Case studies : Control systems engineer: Jamie

Jamie completed an advanced control and systems engineering Masters in 2011 at The University of Manchester. He now works as a control systems engineer for a large oilfield services provider...

I got my current job by applying directly through the company's online recruitment portal. I was invited for an interview and was offered the role. I believe that my subject of study was very relevant in securing the job. Before completing my Masters, I studied for an electronic and electrical engineering degree and the combination of these qualifications gave me the sound knowledge of control systems engineering that is required for this role.

What happens during the day depends a lot on the stage of the project(s) I am currently working on. My day usually starts with some form of personal development. That could involve spending half an hour or more on getting myself up to date with electronics, control theory and applications, etc. Then I move on to the tasks planned for the day. These tasks might be simulation, hardware-in-the-loop tests, report writing or some class/online training.

When I first started in my role, my work initially began with adding extra functionality to an existing hardware-in-the-loop system, along with some form of system modelling and analysis. More recently, as my role has developed, my work revolves around control design and testing. My career ambition is to become a true automation and control systems expert and contribute to the development of future engineers.

I really like the fact that in this job you get early responsibility. I'm allowed to do my own thinking and I'm responsible for my own projects. There are challenging parts, though, such as having to learn a lot of things on my own and getting used to terminology used in the industry.

There are many good points about working in this sector in general. I particularly like working with the developments in embedded processor technologies as there are opportunities to improve existing automation algorithms. Remuneration packages also tend to be excellent within the sector.

I would say that knowledge, confidence and a good attitude are the key points to getting into this occupation; so make sure you study relevant topics and are able to talk confidently about them. Being a member of professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)  is also extremely useful.