Control Engineer

Technical Proficiency
Control Engineers possess a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, including control theory and signal processing.

Programming
They are adept at various programming languages, such as PLC programming (utilizing languages like Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Instruction List, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Charts), C/C++, Python, and SQL.

Hardware Knowledge
Control Engineers are well-versed in control systems hardware including machine vision systems, robots, sensors, actuators, motors, drives, and instrumentation devices.

PLCs, DCS, and HMIs
They work extensively with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for manufacturing, process control, and monitoring.

SCADA Systems
Control Engineers are skilled in setting up and utilizing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

Networking
Knowledge of industrial networking protocols is essential as industries become more interconnected.

Problem Solving
Control Engineers excel at identifying and resolving issues in complex systems.

Control Engineers work with key components manufactured by companies such as:

PLCs
Siemens, Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi Electric, and Omron.

DCS
Siemens, ABB, Honeywell, and Emerson

Sensors and Actuators
ABB, Honeywell, Endress+Hauser, Sick AG, and Schneider Electric.

Drives
ABB, Siemens, Danfoss, Schneider Electric, and Rockwell Automation.

Robotics
Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, and Universal Robots.

They utilize specialized software tools, including products from manufacturers like:

PLC Programming Software
Siemens TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation), Rockwell Automation Studio 5000, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Control Expert, and Mitsubishi Electric GX Works.

HMI Software
Inductive Automation Ignition, Siemens WinCC, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View, Wonderware (AVEVA) System Platform, GE Digital iFIX, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Operator Terminal Expert, and Beijer Electronics iX Developer.

Control Engineers find employment in various industries. While the core skills remain consistent, the hardware and software used by Control Engineers may vary depending on the industry. For example:

Manufacturing
They utilize PLCs and HMIs from manufacturers such as Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, and Mitsubishi Electric to efficiently control assembly lines and conveyor systems to optimize production processes.

Oil and Gas
They design systems to control drilling rigs, refining processes, and pipeline operations using DCS and SCADA systems from different providers including Siemens, ABB, Honeywell, and Emerson.

Renewable Energy
They contribute to the control and optimization of solar and wind power systems, employing hardware and software solutions from multiple manufacturers.

Robotics and Automation
Some Control Engineers require advanced knowledge of robotics programming and vision systems made by companies like Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, and Universal Robots to program and maintain the industrial robots they manufacture.