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 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing control systems for industrial processes, ensuring efficiency and safety. Developing and deploying control system designs that optimize industrial processes while maintaining safety standards.
• Troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues in control and automation systems. Identifying and addressing intricate technical problems that arise in control and automation systems to ensure their smooth operation.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate new control technologies into existing systems. Working with teams from different departments to incorporate new control technologies into current systems seamlessly.
• Conducting regular maintenance and calibration activities to ensure optimal performance of control systems.

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 in the United Kingdom with 6-9 years of experience is a crucial one in ensuring smooth operations. However, professionals in this field may consider exploring alternative roles. Here are following options to consider:

• Robotics Engineer: A position that focuses on designing and developing robotic systems for industrial applications, leveraging automation technology to optimize operations.
• Project Manager: A role that involves overseeing automation projects, coordinating resources, managing timelines and budgets, and ensuring successful implementation of automation solutions.
• Process Improvement Engineer: A position dedicated to identifying and implementing process improvements using automation tools, optimizing efficiency, and enhancing productivity.
• Industrial IoT Specialist: A role that involves leveraging automation technologies, data analytics, and IoT solutions to optimize industrial processes, improve system performance, and enable predictive maintenance.

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.