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!
Senior Instrument and Controls Engineer
Location: Phoenix
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 3 years
This position will be located in Phoenix, Arizona on a hybrid schedule which requires virtual collaboration as well as attending in-person meetings in Phoenix or at one of our site locations. Amenities at the office include a working café, phone booths and meeting rooms with technology tools for virtual and in-person collaboration. In-person attendance may vary based on the position and department requirements. Duties: Review, investigate and develop appropriate recommendations regarding Instrumentation and Control Systems during the various stages of a project such as: Feasibility Study, Basic Engineering and Detailed Engineering Provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams, resolving technical issues/conflicts and ensuring adherence to project timelines and specifications Supports risk assessments, including PHA/HAZOP,LOPA/SIL assessment and SIL verification and review the safety requirement specifications (SRS) Use of technical judgment in making selections and adaption of engineering alternatives during various stages of project implementation Support the company during the development/preparation of company of company discipline (instrumentation and controls) specification standards Develop both conceptual and detailed Instrumentation and Controls requirements including Instrumentation selection and guidelines to meet project requirements Work with the project team, during various optimization efforts during various stages of project implementation Implement and monitor performance indicators, metrics for measurement of Instrumentation and Controls progress/schedule during various stages of project implementation Prepare weekly/monthly reports to communicate project status and outcomes to stakeholders Collaborate with other disciplines, departments, and company installations/sites to provide technical support and recommendations during various stages of project implementation Ensure compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, regulations, and safety guidelines (e.g., ASME, API, ISO, IEC, ISA) various stages of project implementation Proficiency of Smart-Plant Instrumentation Instrument database Generate and review technical reports, specifications, and data sheets to support project implementation Interpreting P&I Drawings, review/checking loop diagrams, schematics, or other field instrumentation drawings
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
Program Controls Manager
Location: Perth
Branche: Shipbuilding
Expertise: HR & Recruiting
Experience: 5 years
We are seeking an experienced Program Controls Manager to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive controls framework for a high-profile, long-term strategic agreement involving major transformation and delivery programs. This role will play a critical part in enabling program excellence through effective planning, cost control, scheduling, risk management, and performance reporting. Working in a dynamic and collaborative environment, this position is ideal for someone with strong leadership capability in program controls, proven experience in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), and the ability to navigate the complexity of large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the direction of nationally significant programs while contributing to continuous improvement and long-term capability development. Program Controls Framework: Develop and implement integrated controls tools and processes across scheduling, cost, scope, and risk management to support the successful delivery of multiple large-scale programs. Financial & Cost Management: Manage and oversee program budgets, forecasts, and expenditure tracking; ensure alignment with financial objectives and contractual requirements. Baseline & Performance Management: Establish and maintain performance measurement baselines; conduct integrated baseline reviews and ensure alignment with industry and contractual standards. Schedule Integration: Collaborate with planning teams to align schedule controls with broader project controls, ensuring accurate forecasting and performance assessment. Reporting & Visibility: Deliver timely, actionable reporting to senior leadership and stakeholders across all facets of program controls including schedule, cost, risk, and performance. Risk & Scenario Planning: Identify risks and issues, assess potential impacts, and develop mitigation and contingency strategies to support informed decision-making. Resource Planning & Controls: Support resource planning across governance and delivery teams to ensure alignment with delivery needs and availability. Data Governance & Systems Integration: Ensure high data quality and integrity across program systems, enabling seamless data flow between scheduling, ERP, and financial platforms in support of EVM. Stakeholder Engagement & Education: Build strong relationships across project teams, operational leaders, and stakeholders. Drive awareness and understanding of controls processes across the organisation. Continuous Improvement: Lead continuous improvement initiatives in program controls practices, drawing from industry best practices, lessons learned, and internal feedback.
