antenna," "system performance," and "system design. "
Radio frequency engineers earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $94,522. Comparatively, senior control systems engineers have the highest earning potential in the energy industry, with an average salary of $111,399.Most radio frequency engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to senior control systems engineers. For example, they're 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior control systems engineer vs. Lead engineer
A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between senior control systems engineers and lead engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a senior control systems engineer might have more use for skills like "hmi," "process control," "control system design," and "autocad." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of lead engineers require skills like "java," "python," "architecture," and "c #. "
In general, lead engineers earn the most working in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $110,872. The highest-paying industry for a senior control systems engineer is the energy industry.The average resume of lead engineers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to senior control systems engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 0.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.3%.Types of senior control systems engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











