Control / Automation Engineer

Control or automation engineers' primary responsibility is to support every project that involves automation or controls. They set the standards of the company in the product they help develop, and also identify issues, resolve the issues, and fix them efficiently and quickly. Automation or control engineers also must design plans and research studies to identify the most effective and efficient methods to resolve engineering problems that might arise. They also have to collaborate with engineers from other department to make sure that the controls conform to the design specifications of the product, too.

Control or automation engineers typically works full-time during normal business hours, however, overtime might be necessary according to the requirements of the business and its initiatives. There is the possibility of traveling based on the project or company and projects.

Most of the time the engineer in control or automation must possess a minimum bachelor's degree in the related field, though master's degrees are preferred. In general, at least five years of experience is required as well. Engineers in control or automation must be able to communicate effectively and have excellent computer abilities are required. They must be able to perform well in a group and also working on their own without supervision.

As a Control/Automation Engineer with 9+ years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing control systems and automation solutions for industrial processes to optimize efficiency and productivity.
• Developing and maintaining PLC Programmable Logic Controller and HMI Human-Machine Interface systems for monitoring and controlling machinery and equipment.
• Conducting system analysis and troubleshooting to identify and resolve technical issues, ensuring smooth operation of control and automation systems.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including project managers and technicians, to ensure successful integration of control and automation solutions into existing systems and processes.

For a Control/Automation Engineer job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Strong technical knowledge of control systems and automation technologies, including PLCs, SCADA, and HMI.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, Python, or ladder logic for developing and troubleshooting control systems.
• In-depth understanding of industry standards and protocols like OPC, Modbus, and Ethernet/IP.
• Strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve control system issues, ensuring smooth operation and optimization of automated processes.

The role of a Control/Automation Engineer is crucial in ensuring efficient operations and system automation. With 9+ years of experience in the United Kingdom, professionals in this field have various alternative roles to consider. Here are following options to explore:

• Systems Integration Engineer: A role that focuses on integrating different control systems and ensuring seamless communication between them.
• Project Manager: A position that involves overseeing automation projects from initiation to completion, managing resources, and ensuring project success.
• Robotics Engineer: A role centered around developing and implementing robotic systems for automation tasks, including programming and troubleshooting.
• Process Optimization Engineer: A position focused on analyzing existing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing automation solutions to streamline operations.

Control/Automation Engineer is a promising job role in the United Kingdom with a projected market growth due to increasing automation needs in industries. The 10-year analysis shows a significant rise in job opportunities. According to recent data from Google, employment opportunities for Control/Automation Engineers are expected to grow steadily in the future. Automation demands from various sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation contribute to this positive trend. With an increasing dependency on advanced control systems, the role of Control/Automation Engineers is crucial in ensuring efficiency and productivity. This growth indicates a strong demand for professionals with expertise in control and automation engineering.