As technology becomes more advanced, the skills required to develop and manage new systems and devices are becoming more specialized. For example, new Internet of Things devices are generally developed by a team of individuals, with each person responsible for a different aspect of hardware or software development.
However, the increasing complexity of technology also means that the role of control systems engineer has become more important than ever before. In the simplest terms, a control systems engineer ensures that systems do what they were designed to do as efficiently as possible. They ensure that all of the pieces of a complex system work as they should, by designing, analyzing, and implementing various elements of the system. This might include testing and verifying code, identifying and correcting problems within the system, analyzing designs before they go into production to ensure that they will work as intended, and explaining processes and systems to other engineers and non-technical staff.
Although control systems engineering was once a specialty within mechanical engineering, it has in recent years become a more mathematical and technological specialty, especially with the growth of online control systems engineering degree programs. So, while many individuals who study in this field still work in the manufacturing industry, an ever-increasing number of graduates are moving on into IT and networking roles.
The Control Systems Engineer Career Path
At minimum, one must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or another related field in order to find a job as a control systems engineer. Because of the trend toward it being an IT and networking type role, as well as the rapid expansion of the IoT, experience in programming and coding is becoming increasingly important. Obviously, experience and knowledge of control systems and a familiarity with general technology, including electronics, software, and hardware, is also important. This is often gained via a master’s level program and experience in other engineering disciplines.
For those who opt to earn an advanced degree in control systems engineering, programs generally include coursework in control systems design and analysis, systems modeling, engineering optimization, signal analysis, and various courses in mathematics and computer science. In addition, most systems and control engineers hold a professional engineer’s license.
This level of education and preparation will adequately prepare you for employment in most control systems engineering jobs. On average, control systems engineers earn around $77,000 per year, with entry-level salaries in the mid-to-high $50,000 range. The highest earners in this field earn well over $100,000 annually, with the average salary around $118,000 per year. Despite reporting above average satisfaction with the work, though, many control systems engineers move into roles with higher pay and more responsibility after several years.
According to PayScale, the majority of control systems engineers move into senior systems engineer positions, typically in an IT capacity as either an IT manager or a senior systems engineer for IT and computing. Other common roles are principal electrical engineer and principal systems engineer. The aerospace industry also attracts a large number of control systems engineers, hiring them as aeronautical engineers and project engineers. Construction and electrical engineering are also common, with control systems engineers moving into senior electrical engineer and project manager positions.
The rapid expansion of the IoT is also creating roles for control systems engineers. The skills and knowledge gained in this area are ideal for design and applications engineering roles. For example, a senior applications engineer with experience in control systems might analyze applications for new household appliances to ensure that the user experience is efficient as the device and application work seamlessly together in the desired fashion. Or, he or she may analyze how customers use a specific machine, and develop new ideas to solve common problems and create a more efficient and effective experience.
As the world become more interconnected and technology develops, the need for knowledgeable individuals who can ensure that all systems work together effectively and as intended will increase. With exceptional problem-solving, decision-making, and analysis skills, combined with advanced knowledge of engineering and computer science principles, there’s an almost endless list of potential careers for someone who has a degree in control systems engineering.
