Control engineers supervise on-site engineers, manage projects, work with customers, and provide consulting. They must be licensed professional engineers and primarily review existing processes and assist with system planning and implementation. They require interpersonal and planning skills and manage teams of engineering professionals. Customer interaction and knowledge transfer are also important. Engineering degrees are expensive but result in greater earning capacity.
A control engineer has four areas of responsibility: supervising on-site engineers or engineering technologists, managing projects, working with customers, and providing consulting. A control engineer must be a fully licensed professional engineer. Control engineers are primarily used to review existing processes, provide advice and assist with system planning and implementation. This type of engineering is usually involved in projects at a production or manufacturing facility.
To become a professional engineer (P.Eng), all applicants must complete a university degree in engineering. These programs are usually four to five years long. Admission requirements for these programs include high school courses in calculus, physics, algebra, technology, and English. An engineering degree is typically more expensive than a bachelor of arts degree as it is a professional designation program, resulting in greater earning capacity after graduation.
People who enjoy interacting with others are natural leaders, and qualified engineers find this type of position rewarding. Interpersonal skills and oral communication are highly valued in this role. Project management is a big part of this job and planning skills are very important.
Control engineers are required to supervise or manage teams of engineering technologists, engineers and other related professionals. The number of individuals and the breadth of areas they are responsible for vary by industry. Typically, the control engineer is called in to work with the existing engineering team on site. The ability to quickly create a team atmosphere, encourage collaboration and share information is critical to success in this role.
Project management is the main focus of the control engineer’s work. In this role, he or she is responsible for project planning, creating schedules, organizing regular meetings, working with contractors and clients, and keeping the team on track. The type of project where a control engineer is needed usually concerns the implementation of a process change technology. He or she should work with the local team, teaching them as the project progresses.
Customer interaction is an important part of the control engineer’s role. He or she is typically involved from the kickoff meeting, reviewing or creating the project design or specifications, and working with the local team. Regularly scheduled meetings are usually hosted by the control engineer, who sets the agenda and brings in team members as needed.
Transferring knowledge and facilitating active participation are critical to the control engineer’s success. The ability to work well with a wide variety of people, solve problems quickly, and share information and experience with the team are important skills. Many control engineers find that additional courses in team building, effective communication, and coaching can be very helpful in this role.
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