Control Systems Recruitment

Control Systems Job Market

Recruitment for control systems jobs has experienced many challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and remote working, talent shortages, and the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Recruiters must overcome such challenges to remain competitive and meet the talent acquisition and recruitment demands. Here are some of the current challenges faced in control systems recruitment:

• Lack of skillset availability.
• Rising global demand for talent.
• Employee retention.
• Ageing workforce.
• Lack of diversity.
• Embracing AI and Digitalization.

Job Growth and Demand for Control Systems Professionals

While there may be challenges facing control systems recruitment, there is great potential for job growth and demand. Despite the rise of artificial intelligence, the number of control systems jobs is growing 6% faster than other engineering roles. Salaries have also seen an 8% rise over the last five years. Other emerging trends, like Net Zero and the Internet of Things (IoT), create additional opportunities and innovation.

Key Industries Employing Control Systems Engineers

Control systems engineers are currently employed in a wide range of industries. With so much versatility, this provides an excellent opportunity for control systems engineers to work in a sector relevant to their experience, job requirements, or interests.

Some of the major industries for control systems recruitment include:

• Automotive.
• Aerospace.
• Biomedicine.
• Construction.
• Manufacturing.
• Rail.
• Telecommunications.
• Process and petrochemical.
• Power.

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Essential Skills for Control Systems Professionals

One of the challenges currently faced in control systems recruitment is a lack of available skills. A 2021 survey by the IET found that less than half of candidates have sufficient skills to fulfil the role they are applying for.

Technical Skills Required

Obtaining a role as a control system professional requires a varied skill set. The main role is to design, develop, and test control systems, but a successful control systems engineer will require various technical skills to fulfil their job function. Here are some of the most important technical skills a control systems professional will need, alongside a professional qualification:

Coding

All control systems engineers will require a basic knowledge of coding. Algorithms that are applied for control processes must be input using code. There are several coding languages that a control system engineer can learn, such as Ladder Logic or Control Language. The code required will depend on the control system an engineer is working with.

Software skills

Many control systems engineers will require knowledge of control software, such as MATLAB, Simulink, or HMI. Some may only specialise in one control software, while others have a holistic knowledge of different software.

Ability to work with high-level technology

Control system engineers will require the skills and knowledge to work with high-level technology, such as CAD/CAM. Control system engineers should also be familiar with any programming methods necessary.

Networking protocols

Networking protocols is another technical skill required for control systems engineers. These set rules determine data transmission between devices in a network. A control systems professional should understand IP, TCP, FTP, and UDP protocols.

Mathematics

Control systems professionals will require a strong mathematical background in algorithm and model development to control and regulate control systems. Solving algebraic formulas is also necessary for designing effective control systems.

Soft Skills

Alongside the technical skills outlined above, a control systems engineer will also require various soft skills. Many recruiters face difficulties finding candidates for roles due to a lack of skills, and this includes soft skills. These are some of the essential soft skills for control system engineers:

• Strong communication.
• Teamworking and leadership skills.
• Interpersonal and customer care skills.
• Good commercial awareness.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Alongside the technical and soft skills outlined above, a control systems professional will require industry-specific certifications or qualifications.

Bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree is the first qualification you will need for most engineering disciplines. Some universities offer engineering courses accredited by a professional organisation.

Postgraduate degree

Senior control systems engineering roles may require a postgraduate degree, such as a master’s. As with a bachelor’s degree, this must be in a relevant engineering discipline.

To study for a postgraduate degree, you must attain a sufficient bachelor’s degree classification.

Institute of Engineering and Technology

The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) offers professional awards and memberships. Gaining an accreditation from the IET enhances an engineer’s job prospects. The Institute can authorise established professional titles, such as Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Institute of Measurement and Control

The Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC) also offers professional registration, accreditation, company endorsement, and professional qualifications. Gaining a professional award from the InstMC indicates a high standard of professional competence.

Certified Controls Engineer

Participants will undertake an exam focusing on automation and control systems to gain a Certified Controls Engineer award. Completing the exam awards a certificate that showcases a candidate’s skills and knowledge. This certification demonstrates a nationally recognised standard of excellence.

International Council on Systems Engineering

The International Council on Systems Engineering (ICSE) enables Engineers the opportunity to gain a CEng, IEng, or EngTech professional registration.

