Who is a Control Systems Engineer?
Responsible for the design and installation of a control system
What does this actually mean? This engineering role is focused on the management of advanced equipment used to monitor and control machinery in manufacturing and processing industries. They perform checks that industrial and manufacturing machinery is working accurately, safely and efficiently. They will also modify existing systems, improving them to make them safer and more efficient.
When designing a control system, they will need an in-depth understanding of the area your system will be operating in. This is likely to involve talking to staff currently operating the equipment, and perhaps the Engineers who designed it. Once a system is installed, and they will successfully carry out performance tests, train staff how to use the system and to deal with any problems that may arise. They will also be responsible for developing training manuals, and a knowledge base of known technical and support issues. They will often be working as part of a team, often consisting of Engineers from many different disciplines.
This is a very exciting area to work in, bringing the latest technology into the world of engineering.
Control and instrumentation (C&I) engineers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, managing and maintaining equipment which is used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery and processes. Control Systems Engineer job is to make sure that these systems and processes operate effectively, efficiently and safely.
To become an Engineer you will need a thorough understanding of the operational processes of an organization as your role is multidisciplinary, working closely with colleagues across a number of functions, including operations, purchasing and design.
Control engineering is the engineering discipline that focuses on the modeling of a diverse range of dynamic systems (e.g. mechanical systems) and the design of controllers that will cause these systems to behave in the desired manner. Although such controllers need not be electrical, many are and hence control engineering is often viewed as a subfield of electrical engineering. Electrical circuits, digital signal processors and microcontrollers can all be used to implement control systems. Control engineering has a wide range of applications from the flight and propulsion systems of commercial airliners to the cruise control present in many modern automobiles.RESPONSIBILITES:
- Designing and developing new control systems.
- Testing, Maintaining and Modifying existing systems
- Analyzing data and presenting findings
- Writing reports managing
- Operations working collaboratively with design engineers, operation engineers, purchasers and other internal staff liaising with clients, suppliers, contractors and relevant authorities
- Project management
- Compliance with relevant health and safety
- Regulations and quality standards providing advice
- Consultancy support
- Purchasing equipment
- Writing computer software
- Test procedures developing
- Business proposals.
SYSTEMS:
- Advanced process control (APC)
- Distributed control systems (DCS)
- Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
- Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA).
SKILLS:
- Creative problem-solving
- Troubleshooting skills
- Excellent critical thinking skills
- High level of numeracy
- Good communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Strong teamworking skills, with an ability to motivate others
- Lead or manage teams and projects
- High level of attention to detail
- Excellent customer care skills
- Good commercial awareness
- High-level computer technology
INDUSTRIES:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Construction
- Electrical
- Building services
- Manufacturing
- Oil and Gas