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! 

Control Engineer DCS

Location: Best

Branche: Machine & Plant Design

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 3 years

Technologische innovaties veranderen de wereld, en wij maken dit mogelijk door onze expertise in industriële automatisering. We brengen machines en installaties tot leven. Met transparantie en een oplossingsgerichte aanpak streven we naar sterke, betrouwbare samenwerkingen en duurzame oplossingen. Vanuit drie locaties in Nederland werken ongeveer 70 gepassioneerde engineers aan uitdagende projecten.

Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Location: Vancouver

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Controlling

Experience: 3 years

Instrumentation and Control system Engineering experience in Detailed Engineering, Construction/Field Support Interpreting P&I Drawings, review/checking loop diagrams, schematics, or other field instrumentation drawings. Provide technical expertise and guidance to engineering contractor project teams, resolving technical issues/conflicts and ensuring adherence to project timelines and specifications. Use of technical judgment in making selections and adaptation of engineering alternatives during various stages of project implementation. Work with the project team during various optimization efforts during various stages of project implementation. Supports risk assessments, including PHA/HAZOP Generate and review technical reports, specifications, and data sheets to support 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 discipline, 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.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Location: Peterborough

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: HR & Recruiting

Experience: 2 years

Brunel is seeking an Instrumentation and Control Engineer for our nuclear energy client. Reporting to the Instrumentation & Controls Engineering Manager, this role entails supporting the technical direction for the overall project and supporting technical interfacing to both internal and external customers. The Instrumentation & Controls Engineering department largely focuses on the control systems and instrumentation involved within Fuel Handling Systems, other parts of the plant, tooling, medical isotope systems as well as remote delivery machines. These systems are often complex and are in specialized areas. Responsibilities Prepare elementary drawings/schematics, electrical assembly drawings, single line diagrams, equipment specifications, technical documents in compliance with applicable codes & standards. Liaise with personnel from various customer groups like design, operations, and maintenance to gather site-specific design information. Execute walk downs of various equipment in the plant. Prepare and present technical data to internal and external customers. Ensure designs comply with applicable company, technical, and regulatory standards. Participate in design reviews and customer review meetings, providing stakeholder and design input. Test execution/commissioning of complex equipment and systems. Review selection of components and equipment (e.g motors, cables, relays, junction boxes). Adhere to on-time/on-budget criteria associated with project commitments and customer success. Support the development and estimating of engineering proposals. Ensure that design support the development and estimating of engineering proposals. Ensure that design is done for manufacturability and complies with requirements. Support the development and estimating of engineering proposals. Key success factors are engineering and product excellence, effective design activity management, task/milestone completion on-time/on-budget, producing defect free designs, meeting your metrics, motivating a diverse team, managing and achieving results through influencing and setting of expectations/actions. Leading by example, assure compliance and adherence to processes (including internal Business Management System), industry codes and standards, quality systems, policies, and contractual requirements. Support process change through process enhancement, and technology introduction to achieve world-class product development and product deployment. Support customer relationships and ensure market alignment. This position requires interaction with external customers, subcontractors, and cross functional internal teams. May support proposal development and review including scope review, estimating as well as technical presentations to the customer. Helps to identify project risks, analyze solutions, and take decisive action to resolve issues and communicate these to the leadership team. Provide assurance of health and safety associated with the execution of all projects and activities. Short term travel may be required for the purpose of meeting with clients and stakeholders.

Senior Control Engineer

Location: Best

Branche: Machine & Plant Design

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 5 years

Technologische innovaties transformeren de wereld om ons heen, en deze klant maakt dit mogelijk als specialisten in industriële automatisering. Ze brengen machines en installaties tot leven. Met een open en oplossingsgerichte aanpak streven ze ernaar een betrouwbare en gewaardeerde partner te zijn, zowel voor klanten als collega's. Ze zetten ons in voor duurzame relaties en samenwerking. Vanuit drie locaties in Nederland werken zo’n 70 gepassioneerde engineers aan uitdagende oplossingen.

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Location: Bangalore

Branche: Oil & Gas

Expertise: Engineering & Design

Experience: 5 years

Position: Instrumentation and Controls Engineer;YOE: 10 + Years;Contract: On Contract;Location: Bangalore.

Senior Control Engineer

Location: Best

Branche: Machine & Plant Design

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 5 years

Technologische innovaties transformeren de wereld om ons heen, en deze klant maakt dit mogelijk als specialisten in industriële automatisering. Ze brengen machines en installaties tot leven. Met een open en oplossingsgerichte aanpak streven ze ernaar een betrouwbare en gewaardeerde partner te zijn, zowel voor klanten als collega's. Ze zetten ons in voor duurzame relaties en samenwerking. Vanuit drie locaties in Nederland werken zo’n 70 gepassioneerde engineers aan uitdagende oplossingen.

