What Is a Controls Engineer (+ How to Become One)

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

This article explores the role of a controls engineer and what steps you can take to become one.

[Featured Image] A controls engineer examines their computer in front of a wall of mechanical diagrams.

Key takeaways

A controls engineer ensures that an organization can create high-quality products in the most efficient manner possible. 

  • A controls engineer earns a median total pay of $125,000 annually [1].

  • As a controls engineer, you can find work in various industries, including aerospace, automobile, manufacturing, and oil and gas.

  • You can prepare for a career as a controls engineer by earning your bachelor’s degree, building your resume with additional education, and gaining some work experience.

Learn more about a career as a controls engineer, including job duties and required skills, as well as how to become one. If you’re ready to develop your skills, consider enrolling in the Google Project Management Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about strategic communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management in as little as six months. By the end, you’ll have earned a career credential to share on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

What is control engineering?

Control engineering (or control system engineering) is the process of designing, analyzing, and optimizing a control system. A control system is a set of devices that regulates the behavior of other devices or systems. It can comprise mechanical devices like machinery, electronics such as computers, or a combination of the two. There are many different types of control systems, but each one serves the same purpose: to control outputs. 

Example of a control system

An air conditioner is one example of a control system you might encounter regularly. It controls the output of hot or cold air, depending on your input temperature. This process often involves the control of several different devices. For example, most air conditioning systems involve an air handler, a condenser, and a thermostat. 

Control engineering jobs

The list below provides four examples of industries (and companies within those industries) that employ controls engineers [2].

1. Aerospace: Companies in the aerospace industry design, develop, and manufacture advanced aircraft and other aerospace products. Boeing is one of the top companies hiring controls engineers.

2. Automobile: Businesses in the automotive industry specialize in manufacturing, wholesaling, and maintaining motor vehicle components. In this industry, General Motors is a top employer for controls engineers.

3. Manufacturing: Manufacturing is a broad term used to describe the large-scale production of goods. It has many branches, such as industrial machinery manufacturing and transportation equipment manufacturing. A top employer for controls engineers in the manufacturing industry is GE.

4. Oil and Gas: The oil and gas exploration and production industry refers to a sector of the petroleum industry that focuses on the exploration, development, refinement, transportation, and distribution of oil and gas. In this industry, Chevron is one of the top companies employing controls engineers. 

Controls engineer salary

The median total pay for controls engineers in the US is $124,000 [1]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation and can be broken down into two categories:

  • Average base salary for controls engineers: $89,000 to $127,000 per year

  • Average additional pay for controls engineers: $15,000 to $27,000 per year

Job outlook for controls engineers

Controls engineers belong to the occupational field of architecture and engineering. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), architecture and engineering jobs are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034 [3]. This statistic translates into about 186,500 job openings per year for occupations in this field [3]. 

What does a controls engineer do?

As a controls engineer, you will supervise and analyze the systems involved with equipment production. Your primary goal is to optimize the design, layout, and device placements. The ability to adhere to quality and safety standards is crucial. A controls engineer can expect to manage the following responsibilities:

  • Leading engineering and automation teams through concept planning, configuration, and development

  • Testing and troubleshooting various mechanical and electrical systems

  • Providing technical support and instruction to organization members

  • Developing technical documentation for projects and maintenance

  • Monitoring system performance and functionality

Read more: How to Automate a Process for Maximum Efficiency

Controls engineer responsibilities

Control engineers are integral to company operations. Most commonly, they work full-time, on-site positions. Although some of their work is independent, control system engineers work to improve cross-departmental processes. This responsibility requires them to collaborate with stakeholders and various organization members regularly. 

Essential skills checklist for controls engineers

Control system engineers are technically proficient in several disciplines, including project management, mechanics, and engineering. A few critical technical skills for controls engineers include:

  • Knowledge of algorithm design and programming logic

  • Experience working with automation, control, and monitoring systems and software

  • Ability to install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain mechanical systems and electrical equipment

  • Understanding of standard operating procedures, engineering documentation, and electrical diagrams

Workplace skills to build for this position include:

It can be intimidating to step into an engineering role that also requires people management. Those who don’t yet have experience managing engineering projects may consider taking an online course in Leadership Development for Engineers.

How to become a controls engineer

You can obtain an entry-level controls engineer role with a four-year degree. Control engineer employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant engineering-based field. For senior-level positions, a master’s degree and several years of experience in the field are likely to be required. The following sections will cover relevant degrees, certifications, and job-seeking tips for aspiring control systems engineers. 

1. Earn a degree, and choose your specialty.

As mentioned above, many organizations cite engineering-based degrees as a qualification for employment. However, your desired industry could play a role in the type of specialization you pursue. For instance, if you want to work in the information technology (IT) industry, you may consider a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In contrast, someone who wants to work in electrical and electronic manufacturing might pursue a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.

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2. Enhance your resume.

Earning a Professional Certificate is an excellent way to demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. You can also use Professional Certificates to fill gaps in your experience or expertise. If you are unsure where to start, consider browsing job listings for positions that interest you. Learning about in-demand skills from employers that are currently hiring can help you find an area of focus. For example, controls engineers who want to enhance their project management skills may consider earning a Professional Certificate from Rice University in Engineering Project Management.

3. Gain work experience.

As you gain skills and credentials, you can get started in an entry-level job. Once you've gained some work experience, you're on your way to becoming an expert in controls engineering. You'll then be able to advance in your career as a controls engineer.

Find resources for your engineering career 

Stay on top of engineering industry trends and find career tips by subscribing to Career Chat, our weekly LinkedIn newsletter. Then, explore these resources for even more helpful information:

Accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses. 

Article sources

1. 

Glassdoor. "Salary: Controls Engineer in the United States, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/controls-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm." Accessed November 28, 2025.

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