Project Controls Manager
Location: Toronto
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 5 years
Guide and direct resolution of project difficulties and complex project control issues. Strong analytical skills required to review all project controls information and ensure accuracy as well as identify issues, concerns, and potential mitigations. Interact with the Project Management team and Corporate management team and participate in regular project meetings. Gather information and prepare reports and presentations of information as needed on the project. Identify and communicate design changes, scope changes and schedule slippages and potential impacts and participate in the identification of mitigations. Ensure trends of cost and schedule are identified, manage change management process, communicate and suggest corrective actions. Coordinate with cross functional team in project setting, ensure project controls team members are interfacing with engineering, procurement, contracts and construction on concepts and relationships to the scope of work and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. Oversees project baseline process for cost, schedule and progress and ensure all project systems are implemented according to process and company standards and procedures. Ensure full implementation of company processes and procedures as well as industry best practices with regards to project controls on the project following the company project stage gate process. Establish a risk management protocol which includes identification, documentation, mitigation and tracking of potential risks on the project. In addition, determine potential cost and schedule/progress impacts of potential risks as they are identified. Ensure the accuracy of reported progress percentage based on the rules of credit established within the project. Develop progress measurement process for required scopes of work. Establish and manage project schedule development, review and update processes and ensure accuracy and alignment with the overall master schedule. Manage and ensure all project required reporting is pared and submitted as per approved reporting schedule for the project. Mentor and lead a large staff of project controls team members, ensure the project is staffed appropriately, conduct regular staff performance reviews and manage any staffing issues that may arise.
Project Controls Manager
Location: Morenci
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 5 years
Brunel is currently searching for a Project Controls Manager for a long-term contract position with our mining client. This position will be on a 4x1 rotation in Morenci, AZ.The contract PCM will oversees project controls functional area for very large, multidisciplinary, high-risk, capital engineering and construction projects from FEED to operations. You will be responsible for project planning and scheduling, cost estimating and monitoring, progress measurement, risk management and reporting. Manage 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. Essential Functions:* Guide and direct resolution of project difficulties and complex project control issues. Strong analytical skills required to review all project controls information and ensure accuracy as well as identify issues, concerns and potential mitigations. * Interact with the Project Management team and corporate management team and participate in regular project meetings. Gather information and prepare reports and presentations of information as needed on the project.* Identify and communicate design changes, scope changes and schedule slippages and potential impacts and participate in the identification of mitigations. Ensure trends of cost and schedule are identified, manage change management process and communicate and suggest corrective actions.* Coordinate with cross functional team in project setting, ensure project controls team members are interfacing with engineering, procurement, contracts and construction on concepts and relationships to the scope of work and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.* Oversees project baseline process for cost, schedule and progress and ensure all project systems are implemented according to process and company standards and procedures. * Ensure full implementation of company processes and procedures as well as industry best practices with regards to project controls on the project following the company project stage gate process. * Establish risk management protocol which includes identification, documentation, mitigation and tracking of potential risks on the project. In addition, determine potential cost and schedule/progress impacts of potential risks as they are identified. * Ensure the accuracy of reported progress percentage based on the rules of credit established within the project. Develop progress measurement process for required scopes of work.* Establish and manage project schedule development, review and update processes and to ensure accuracy and alignment with the overall master schedule.* Manage and ensure all project required reporting is pared and submitted as per approved reporting schedule for the project.* Mentor and lead a staff of project controls team members, ensure project is staffed appropriately, conduct regular staff performance reviews and manage any staffing issues that may arise. Job Scope: * Nature of work: Works on highly complex issues and responsible to implement solutions. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. * Level of interaction: Leads the department with interaction with external piers in various departments, responsible for cross coordination between groups. * Autonomy/decision making: Works under very limited to no supervision and has latitude to set objectives, priorities and timelines * Budgetary responsibility: Has moderate budgetary responsibility * Managerial responsibility: Leads large multidisciplinary project controls team Qualifications:* Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business or related fields and twelve (12) years' experience in Project Management, at least eight (8) years of experience in a leadership role in project controls OR * High School diploma or GED and sixteen (16) 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 * 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 * Experience with mining construction projects* Experience with mega project in excess of $1B.* MUST be eligible to work in the U.S. for any employer without sponsorship.* Must be flexible to travel as needed, and/or revert to on-site rotational position if project requires.
