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!
Controls Engineer (w/m/d)
Location: Dortmund
Branche: Infrastructure
Expertise: Transport & Logistics
Experience: 0 years
🛠️ Deine Aufgaben im Projekt: Du entwickelst, optimierst und passt Steuerungshardware und -software für unsere intralogistischen Produkte an - mit Fokus auf Siemens S7, Step7 und TIA Portal. Kundenanforderungen? Für dich sind sie der Anfang einer technischen Geschichte, die du mit deiner Programmierung lebendig machst. Du konfigurierst Feldbussysteme wie Profibus und Profinet und sorgst dafür, dass alles miteinander spricht - fehlerfrei, stabil und effizient. Antriebstechnik ist dein Spielfeld: Frequenzumrichter, geregelte Motoren - du testest, optimierst und bringst Bewegung ins System. Du bindest unsere Systeme an übergeordnete Rechner und Subsysteme an, entwickelst Schnittstellen, erstellst Pflichtenhefte und testest alles auf Herz und Nieren. Simulation? Emulation? Du testest kundenspezifische Softwareumgebungen, bevor sie ans Licht der Welt treten. Inbetriebnahme direkt beim Kunden - national wie international - ist für dich keine Last, sondern eine Bühne für dein Können. Du behebst Fehler, bevor sie überhaupt entstehen - und wenn doch mal was klemmt, findest du schnell die Lösung. Für unsere Kunden bist du vor Ort technischer Ansprechpartner und Problemlöser mit Weitblick. HMI und SCADA? Du gestaltest intuitive Bedienoberflächen, die funktionieren und verstanden werden. Dokumentation und Schulung: Du sorgst dafür, dass Know-how nicht nur im Code bleibt, sondern bei den Menschen ankommt.
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
Project Controls Engineer III - Lead Cost
Location: remote
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 4 years
🕒 Contract Positions - Major Mining Projects The Project Controls Engineer III - Lead Cost will support large-scale mining projects focused on infrastructure project across multiple mine sites. This role is remote with business travel to active project sites as needed. 🛠️ Key Responsibilities: Lead cost control processes across projects-develop cost control systems, track commitments, accruals, forecasts, and change management Own and manage the cost scope of the change management process using company systems Prepare and deliver weekly, monthly, and quarterly cost performance reports at both project and corporate levels Review design and procurement changes for cost and schedule impacts; identify quantity variances based on MTOs Forecast, evaluate risks, and recommend corrective actions for schedule slippage or cost overruns Interface with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to align scopes and track performance Conduct contractor audits (equipment, time, invoicing) to validate cost accuracy Prepare cost estimates for minor scopes and review change orders for compliance Drive solutions to project controls issues and continuously improve processes
Cost Control Engineer
Location: South Jakarta
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 3 years
As a Cost Control Engineer, you will play a crucial role in developing and managing man-hour budgets and cost control plans across various project phases. Your responsibilities will include generating project cost reports, preparing invoices, and delivering financial updates to stakeholders.Key Responsibilities: Develop and manage man-hour budgets and cost control plans across engineering, procurement, and construction phases. Generate internal and external project cost reports (e.g., Project Monthly Report - PMR). Consolidate and produce comprehensive project management reports. Prepare and submit invoices and Local Content Reports as required. Deliver regular financial and progress updates to stakeholders.
Cost schedule controls Engineer-II
Location: Bangalore
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 4 years
Position: Cost schedule control engineer.Contract: On Control Role. The Cost/Schedule/Controls Engineer will perform or coordinate effort for cost estimate preparation, estimating oversight and quality assurance reviews for Company operated and Other Builder Operator estimates for all Gate and Funding milestones. The Cost/Schedule/Controls Engineer will also prepare Check Estimates and Schedules to compare with Operated by Others (OBO) Operator-prepared submittals. Also, this person will participate in estimate / Schedule assessments (verification of project cost & schedule bases). Lastly, they are expected to participate in Estimating Group process efficiency tools and quality assurance review process improvements. Assist in Setting up the baseline cost control system (internal and external) and documentation for the projectPrepare forecasts, cost trend reports, and monitor cost and budget forecasts on multiple projects on the same work siteReport on deviations, underruns and overruns, and can make recommendations for corrective actions
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.