Associated Systems Engineering Professional

The Associated Systems Engineering (ASEP) awards certificates after completing an exam. The exam tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the systems engineering guide.

Certified Systems Engineering Professional

The Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CESP) assess a candidate’s systems engineering competence. Gaining the certification requires an evaluation of systems engineering knowledge and work-based experience.

Expert Systems Engineering Professional

The Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) can only be obtained by those with a minimum of 25 years’ systems engineering experience. Experience in systems engineering leadership is also necessary. Those with a CESP can gain an ESEP certification after 20 years.

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Crafting a Control Systems CV

The CV is one of the most crucial elements of the recruitment process. It allows candidates to promote their skills and experience while highlighting their suitability for the role. It also allows employers to see how you can benefit their company.

As your CV will play a key role in the recruitment process, here are some tips for crafting a control systems CV. A template example is also included to give you an idea of what to include (and not to include).

CV Writing Tips for Control Systems Professionals

CVs are vital in recruitment as they provide the first point of contact between recruiters and candidates. It’s also the chance for candidates to make a solid first impression and indicate why they are ideal for the role.

The same applies to control systems professionals. A control systems engineer CV will extensively use previous industry experience, technical and soft skills, qualifications, and accreditations. However, there are some tips you should consider for writing a strong CV:

Use a clear and concise format

The first step in creating a CV for control systems professionals is to use a clear and concise format. Whatever the CV, the suitable format can significantly affect whether an employer will even look at your CV.

Overloading a CV with too much irrelevant information or overcrowded design makes it easy for employers to miss your key strengths and experiences. This applies to both pre-made CV templates and your own designed format.

Include all the essentials

This one may seem like a given, but getting the basics right is crucial. When developing your CV, check to make sure you have included all the essential sections:

• Header with name and contact details.
• A personal profile outlining your ability for the role.
• Skills, including technical and soft skills.
• Work experience in descending order.
• Education, qualifications, and accreditations.

Personal profile

The personal profile is one of the most important sections of your CV. The better your profile, the stronger the first impression with employers. Personal profiles must be concise (a maximum of 150 words) but should provide your achievements, experience, and strengths.

Ideally, you want to include all the essential details that provide an overview of your CV. For example, a personal profile may start with a “technically focused control systems engineer with over eight years designing and implementing control systems.”

Even though the personal profile goes at the top of your CV underneath the headline, writing it last can give you a better idea of what to include. After detailing your experience, qualifications, and skills, you can focus better on including the key details.

Emphasis on technical skills

Technical skills are a vital part of any control systems job. Therefore, you need to emphasise these skills in your CV. Whether you have experience with specific programming languages, software, etc., include it in the skills section.

Choosing the right soft skills

Soft skills are another vital aspect of a control systems job role. However, it’s important to include the right soft skills relevant to the job description. Soft skills you should prioritise include critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork – and remember to include examples.

Research the company

Before you start writing a job application and tailoring your CV, make sure you do your homework and research the company. Look at past projects, services, and company values. This will help make your CV more relevant to the company and job.

Use technical language and industry terms

Don’t shy away from using any technical language or industry terms. Employers in the control systems will be familiar with these terms. However, don’t overdo it! Use it where appropriate, and it will help showcase your industry experience and knowledge.

CVs are living documents that stay with you throughout your career. Your CV will evolve to showcase your talents as you learn new skills or gain experience. The skills and experiences on your CV will need updating and refining throughout your career.

Here are some tips for highlighting relevant skills and experiences in your CV:

• Update your experience with new jobs, promotions, or training.
• Add new technical and soft skills as you learn and develop.
• Include a range of relevant hard, soft, and technical skills.
• Ask friends, family, or colleagues for their input.
• Review and proofread your CV.

Sample Control Systems Engineer CV

[Name]

[Address, City, Postcode]                        [Email]                              [Phone number]

Results-oriented Control Systems Engineer with [x] years of experience designing, implementing, and optimising control systems. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges. I seek a challenging position where my control systems design, PLC programming, and process optimisation skills can contribute to a dynamic organisation’s success.

Education

Control Systems Engineering MSc

[University] [Start month and year] – [End month and year]

Electrical Engineering BSc

[University] [Start month and year] – [End month and year]

Experience

Control Systems Engineer | [Company Name], [City] | [Month Year] – Present

– Led the design and implementation of control systems for [specific projects], resulting in [quantifiable improvements].

– Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of control systems with mechanical and electrical components.

– Conducted thorough system testing and troubleshooting to identify and resolve issues, ensuring system reliability and efficiency.

Automation Engineer | [Company Name], [City] | [Month Year] – [Month Year]

– Designed and programmed PLC systems for various manufacturing processes, resulting in [percentage] improvement in efficiency.

– Conducted feasibility studies and provided technical recommendations for process automation projects.

– Developed and maintained documentation for control systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Intern, Control Systems Engineering | [Company Name], [City] | [Month Year] – [Month Year]

– Assisted in designing and testing control algorithms for [specific projects].

– Collaborated with senior engineers to troubleshoot and optimise existing control systems.

– Conducted research on emerging technologies and their potential applications in control systems.

Skills

– Control Systems Design

– PLC Programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

– SCADA Systems

– HMI Design

– Process Optimization

– System Integration

– Instrumentation and Calibration

– Fault Analysis and Troubleshooting

– Project Management

– Documentation and Compliance

– Teamworking

– Communication

– Mathematics

– Problem-solving

– Critical thinking

Certifications

– Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

– [Any relevant certifications]

Professional Memberships

– Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

– [Any other relevant professional memberships]

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Job Search Strategies

Alongside creating a strong CV highlighting your key skills and experience, you must find the right job opportunities. Fortunately, there are some job search strategies you can use to help you find the ideal job.

Using Online Job Portals and Industry-Specific Platforms

One job search strategy available is to utilise online job portals and industry-specific platforms. The advent of such online platforms has helped transform the job-hunting process, making it easier for candidates to find and apply for jobs.

However, there are some tips you should be aware of when using these online job portals and industry-specific platforms to get the maximum benefit.

• Fill out your profile.
• Use LinkedIn in your job search.
• Use the right keywords or search terms.
• Refine searches to suit your experience, skills, or job preference.
• Don’t just limit to 1 or 2 job portals.
• Keep track of the jobs you apply for.
• Apply for a job as soon as possible.
• Look for niche industry-specific platforms like the Automation Experts Matchmaker

LinkedIn is a professional platform that is an essential tool for job seekers and is far more than just an online resume site. There are many other features you can use to help your job search:

• Fully optimise your profile with a profile picture, headline, and summary.
• Connect with professionals and expand your network.
• Use the job search to find jobs that may be exclusively available.
• Follow and engage with industry influencers.
• Receive endorsements and recommendations from colleagues.

Networking Within the Control Systems Community

Another job search strategy you can use is networking within the control systems community. There are several ways you can network and grow your industry connections. LinkedIn is the first place many think of for growing a professional network.

However, you could also attend industry-relevant events, conferences, and tradeshows. Attending or getting involved in such events is an excellent way to meet industry professionals or recruiters and build professional relationships that can benefit your career.

Growing your professional network can help job searches in many ways. Some of the benefits you can gain from growing a professional network include:

• Develop strong industry-specific connections.
• Obtain career advice and support.
• Can help advance a career.
• Provides access to job opportunities.
• Raise your professional profile.
• Obtain more industry knowledge and insights.

Leveraging Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies, such as Automation Experts, can be another job search strategy to use. These are professional agents specialising in working in a particular sector, industry, or field. Working alongside clients (or companies), they help to fill vacancies by finding suitable candidates.

Such recruitment agencies may specialise in a specific industry, such as Automation Experts specialising in automation recruitment solutions. As such, they have industry experience, knowledge, and expertise.

As recruitment agencies will often have close connections to companies and industry-specific partners, they can be a great way to discover jobs you may not find anywhere else. If you’re still unsure about leveraging recruitment agencies, here are some more reasons why you should:

• Strong industry knowledge.
• Can provide invaluable knowledge and job-hunting advice.
• They are well-connected and work with many employers.
• Can provide valuable CV, interview, and assessment centre advice.
• Expertise in searching for a niche or industry-specific role.
• It can save you time during the job-hunting process.
• It’s free for job candidates.

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Interview Preparation

You’ve found the perfect job, created a CV that sells your skills and experiences, and submitted your application. If an employer thinks you are a match for the role, you’ll be invited to an interview. This section focuses on interview preparation to land that perfect job.

