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!
Systems Engineer for Ground Control Station (f/m/d)
Location: Augsburg
Branche: Aerospace
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 1 years
Aufgaben: Ihre Tätigkeit als Systems Engineer für Ground Control Station (w/m/d) umfasst die Überprüfung und Verfeinerung von Anforderungen auf System- und Subsystemebene Des Weiteren der Systementwurf und -überprüfung in CAMEO Systems Modeler für Systeme und Subsysteme in der elektrischen und elektronischen Architektur Erstellung von Produktstrukturplänen (Product Breakdown Structures, PBS); Export von Ports, Netzwerken und Schnittstellen zwischen verschiedenen Geräten Nutzung von ICDMS zur Erstellung elektronischer und funktionaler Schnittstellendokumentationen (eICD/fICD) der Bodeninfrastruktur Koordination und Umsetzung der aus dem CAMEO-Modell exportierten Netzwerke inklusive Definition jeder Pin-zu-Pin-Verbindung Überprüfung von ICDMS-Netzwerken für andere L2-Systeme innerhalb der Bodenstation (z. B. GSS, GSCCS, SCOMS, GMS) Erstellung eines konzeptionellen L2-Systemdesigns zur technischen Umsetzung im CAMEO Systems Modeler Optimierung des Designs im Hinblick auf operationelle Anforderungen Abschließend sind Dienstreisen zu Kunden und Partnerfirmen zur Abstimmung von Konzepten und Anforderungen
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
Test Engineer Flight Control System - Flight Management System (d/m/w)
Location: Augsburg
Branche: Aerospace
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 1 years
Aufgaben: Der/Die Stelleninhaber/in ist als Test Engineer Flight Control System - Flight Management System (d/m/w) tätig und verantwortet die Erstellung des IVP (Integration & Verification Plan) für die Level L2 und L3. Sie entwickeln die IV-Verifikationsstrategie und übernehmen die Zuweisung der Means of Compliance (M0C) zu den funktionalen Anforderungen in den DOORS-Modulen (DesVerActions und ProdVerActions). Sie unterstützen die Entwicklung und Verifikation von Testanlagen (Test Benches) und sind verantwortlich für den L3 Bench-Validierungsprozess. Zu Ihren Aufgaben gehört die Definition und Durchführung von System- sowie Hardware/Software-Integrationstests. Sie setzen Equipment-Integrationsanforderungen in konkrete Testprozeduren und Testfälle um und führen entsprechende Tests an Testanlagen (Test RIGs) durch. Dabei werten Sie Testergebnisse aus und analysieren die Signalverläufe anhand der Ergebnisgrafiken. Sie erstellen Testberichte nach Abschluss der Testphasen und führen technische Reviews der erstellten Dokumentationen durch. Sie unterstützen bei der Erstellung der Dokumentationen für die Testphase, wie z. B. Testprozeduren, Testberichte und Problemberichte. Zudem erstellen, pflegen und überprüfen Sie intern genutzte Makros zur Generierung von Testskripten. Sie übernehmen Koordinationsaufgaben innerhalb Ihres Verantwortungsbereichs.
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: Miami
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 5 years
Manages and oversees project controls functional area for very large multidisciplinary high risk capital engineering and construction projects. 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 position is "hands on" or working manager position.
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.