Study Project Controls Manager

Location: Vancouver

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Controlling

Experience: 4 years

Guide and direct resolution of project difficulties and complex project control issues. Strong analytical skills required to review all project controls information and ensure accuracy as well as identify issues, concerns and potential mitigations Interact with the Project Management team and corporate team and participate in regular project meetings. Gather information and prepare reports and presentations of information as needed on the project Determine and communicate design changes, scope changes, schedule slippages, and potential impacts and participate in the identification of mitigations. Ensure trends of cost and schedule are identified, manage change management process and communicate and suggest corrective actions Coordinate with cross functional team in project setting, ensure project controls team members are interfacing with engineering, procurement, contracts and construction on concepts and relationships to the scope of work and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards Manage project baseline process for cost, schedule and progress and ensure all project systems are implemented according to process and company standards and procedures Ensure full implementation of company processes and procedures as well as industry best practices with regards to project controls on the project following the company project stage gate process Participate in risk management process that includes identification, documentation, mitigation and tracking of potential risks on the project. In addition, determine potential cost and schedule/progress impacts of potential risks as they are identified Ensure the accuracy of reported progress percentage based on the rules of credit established within the project. Develop progress measurement process for required scopes of work Establish and manage project schedule development, review and update processes and to ensure accuracy and alignment with the overall master schedule. Manage and ensure all project required reporting is prepared and submitted as per approved reporting schedule for the project Mentor and lead project controls team members, ensure project is staffed appropriately conduct regular staff performance reviews and manage any staffing issues that may arise Brunel International N.V. is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Project Controls Manager

Location: New Orleans

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 from FEED to operations. Responsible for project planning and scheduling, cost estimating and monitoring, progress measurement, risk management and reporting. Guide and direct resolution of project difficulties and complex project control issues. Strong analytical skills required to review all project controls information and ensure accuracy as well as identify issues, concerns and potential mitigations. Interact with the Project Management team and corporate management team and participate in regular project meetings. Gather information and prepare reports and presentations of information as needed on the project. Identify and communicate design changes, scope changes and schedule slippages and potential impacts and participate in the identification of mitigations. Ensure trends of cost and schedule are identified, manage change management process and communicate and suggest corrective actions. Coordinate with cross functional team in project setting, ensure project controls team members are interfacing with engineering, procurement, contracts and construction on concepts and relationships to the scope of work and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. Oversees project baseline process for cost, schedule and progress and ensure all project systems are implemented according to process and company standards and procedures. Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Business or related fields and fifteen (15) years' experience in Construction Management, at least eight (8) years of experience in a leadership role in project controls OR High School diploma or GED and twenty (20) years' experience in engineering, construction, project controls or business-related field with at least eight (8) years of experience in a leadership role in project controls Preferred Qualifications Leadership ability and strong management skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook Strong communication skills both verbal and written. Strong analytical skills Ability to multi-task in a high paced project environment Experience with ERP system, estimating software, SAP and EcoSys is preferred. Understanding of accounting functions and systems Experience with cost control including project estimating, forecasting and cost management. including reporting Strong understanding of Primavera and with overall planning process and best practice on capital mining projects. Construction experience with an ability to maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions in a construction environment. Here at Brunel, we offer extraordinary earning potential followed by a very competitive benefit package. We provide the tools for success; world-class training and advanced technology to ensure you succeed within Brunel. Large global mining company.

Project Controls Manager

Location: Remote

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Controlling

Experience: 5 years

Brunel has an exciting job opportunity for a Project Controls Manager supporting our client who a large global mining company. This contractor position will work from home with frequent site visits to Arizona. Manages and oversees project controls functional area for very large multidisciplinary high risk capital engineering and construction projects from FEED to operations. 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 role will be a "hands on" position with the successful applicant undertaking the day-to-day cost engineering duties on the owner's team. Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Business or related fields and fifteen (15) years' experience in Construction Management, at least eight (8) years of experience in a leadership role in project controls OR High School diploma or GED and twenty (20) years' experience in engineering, construction, project controls or business-related field with at least eight (8) years of experience in a leadership role in project controls Preferred Qualifications Leadership ability and strong management skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook Strong communication skills both verbal and written. Strong analytical skills Ability to multi-task in a high paced project environment Experience with ERP system, estimating software, SAP and EcoSys is preferred. Understanding of accounting functions and systems Experience with cost control including project estimating, forecasting and cost management. including reporting Strong understanding of Primavera and with overall planning process and best practice on capital mining projects. Construction experience with an ability to maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions in a construction environment. Here at Brunel, we offer extraordinary earning potential followed by a very competitive benefit package. We provide the tools for success; world-class training and advanced technology to ensure you succeed within Brunel. Large global mining company.

Mechanical Engineer

Location: Salzburg

Branche: Biotechnology

Expertise: Engineering & Design

Experience: 1 years

In der Position ist die Erstellung von Basisinformationen für die Planung von Anlagen und die Bereitstellung unterstützender Informationen für Fertigungs- und Montagearbeiten von großer Bedeutung. Sie sind verantwortlich für die Ausarbeitung von Spezifikationen für mechanische Komponenten wie Equipment, Armaturen, Rohrklassen und Sonderteile, und koordiniert gleichzeitig den Stahlbau, einschließlich der Statik, mit sorgfältiger Dokumentation dieser Prozesse. Eine weitere zentrale Aufgabe besteht darin, bei FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) und IBN (Inbetriebnahme) zu unterstützen, um sicherzustellen, dass die Anlagen gemäß höchster Standards funktionieren. Darüber hinaus liegt in Ihrer Zuständigkeit die Erstellung umfassender Handbücher und Dokumentationen, die den Zusammenbau, die Demontage und Wiedermontage von Anlagen sowie die genauen Transportvorschriften abdecken. Ein weiterer wichtiger Aspekt Ihrer Tätigkeiten ist die Entwicklung kundenspezifischer Konzepte, die die Transferwege der Rohrleitungen, Einbringwege und die erfolgreiche Komplettierung der Anlage bzw. die präzise mechanische Fertigstellung sicherstellen. Schließlich unterstützen Sie bei der Projektarbeit und führen eigenständig Arbeitspakete aus, um sicherzustellen, dass die Projekte in höchstem Maße erfolgreich abgeschlossen werden.

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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.

Sources of information