Common Control Systems Interview Questions

One of the first ways to prepare for an interview is to get up to speed on some of the common control systems interview questions. While you can’t know every question an employer will ask during an interview, it helps to prepare in advance for some common questions, such as:

• Describe a complex control system you implemented.
• Give me an example of a malfunctioning control function you had to troubleshoot.
• Discuss your PLC programming experience.
• What are the three main components of a control system?
• Tell me the difference between automatic and manual control systems.
• What is the difference between control systems and automation?
• How would you ensure safety during the design and operation of control systems?

Technical Assessments and Case Studies

An interview for a control system job could potentially include technical assessments and case studies. A case study assessment lets employers see you in action for practical-based roles.

Case study exercises can either be done individually or in a group. Typically, the assessor will provide a scenario where you must examine the evidence. Afterwards, you must present findings and solutions for the given scenario.

To prepare for the technical assessment and case study:

• Check the company’s recruitment information if it’s available.
• Look for sample case studies or press releases.
• Practice mental arithmetic skills.
• Find mock case studies and practice.

Tips for Successful Control Systems Interviews

Alongside preparing for potential questions, these are some additional tips for successful control systems interviews:

• Understand the job requirements in detail.
• Review your relevant system management skills.
• Prepare for possible technical interview questions.
• Demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
• Clear and effective communication.
• Display confidence and enthusiasm.
• Ask questions and show an interest.

Always make sure you do your research before the interview. Researching the company thoroughly gives you all the information you need to prepare for the interview. It also shows you are serious about gaining the position and helps inspire confidence.

Another point to remember is that you should always follow up after an interview. Sending a thank you note to the interviewer helps you stay on the top of a recruiter’s list. Thank the interviewers for their time, and emphasise your excitement for the role.

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Employer’s Perspective

What Employers Look for in Control Systems Candidates

Employers seek candidates in a competitive control systems job market who exhibit various technical skills, qualities, and values that enhance a team. The same applies to control system candidates.

But what exactly are employers looking for in a control system candidate? Here’s an overview of the top qualities or skills employers are looking for:

Relevant industry knowledge

Having relevant industry knowledge is an essential quality employers look for in control systems engineers. You’ll need to understand different control systems principles to progress.

Some examples of knowledge you should have include automatic control principles, process control, DCS, PLC, supervisory control, and data acquisition. You should also understand networks like LAN, as more industries rely on such systems.

Software programming

Another quality employers look for in control system candidates is their ability to use programming languages. Software programming is a key skill for control systems jobs, as most control systems you develop will require software programming.

Some programming languages you should know how to use include Java, SQL, and C++. To understand and fix faults that occur, you will need a thorough understanding of these different programming languages.

Maths

Mathematics is another essential skill employers look for in control systems candidates. Control systems engineers will require maths daily, whether for algorithms for controlling and regulating mechanical systems or data analysis from systems testing.

Most control systems engineers will need a knowledge of trigonometry, calculus, geometry, and algebra.

Teamwork

Strong teamwork skills are another skill employers look for. As a control system engineer, you’ll undertake independent and team projects. You’ll need to work well in a team, motivate others, and may also need to lead and manage teams.

For example, designing a new control system will require working with a group of engineers, designers, and programmers.

Critical and creative thinking

Employers will also look for a candidate’s excellent critical thinking and creative skills. Control systems engineers will encounter problems with control systems. You’ll need critical thinking to find a suitable solution.

Creativity is also important for control systems engineers. No two projects you work on will be the same. You’ll need creative thinking to develop fresh ideas and designs to suit the working situation.

Flexible working hours

No one can predict when a fault will occur with systems or machinery. Therefore, many employers will expect flexible working hours to call you in the event of an emergency. This can include irregular hours or working late and on the weekend.

High technical skills

Technical skills are essential for control systems engineers. You’ll struggle to advance in a control systems engineering career without high technical skill and ability. Some of the essential technical skills include:

• PLC
• HMI
• C++
• MATLAB
• Simulink
• Ethernet
• Java
• CAD
• SQL

Previous relevant experience

Previous relevant experience can significantly impact a control systems engineer’s job prospects. The more experience you can get under your belt, the better. While you can still land an entry-level job without experience, you have better prospects with prior experience.

