Engineering
Electrical Engineer
Designs and develops electrical systems and equipment, from power distribution networks to circuits inside consumer and industrial devices.
TechnicalRegulated ProfessionStem
Engineering
Controls Engineer
Designs and maintains the control systems and automation logic that keep machines, processes, and plants running accurately and safely.
Also known as: Automation Engineer, PLC Engineer
Compare with another careerWhat you do
Designs control loops, PLC programs, and instrumentation schemes that regulate equipment such as motors, valves, and production lines. Commissions and tunes control systems on site, and troubleshoots faults that affect process stability or product quality.
Typical work environment
Time divided between control-room and office-based programming work and hands-on commissioning on factory floors or process plants.
Typical entry point
Graduate controls or automation engineer at a manufacturing plant, process industry operator, or automation systems integrator
Relevant subjects
Core
MathematicsPhysics
Also relevant
Computer Science
Relevant interests
Core
Machines
Also relevant
ElectronicsProgramming
Useful skills
Electronics· IntermediateMATLAB· IntermediateProblem solving· AdvancedAnalytical thinking· Intermediate
These are useful, relevant skills to build over time — not a checklist you need to already have.
Common education routes
Bachelor's degree—Control Systems EngineeringPrimary route
Bachelor's degree—Electrical EngineeringCommon route
Bachelor's degree—Instrumentation EngineeringCommon route
These are common routes in, not the only path — and not a university or course recommendation.
Career characteristics
High job securityDeep technical specialisation
General tendencies for this career, not a guarantee — actual roles vary by employer and location.
Industries
EnergyOil & GasManufacturing
Tags
STEMTechnicalField-based
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