How to become Automation or Control System Engineer – job description

Automation Engineer, Control System Engineer: Job Description and Requirements

Automation Engineers and Control System Engineers work in the automation and controls industry to automate processes like manufacturing, traffic control or food processing. Automation and Control Engineers typically have a Bachelor of Science in Automation, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Automation Engineers can have careers in automotive industry, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food processing, manufacturing or systems design.

Career Definition: Automation and Control System Engineer

Automation Engineers design, program, simulate and test automated machinery and processes. Usually their build control system through PLC programming and SCADA design. They typically are employed in industries such as car or food manufacturing, where robots or machines are used to perform specific functions. Automation and Control System Engineers are responsible for design specifications and other detailed documentation for their creations. They must be excellent troubleshooters and must stay current on technology.

How to Become an Automation Engineer or Control System Engineer

Education Requirements:

There are many degree programs in theUK  in Automation, Control System Engineering Engineering. Thus, most Automation Engineers earn a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and learn the intricacies of Automation Engineering on the job. Mechanical or Electrical Engineering courses may include robotics, statistics, fluid dynamics and databases. Some engineers pursue master’s degrees.

Skill Requirements for Automation or Control Engineering

Automation and Control System Engineers must have a solid understanding of computer programming and software development since they frequently work with computers to program processes. They must be able to troubleshoot equipment problems and perform complex system tests. Automation Engineers also must be creative thinkers to design automated systems.

Career and Economic Outlook for Automation Engineering for UK.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), manufacturing is increasingly moving toward automated processes to reduce the amount of labor needed. Thus, Automation Engineers are expected to have good job prospects in the coming years. The average annual salary for Automation Engineers is £45 000, according to a survey by Automation.com.

Some skills required by employers to hire automation and control engineer:
 1.Design, specification and configuration of control and analytical systems including DCS, PLC, SCADA .
 2.Participation in P&ID development up to and including Hazop.
 3.Specification of process control equipment including control valves, relief valves, flow measurement devices and other process instrumentation.
 4.Production and maintenance of instrument summaries.
 5.Proposal estimating, planning of project process control activities and the reporting and forecasting performance.
 6.Process Control Scheme Design and Implementation;
 7.Advanced Process Control Design and Implementation
 8.Control Loop Tuning / Troubleshooting /Optimisation;
 9.Process Simulation;
 10.Safety Instrumented Systems.
 11.Alarm Management (EEMUA 191 and ISA18.2)
 12.Operator Interface Design (EEMUA 201)
 13.System support and troubleshooting;
 14.Control System Design;
 15.Operator Training;
 16.OPC interoperability standards.
 17.Carry out design work for modifications and corrective work
 18.Carry out technical reviews with supply management to define thematerial requirements for design.
 19.Provide accurate and validated Technical Proposals and an understanding of commercial impact.
 20.Confidence and ability to directly negotiate alternative solutions with
 internal and external customers and can quickly analyse the commercial
 consequences of making such decision