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Senior controls engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Florian Solzbacher,

Arie Nakhmani

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical senior controls engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for senior controls engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.7% of senior controls engineer resumes contained control systems as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a senior controls engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 senior controls engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Control Systems

Here's how senior controls engineers use control systems:

Design and implementation of electrical control systems for complex automated manufacturing equipment using Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ContolLogix processors and FactoryTalk View.
Developed material specifications, programmed, debugged, and commissioned control systems for various machinery for industries including medical and automotive.

2. HMI

A human-machine interface is a dashboard or user interface that connects an operator to a device, system, or machine.

Here's how senior controls engineers use hmi:

Developed Master PLC (MicroLogix 1400) and HMI (Schneider Electric) programs to be used on all future projects.
Led the testing effort for the implementation of the FT8 Power Generation System Human Machine Interface (HMI).

3. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how senior controls engineers use c++:

Design and implementation of interfacing for multiple controls platforms using OPC and High level software such as VB, and C++.
Designed testing unit using embedded technologies and c or C++.

4. Allen-Bradley

Allen Bradley is a US-owned company that specializes in the production and operation of factory automation equipment. They deal with programmable controllers both for automation and logical applications for various factory operation needs.

Here's how senior controls engineers use allen-bradley:

Program Allen-Bradley PanelView, PanelView+, and PanelView +6 touch screens.
Modified software as required on Giddings & Lewis (Turbo) and Allen-Bradley (PLC-5) PLC's.

5. SCADA

Here's how senior controls engineers use scada:

Programmed and installed supervisory SCADA systems for major water treatment facilities.
Developed SCADA and Batching Reports integrating data historian, relational databases.

6. MATLAB

Here's how senior controls engineers use matlab:

Designed reporting system using MatLab program to automate daily and weekly report.
Designed and implemented control utilizing MATLAB, SIMULINK, and STATEFLOW.

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7. Project Management

Here's how senior controls engineers use project management:

Imparted engagement management expertise to the project management teams, which aided in initiating and controlling organization/logistical aspects of projects.
Project management skills including project feasibility study, specification and development, scheduling project tasks, managing outsourcing activity.

8. UL

Here's how senior controls engineers use ul:

Designed and coordinated UL Control panel fabrication.
Control panel design including applicable RIA, CE, NFPA 70/79, UL, OSHA and corporate standard specifications.

9. System Design

System design refers to the electronic structural component of a system.

Here's how senior controls engineers use system design:

Supported modeling and control system design work on isolated platform applications.
Participate with the Controls System Design Project Leader in the development of the software design schedule and budgeted hours distribution.

10. Hmi Programming

Here's how senior controls engineers use hmi programming:

Project Management, Estimating, Purchasing, Panel Design, PLC & HMI Programming & Networking, Commissioning & Start Up.
Produce PLC and HMI programming policies and code for design, service, support, installation and commissioning.

11. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how senior controls engineers use technical support:

Provide functional guidance and technical support, training, and quality assurance/quality control to less experienced technicians.
Provided start-up and post start-up technical support to customer operations and maintenance personnel.

12. Process Control

Process control is a method pertaining to continuous production processes that uses the aid of ICS (Industrial Control Systems) for production. This method enables production to be done with a level of consistency and safety in an economically friendly manner that is impossible to achieve solely through manual control.

Here's how senior controls engineers use process control:

Developed and maintained process control documentation.
Implemented all process control applications for the treating plant as well as the overall station pressure control.

13. Servo

Here's how senior controls engineers use servo:

Contract engineer involved in the design and programming of closed loop servo systems used to replace pneumatic hoists and lifts.
Perform troubleshooting on various control, robotics, vision, servo, VFD, laser marking and labeling equipment.

14. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how senior controls engineers use software development:

Developed schedule for the module development and software development.
Create software development procedures incorporating structured methods.

15. Wonderware

Here's how senior controls engineers use wonderware:

Designed production line supervisory systems with Wonderware software.
Reviewed SIS/HMI design packages and software(HIMA & TRIDENT with Wonderware), and participated in the Factory Acceptance Test.

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What skills help Senior Controls Engineers find jobs?

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What skills stand out on senior controls engineer resumes?

Florian Solzbacher

Department Chair, Professor, Elect & Computer Engineering, University of Utah

Examples of having applied the knowledge gained in their studies to practical examples of solving engineering problems that require the combination of skills and at least some understanding of system engineering aspects are important signals that graduating engineers are ready to be productive in a real-world setting are always important. Obviously, participating in projects that address current "hot topic" problems, e.g., in robotics, AI/machine learning, power systems, biomedical applications, or that resonate with specific problems an employer is currently working on, will raise a student's profile.

Supplemental skills, such as Entrepreneurial or business training, can enhance and differentiate a student's resume. This shows that an engineer is not solely focused on the core technical engineering skills but does have an understanding of the driving forces and their interaction in a real-world business setting, that are not only part of the design requirements for a product (e.g., design to cost), but also often drive the selection of technical solution paths, after all, every development and product has to make business sense. Imagine two young engineers proposing a solution to their manager for a new product: one maybe even over-exceeds the technical requirements, but the development and/or manufacturing and servicing effort and cost is significantly higher than a colleagues solution that may only just about reach the requirements, or maybe even compromise on some specifications, but that is far cheaper to develop, make and service and that may allow entering a far larger market- chances are very high that the business may decide to go for the "inferior" solution from a technical point of view, that is, however, the better product. This supplemental skill set is a significant competitive advantage to have as an engineer.

What senior controls engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Arie Nakhmani

Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Electrical Engineering has always (from its inception) been a good profession to enter, but now it is better than ever. Now everything is becoming Electrical Engineering, and the world cannot survive without it even for a few days. Electrical Engineering is the most necessary profession for the survival of modern society.

Do you want to know more?

List of senior controls engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a senior controls engineer resume and required skills for a senior controls engineer to have include:

Control Systems
HMI
C++
Allen-Bradley
SCADA
MATLAB
Project Management
UL
System Design
Hmi Programming
Technical Support
Process Control
Servo
Software Development
Wonderware
Ethernet
Motion Control

Java
Ladder Logic
FactoryTalk
Electrical Controls
DeviceNet
Autocad Electrical
Allen-Bradley Plc
FANUC
PID
Vision Systems
Electrical Schematics
Industrial Automation
Software Design
NEC
I/O
DCS
SQL

Control Panels
NFPA
Automation Projects
CNC
Industrial Control Systems
Adaptive
Capital Projects
Modbus
Financial Statements
Lean Manufacturing
OSHA
Debugging
HVAC
Logix
Cost Estimates

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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