Those studying for a degree or recent graduates can get relevant experience by undertaking a placement year. Likewise, internships, apprenticeships, and training courses can all provide relevant and valuable industry experience.

Degree in a relevant engineering field

Having a degree in a relevant engineering field is something else employers will look for in control systems engineers. You can also get accredited degrees from a professional body like the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

Recruiting Challenges in the Control Systems Industry

One of the biggest challenges recruiters face in the control systems industry is not finding the right talent for a vacancy. Despite a 14% increase in the number of students studying for an engineering degree (both undergraduate and post-graduate), there are still challenges recruiters face:

• Finding qualified and skilled candidates.
• Long or complex screening process.
• Lengthy hiring processes.
• Using the right recruitment software.
• Protecting a company brand or image.
• Selecting the wrong candidate.
• Writing effective and creative job advertisements.

Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

To overcome the abovementioned problems, recruiters can use several strategies to attract and retain top control systems engineering talent.

Strategies for attracting top talent:

• Writing good and effective job descriptions.
• Offering a competitive salary.
• Provide a unique job benefits package.
• Outline development opportunities.
• Aligning company culture and strategy to candidates.
• Choose candidates who are likely to stay.
• Develop a talent pipeline.

Strategies for retaining top talent:

• Promote a positive work and company culture.
• Improved employee engagement.
• Train and develop management teams.
• Openly communicate company plans, goals, and progress.
• Promote a work/life balance.
• Job enrichment and enlargement.

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Emerging Trends in Control Systems Recruitment

Remote Work and Its Impact on Recruitment

Remote working was around before the pandemic but has rapidly increased in recent years. The rise of remote working has had a significant impact on recruitment. One of the most significant impacts remote working has had on recruitment is providing a much larger hiring pool.

Companies are no longer forced to source local candidates who can visit physical locations. With the rise of remote working, recruiters can now seek talent further afield to fill skills or knowledge gaps in a team.

Remote working also offers much greater flexibility, whether in working hours, better work-life balance, or schedules. With greater flexibility from remote working, recruiters can attract individuals with additional commitments, such as family.

A streamlined and more efficient recruitment process is now possible through remote interviews and virtual onboarding. Certain recruitment processes can now be done remotely, which helps speed up the process and saves time and money in sourcing the right candidate.

Other impacts remote working has on recruitment include:

• Enhanced productivity and flexibility.
• Stronger competition.
• Growing importance of essential soft skills, such as communication.
• Greater diversity.

Skills in Demand for Future Control Systems Projects

As control systems technology and artificial intelligence continue to grow, the demand for certain skills will increase in future control systems projects. Tech skills are most in demand for technology-based careers like control systems engineering.

Skills in demand for future control systems projects include:

• Software development and engineering.
• Data analytics.
• Network maintenance.
• People management.
• Technical writing.
• Programming languages.

Innovations in Recruitment Technology for the Control Systems Industry

Innovations in recruitment technology have also impacted the recruitment process within the control systems industry. These technologies include:

Artificial intelligence

AI and machine learning have helped revolutionise screening candidates and matching them to ideal jobs. In a short time, these systems can process and analyse vast data, such as candidates’ skills and experience, and match them to a perfect job, company, and culture.

Chatbots

Chatbots are a top virtual assistance tool, with many websites now implementing them to offer support. These are available 24/7 and can handle most queries or questions a candidate may have when visiting a recruitment website.

Predictive analysis

Predictive analysis uses pre-existing data to help predict future events. It can also be utilised to predict future performance by using statistics and modelling techniques. In recruitment, predictive analysis can predict hiring needs to recruit proactively.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a distribution database with a growing list of records (or blocks) securely shared between computer network nods. Implementing blockchain technology can help simplify the recruiting process.

Such technology allows recruiters to receive verified data from a job applicant and keep it safe. Not only does this adhere to data protection regulations, but it also helps filter out candidates.

Further Reading

• Industry Specific Control Systems Roles
• Control Systems Job Market
• Advanced Control Systems Technologies
• Professional Development for Control Systems Careers
• Control Systems Engineer Jobs
• Control Systems Engineering Jobs North West
• Control Systems Engineering Jobs North East
• Control Systems Engineering Jobs Midlands