Trainee Finance & Control
Location: Amsterdam
Branche: Financial Services
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 1 years
Als Trainee Finance & Control werk je bij toonaangevende bedrijven binnen zowel de financiële sector als andere industrieën. Brunel heeft een breed netwerk van gerenommeerde organisaties, variërend van financiële instellingen als banken en verzekeraars, tot bedrijven binnen de energie-, technologie-, transport- en infrastructuursector. Je doorloopt een intensief traject waarin je jezelf binnen één jaar ontwikkelt tot een volwaardig Financial Professional. Je werkt aan uitdagende projecten binnen verschillende specialismen, zoals Financial of Business Control, Audit, Accounting & Reporting, Financial Data, Risk Management en Credit Risk. Taken en verantwoordelijkheden: Uitvoeren van financiële analyses en rapportages. Ondersteunen bij budgettering en forecasting activiteiten. Signaleren van trends, kansen en risico's in de markt. Adviseren over kostenbeheersing en optimalisatie van bedrijfsprocessen. Samenwerken met diverse afdelingen om geïntegreerde financiële inzichten te bieden. Bijdragen aan de verbetering van financiële processen en interne controles.
Reverse Engineer / Service Engineer (w/m/d)
Location: Mannheim
Branche: Aerospace
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 1 years
Begutachtung von Schäden an Teilen und Baugruppen von Turbomaschinen Erstellung von Befundberichten und Mengengerüsten als Grundlage für Reparaturangebote Erstellung aller für Reparaturarbeiten in den Werkstätten erforderlichen Unterlagen, Stücklisten und Zeichnungen Sicherstellung der Arbeitssicherheitsanforderungen in der Befund- und Reparaturphase Technische Vertriebsunterstützung
DevOps Engineer (w/m/d)
Location: Bremen
Branche: Information Technology
Expertise: IT & Shared Services
Experience: 1 years
Als DevOps Engineer sind Sie für die Gewährleistung eines stabilen und performanten Softwareentwicklungssystems in Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Fachbereichen verantwortlich. Die Analyse und Behebung von Störungen und Fehlern im Rahmen des technischen Supports der DevOps-Plattform gehört ebenfalls zu Ihren Aufgaben. Sie unterstützen den kontinuierlichen Verbesserungsprozess durch Automatisierung von Abläufen, Evaluation von Werkzeugen und Begleitung deren Lebenszyklus. Zudem erstellen und pflegen Sie die technischen Dokumentationen zur Sicherstellung eines reibungslosen Betriebs. Sie führen Coachings durch und unterstützen die Mitarbeitenden im Umgang mit der Plattform, den verwendeten Werkzeugen und automatisierten Abläufen. Nicht zuletzt liegt die Betreuung der DevOps-Infrastruktur sowie Bereitstellung von 3rd-Party-Komponenten ebenfalls in Ihren Händen.
Trainee Finance & Control
Location: Den Haag
Branche: Financial Services
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 1 years
Als Trainee Finance & Control werk je bij toonaangevende bedrijven binnen zowel de financiële sector als andere industrieën. Brunel heeft een breed netwerk van gerenommeerde organisaties, variërend van financiële instellingen als banken en verzekeraars, tot bedrijven binnen de energie-, technologie-, transport- en infrastructuursector. Je doorloopt een intensief traject waarin je jezelf binnen één jaar ontwikkelt tot een volwaardig Financial Professional. Je werkt aan uitdagende projecten binnen verschillende specialismen, zoals Financial of Business Control, Audit, Accounting & Reporting, Financial Data, Risk Management en Credit Risk. Taken en verantwoordelijkheden: Uitvoeren van financiële analyses en rapportages. Ondersteunen bij budgettering en forecasting activiteiten. Signaleren van trends, kansen en risico's in de markt. Adviseren over kostenbeheersing en optimalisatie van bedrijfsprocessen. Samenwerken met diverse afdelingen om geïntegreerde financiële inzichten te bieden. Bijdragen aan de verbetering van financiële processen en interne controles.
System Engineer (m/w/d)
Location: Freiburg im Breisgau
Branche: Automotive
Expertise: IT & Shared Services
Experience: 2 years
Konfiguration und Inbetriebnahme handelsüblicher IT- und Netzwerkkomponenten in einem sicherheitskritischen Umfeld Klärung der technischen Machbarkeit, Mitgestaltung der Systemarchitektur und Optimierung des Systems hinsichtlich Kosten-Nutzen-Aspekten Analyse von Systemanforderungen und Entwicklung entsprechender Testprozeduren Planung, Spezifikation und Durchführung von manuellen und/oder automatisierten Tests Dokumentation der Ergebnisse sowie Erfassung und Analyse von Abweichungen Koordination aller internen und externen Zulieferer, wie z.B. Dokumentation, Testabteilung, Hardwareabstimmung, Softwareprodukte und -entwicklung
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.
