Control and instrumentation engineer
A control and instrumentation engineer (CI engineer) is responsible for designing, developing, installing, managing and/or maintaining equipment which is used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery and processes.
The main objective of the work of CI engineers is to ensure that these systems and processes operate effectively, efficiently and safely. They usually work for the companies who manufacture and supply the equipment or for the companies who use it.
CI engineers need a thorough understanding of the operational processes of an organisation and have a truly multidisciplinary role, working closely with colleagues across a number of functions, including operations, purchasing and design.
Control and instrumentation engineers will develop skills in specific control disciplines such as advanced process control (APC), distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). The use of these disciplines will depend on the exact nature of individual job roles.
Tasks and responsibilities which are common to many CI engineer positions however, may include:
Popular degree courses for control and instrumentation engineers (CI engineers) are electrical and electronic engineering degrees, which may include specific CI elements or modules. Several institutions offer specific control and instrumentation engineering courses, most of which are four-year courses leading to an MEng qualification. However, many other engineering, technical and scientific degrees are also considered appropriate training, including:
If an undergraduate degree has not included control engineering content, some employers may ask for a relevant postgraduate qualification such as an MSc in Control Systems or Advanced Control and Systems Engineering (search courses and research for lists of possible courses).
Funding may be available from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) .
CI engineering is open to those with HNDs in all engineering subjects, although the following subjects are particularly relevant:
Those with HNDs may need to consider entry at technician level only, as a degree is often required for progression to senior level positions and professional engineer status. Entry without a degree or HND is unlikely.
Regardless of the level of entry, work experience is as valuable in this sector as in any other. Many large employers offer structured internship programmes and vacation placement schemes. These provide an excellent insight into the nature of the work and are often hands-on. Early application is advised, as places are limited and competition is strong. Work shadowing a CI engineer may also be useful, as it shows interest and commitment.
A range of skills and aptitudes will be sought by employers and applicants will need to demonstrate evidence of the following:
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Control and instrumentation engineers (CI engineers) need to acquire an understanding of the main processes of their organisation. For this reason, initial training is usually in-house and involves an introduction to various operations and training on manufacturing processes, testing, quality standards, assembly and installation. This training is normally conducted by senior engineer colleagues.
Most engineers will be working towards ultimate professional engineer status, generally gained by acquiring experience and training. Professional engineer status is a distinct advantage when applying to many companies and is often a requirement of working for a contract company or working overseas. Professional engineer status equates to gaining either chartered engineer (CEng) or incorporated engineer (IEng) accreditation, awarded by the Engineering Council (ECUK)
Many companies offer training schemes which can lead to the award of this status. Such schemes are accredited by the Institute of Measurement and Control or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) , which provide additional training in the form of workshops, lectures and conferences. Membership of such organisations is recommended, and members receive benefits such as access to conferences, workshops and networks and news bulletins. For more information visit the Engineering Council website.
All CI engineers need to engage in continuing professional development (CPD) in order to move into management or to progress their careers. Various organisations offer advice and information on career development and training opportunities. These include:
Many companies will offer sponsorship for postgraduate study, part-time PhDs, technical qualifications, MBAs and other qualifications, as well as supporting employee attendance of short courses, workshops and conferences.
As control and instrumentation engineers (CI engineers) progress in their careers, they acquire specialist knowledge of a particular industry sector and/or area of CI knowledge. Incorporated engineer (IEng) status is open to those with a degree and further study, plus experience, and is usually associated with middle management roles, with a specific level of responsibility. This may include leading a team or managing test programmes.
Senior level positions are normally held by chartered engineers (CEng) who have a Masters qualification, significant training and experience. Most senior positions require substantial experience in a particular industry sector or specialist area. Senior positions carry the highest level of responsibility and may include planning and management activities, as well as leading new developments. Senior engineers in production and operation functions can often be representatives at board level. Progression from IEng to CEng level is possible with additional training, experience and qualifications.
Given the multidisciplinary nature of their roles, working closely with colleagues across all functions and acquiring skills in a range of areas, many CI engineers may choose to move sideways into other career areas either within or outside their industry, in areas such as purchasing, sales, marketing, finance, HR, IT or general management.
Some CI engineers choose to draw upon their experience to pursue consultancy-based work, others take the expertise they have gained in industry and engage in academic research in universities or undertake work as a lecturer or trainer.
Control and instrumentation engineers (CI engineers) are needed in a range of engineering sectors including rail, construction, telecommunications and automotive. The most widely recognised recruiters of CI engineers, however, are the following types of organisations:
Other sectors include aerospace, marine, materials and defence engineering. CI engineers may also be employed by companies who produce control and instrumentation equipment.
For further details, see the Institute of Measurement and Control , the Engineering Council and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) .
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