Electrical and Controls Engineer Responsibilities

Control engineering is used in a variety of different fields like industrial, aviation, scientific, etc., and can most commonly found in the application of various home appliances to proper functioning of rockets. This branch is mostly related to the electrical field, but a part of it is also associated with mechanical engineering. The electrical and controls engineer responsibilities, thus play a vital role in our everyday routine as well as help us in advancing technologically.

Key Responsibilities of Electrical and Controls Engineer

Electrical and controls engineer helps in conducting research, designing, improving, and developing new techniques to control the operation and installation of various electrical and mechanical components. They also conduct tests to verify its efficacy. Let us see the detailed description of the key responsibilities that need to be handled by them:

1. To gather information and data related to the project, and design schematic drawings and material specifications to meet the project requirements
2. To participate in the designing of simple to complex systems that involve the integration of software and hardware and test them to ensure its smooth operation. If there are some issues, they try to resolve them and improve them by troubleshooting them
3. To provide guidelines to the engineering and maintenance technicians during the installation and testing procedures
4. To review the work of the associates and ensure that the project is completed within the given time
5. To ensure that the product is in compliance with the standards and satisfies the clients' expectations
6. To maintain, compile, and update all the technical details, issues related to the project for reference, and maintain reports related to it

They also conduct surveys to research and improve system problems, make requisitions for the requirement of material, and help in designing the budget of the project. They supervise the entire installation process and try to develop new procedures that would reduce the cost of the existing system. Accordingly, they re-design the systems by eliminating the interferences and correcting the inadequateness in the designs. They also work in close association with various other departments to ensure the efficiency of the systems.

Essential Skills

An electrical and controls engineer should have a deep understanding and knowledge of the basic principles of electrical and controls engineering. He should have excellent interpersonal skills, as most of his work involves working directly with the team members, and he may need to lead the meetings or make presentations on different occasions. He should be comfortable working in a team environment. He should be able to identify and detect the discrepancies and should have an ability to resolve the problems. He should be able to handle pressure situations and must be able to meet the deadlines of the project assigned to him.

Educational Background

To be able to take on the career of an electrical and controls engineer, one should have completed a bachelor's degree in an engineering field. An engineering degree with majors in mechanical, electrical, or controls engineering system will definitely be preferred. An exposure to the architectural designing, software programming, management, etc., would prove to be an advantage. A doctoral degree may be required to make faster career advancements.

Salary Details

The salary is normally dependent on the relevant work experience, academic background, and skills. This post is a responsible one and the salary normally varies between $90,000 to $95,000 depending on the type and size of the organization where he is employed.

Work Hours

The work hours normally last for thirty five to forty hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, if a particular project needs to be completed on a given deadline, he may need to work overtime, in the evenings, late nights, or even on the weekends at times.

Career Prospects

The field of electrical and controls engineering is an ever green field and will have ample number of opportunities to excel professionally and personally as well. Advancement opportunities are more for those who have a higher academic background.

Thus, if you want to ensure success, you must be able to shoulder the electrical and controls engineer responsibilities efficiently.