Control engineers are experts in optimizing processes, equipment, or tools by configuring smart controls to simplify actions and improve productivity. Think about the cruise control driving option in a vehicle or the dishwasher that works with the touch of one or two buttons. A controls engineer was behind those innovations and is responsible for creating many more.
This type of work is referred to as control system engineering. The control engineering discipline actively combines theory, design, and systems development. It requires experience with, and knowledge of, mechanical and electrical engineering, automation, and the latest information technologies. Today, control engineers typically focus on developing or maintaining two types of controls: binary and digital controls.
In this career, controls engineers use their analytical capabilities to troubleshoot issues, examine processes, maintain equipment controls, and find creative solutions to system inefficiencies. Innovative problem-solvers by nature, control engineers must frequently conduct research, experiment, and investigate new systems controls or improvements to achieve smooth operations. They regularly work alongside project control engineers or process control engineers to streamline processes within a project, as planned and on schedule. Control engineers may also be required to teach other engineers and technicians how to use and maintain the system controls.
Popular industries for control engineers include manufacturing, energy, aerospace, automotive, and beyond. As technology continues to evolve, so will control systems engineering. This means, there will be only more opportunities for control engineers!
Apply now for a job as a control engineer!
Control & Protection Engineer for HVDC Studies - proaktiv (w/m/d)
Location: Ingolstadt
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 2 years
Entwicklung und Implementierung von Steuerungssystemen für HVDC-Anlagen zur effizienten und sicheren Energieübertragung Gestaltung und Optimierung von Schutzstrategien, um die Systemstabilität und -sicherheit in verschiedenen Betriebsszenarien zu gewährleisten Durchführung von Simulationen und Leistungsanalysen zur Bewertung der Effizienz, Stabilität und Zuverlässigkeit von HVDC-Systemen Sicherstellung der nahtlosen Kompatibilität von HVDC-Anlagen mit bestehenden AC-Netzen, inklusive Netzintegration und -stabilität Erstellung technischer Dokumentationen, Berichte und Analysen zur Unterstützung von Projektentwicklungen und zur Sicherstellung der Transparenz Enge Zusammenarbeit mit interdisziplinären Ingenieurteams, um technische Lösungen abzustimmen und die Projekte erfolgreich umzusetzen
Cost Control Engineer
Location: Doha
Branche: Renewable Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 5 years
Participate in preparation of annual company Operations budgets; discuss and follow-up on the budget allocation for the operations directorate with sections heads and highlight areas of concerns to assist strategic decision making on corrective actions.Cost control focal point in All Departments under Operation DirectorateDevelop the cost control strategy and plans with Finance and Management for the Operation and Capex’s expenses in Operation Directorate.Participate and develop the consolidate annual budget for the Operation Directorate’s division and departments and follow-up on the budget allocation with division chiefs and department managers and highlight the areas of concern to take strategic or operation decisions for optimum performance.Lead the monitoring of operations expenditure and issue cost analysis reports highlighting areas for improvement. Evaluate the historical information and proposes recommendations for improvements.Attend review meetings with the Finance, Materials and others concerning cost and financial review. Review inter-departmental expenses, proper codification of each cost account heads (cost centres) and data.Lead the conducting of reviews of invoices and back – up documents and clear for payment in line with defined guidelines.Coordinate and add work breakdown structure (WBS) for new Capex and turnarounds in system.Coordinate and develop Capex annual cash flow, cost reconciliations and variance analyses.Implement and monitor costs at each stage of project and for entire project until completion or close-out.Support operations planning for resources arrangements by reviewing the historical plant data, available time standards and other factors.Prepare the monthly cost report with the approved service entry sheets (SES) for vendor’s payments for all Operations directorate departments.Lead the conducting of reviews of annual requirements for labour or special equipment hire for operations purposes. Lead the conducting of analyses for manpower utilization and materials usage data to ascertain detailed needs, discusses with department leadership to raise necessary documents to initiate contract negotiations for ongoing labour requirements or hire agreements for equipment.Supervise the effective administration of SAP processes within the assigned unit and adherence to SAP guidelines in all related aspects, of annual and monthly planning, scheduling, master data management, to ensure system/data integrity in line with defined company standards.Ensure that system documents are updated to comply with quality standards.Contribute to the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement of systems, processes and practices considering 'global best practices', improvement of business processes , cost reduction and productivity improvement.
Project Controls Manager
Location: WFM
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 5 years
We have a current opportunity for a Project Controls Manager (Morenci) on a temporary basis. The position will be based in Phoenix. For further information about this position please apply.
