What is an Electrical Controls Engineer Job?
An electrical controls engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains electrical control systems for various industries. They work to ensure that electrical systems are safe, efficient, and effective in controlling the operation of machinery or equipment.
What Usually Do in This Position?
Electrical controls engineers typically work on projects related to electrical control systems, including design, installation, testing, and maintenance. They may also be responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and modifying existing systems to improve their performance. Additionally, they may work with other engineering professionals to develop new products and systems that incorporate electrical controls.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Strong technical knowledge of electrical systems and controls
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become an electrical controls engineer, one must typically have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Courses in control systems, electronics, and computer programming are particularly helpful. Some employers may also require certification from a professional organization, such as the International Society of Automation.
Average Salary
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for electrical engineers was $101,250 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as location, industry, and years of experience.
Roles and Types
Electrical controls engineers work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and robotics. Some may specialize in a particular type of system, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top five states for employment of electrical engineers as of May 2020 were California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. However, job opportunities can be found in a variety of locations across the country.
What are the Typical Tools?
Electrical controls engineers use a variety of tools and software to design, develop, and maintain control systems. Some common tools include oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal generators, while software tools may include MATLAB, LabVIEW, and AutoCAD.
In Conclusion
Electrical controls engineers play a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective operation of electrical systems across a variety of industries. With strong technical knowledge and problem-solving skills, they are well-positioned to design and maintain the control systems that power our world.