Control System Engineer (Petrochemical)
Location: Mesaieed Industrial City
Branche: Renewable Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 5 years
Perform the effective engineering support, integrity and availability of all Systems & Control in adherence with company and relevant international standards being followed within company and appropriate Safety codes to achieve their maximum integrity, availability and efficiency in cost effective manner.Performs work that involves conventional engineering practice but may include complex features such as resolving conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional system & control requirements and/or difficult coordination requirements.Provide specialist engineering support services, studies, failure analysis and root cause analysis, recommend the appropriate corrective and follow up action to prevent reoccurrence and measure improvements. Attending FAT/ IFAT, Witness System Commissioning & Pre-Commissioning, SAT and Takeover of new/upgrade projects.Review of all detail engineering documents of Vendor/ Contractor and attending all technical meetings as focal point from system Management side during contract execution for In house and ED / EM projectsReviews defect reports for all Systems & Controls equipment within the assigned areas and initiates action as appropriate. Perform and ensures the effective support for DCS, ESD, SCADA, PLC control systems, Heavy Duty Turbine Control Systems, Compressor Control Systems in adherence with company and relevant international Compressor Control Systems in adherence with OP and relevant international standards being followed within company and appropriate Safety codes to achieve their maximum integrity and efficiency in cost effective manner
Project Controls Manager
Location: Safford
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 5 years
Brunel has an exciting job opportunity for a Project Controls Manager supporting our client who a large global mining company. This contractor position will be on 4 weeks on site in Arizona (Monday through Friday) and 1 week at home rotation. Manages and oversees project controls functional area for very large multidisciplinary high risk capital engineering and construction projects from FEED to operations. Responsible for project planning and scheduling, cost estimating and monitoring, progress measurement, risk management and reporting. Manages project controls personnel. Responsible for establishing operating policies to mitigate risk. Provides guidance and consultation for project managers and corporate management. Experienced with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. This role will be a "hands on" position with the successful applicant undertaking the day-to-day cost engineering duties on the owner's team. Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Business or related fields and fifteen (15) years' experience in Construction Management, at least eight (8) years of experience in a leadership role in project controls OR High School diploma or GED and twenty (20) years' experience in engineering, construction, project controls or business-related field with at least eight (8) years of experience in a leadership role in project controls Preferred Qualifications Leadership ability and strong management skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook Strong communication skills both verbal and written. Strong analytical skills Ability to multi-task in a high paced project environment Experience with ERP system, estimating software, SAP and EcoSys is preferred. Understanding of accounting functions and systems Experience with cost control including project estimating, forecasting and cost management. including reporting Strong understanding of Primavera and with overall planning process and best practice on capital mining projects. Construction experience with an ability to maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions in a construction environment. Here at Brunel, we offer extraordinary earning potential followed by a very competitive benefit package. We provide the tools for success; world-class training and advanced technology to ensure you succeed within Brunel. Large global mining company.
Common control engineer responsibilities
A control engineer is responsible for performing a range of important engineering tasks. Responsibilities may include:
- Analyzing processes and systems for areas of optimization with controls for continuous improvement;
- Designing, developing, and implementing controls using algorithms and technical tools and approaches;
- Managing and maintaining controls in larger systems and processes to facilitate smooth and safe operations;
Troubleshooting control system issues to fix them to ensure high productivity; - Developing software and hardware for controls, guiding installation as needed;
- Implementing solutions using robotic process automation (RPA) as required;
- Drafting technical documentation and reports on control systems;
- Creating technical drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) software;
- Collaborating with customers, engineers, managers, and specialists to develop and deploy the controls in products;
- Tracking progress and delivering control systems engineering results in line with agreed project timelines and budgets;
- Ensuring compliance with relevant requirements, codes, and certifications, and in line with customer needs and demands;
- Leading trainings on system or process controls and equipment as needed;
- Assuring the safety and security of team members.
Qualifications for control engineers
Control engineers should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or related. In some countries, an engineering license may also be required
Additional supporting skills and experience include:
- 2-4+ years of engineering experience;
- Solid understanding of construction methods; materials, forces;
- Excellent applied physics, math, and design skills;
- Proficiency in using diverse computer software, including the latest design, modeling, and calculation software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Matlab/LabView, or similar;
- Experience in project management;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to be able to work easily with customers, engineers, technicians, and other team members;
- Some work experience gained through an apprenticeship or in a relevant role is an advantage.
